Nicholas Mocatta

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT NICHOLAS MOCATTA

I am an experienced and values-driven English educator, currently serving as Director of English at Harris Academy Clapham. I lead a high-performing department across five year groups, combining subject expertise with strategic leadership to deliver academic excellence, student equity, and team cohesion.My teaching career began through Teach First, where I completed a Diploma in Education before earning a Master’s in Education and Leadership. My academic research—recognised with a Ph.D. recommendation—explored the intersection of social media, literacy development, and reading for pleasure, a theme that continues to influence my approach to curriculum and engagement.This year, I led the complete redesign of our English curriculum, ensuring it is diverse, conceptually rich, and thematically sequenced to challenge and inspire. Our new curriculum is rooted in social justice, inclusive representation, and high expectations—giving every student the opportunity to connect deeply with literature and language.My strengths lie in building positive, trust-based relationships—with students, staff, and families. I believe that strong relationships underpin strong outcomes. I’ve worked hard to cultivate a department culture that is collaborative, reflective, and ambitious. I’m proud to lead a happy and committed team of educators who share a deep belief in the power of English to change lives.I have also led professional development across the department and wider school, with a focus on high-impact areas such as feedback, assessment design, moderation, and sensitive curriculum content. I’ve mentored Early Career Teachers and aspiring leaders, and continue to support colleagues in growing their craft and confidence.Beyond academics, I’ve set up and led our school’s Duke of Edinburgh programme, now thriving with over 45 students, and coach the Year 8 boys’ football team—because I believe character and opportunity matter as much as attainment.I am driven by one core belief: education should be a vehicle for social mobility. My mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive, achieve, and feel seen.