Head of Design & Technology

Overview

As Head of Technology, you will play a pivotal role in driving high standards of teaching and learning across the Technology subjects. You will lead a committed team, ensuring high-quality curriculum design, effective assessment, and excellent progress for all learners.

• Providing strategic direction for the Technology curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious, inclusive, and designed to inspire.
• Monitoring standards across the faculty and intervening effectively to secure strong student outcomes.
• Leading on curriculum planning, sequencing, assessment, and the consistent implementation of high-quality teaching practices.
• Supporting and developing staff through CPD, appraisal, feedback, and collaborative working.
• Managing resources effectively, ensuring a safe, stimulating learning environment and value for money across the budget.
• Promoting Design and Technology subjects across the school, including their relevance to future careers and students' wider development and widening our Sixth Form offer. The school day lends itself to a good work/life balance, with the teaching day ending at 14:10. The school offers an extensive support programme, including a mentor/buddy system, Initial Teacher Training support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) or for those seeking Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/ QTLS), a system of twilight training sessions, and excellent development opportunities.
  
  Staff benefits include free car parking, an onsite gymnasium, and a swimming pool, as well as staff recognition schemes.

• An excellent classroom practitioner with a passion for their specialist subject.
• A strong visionary with the leadership skills to develop a forward-thinking curriculum.
• Someone who can inspire staff and students alike, building positive relationships and modelling professional excellence.
• Commitment to inclusive education and meeting the needs of all learners, including disadvantaged and SEND students.

At the King Edmund School, we are in a bold new chapter. With our new school building that opened in September 2025, an aspirational student body, and a new Headteacher at the helm, we are seeking to appoint a full-time Head of Design & Technology from September 2026. The successful candidate will lead an exceptionally strong department, celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and technical excellence.

The King Edmund School is a co‑educational comprehensive school for students aged 11 to 19. It is an Ofsted-rated 'Good' single academy trust in Rochford, Essex, serving a geographically and socially diverse area. In the latest Ofsted report (2024) the school was awarded 'Good', and its values and ethos were recognised in the findings. Students learn a well‑designed and balanced curriculum that meets their needs, and teachers have strong subject knowledge.

The school's values foster a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their Personal Best. High aspirations, academic success, and a commitment to excellence are promoted. The inclusive community celebrates diversity, ensuring all students feel valued and respected. A safe, caring space is provided for students to grow, and students take pride in their achievements both inside and outside of school.

Phase one of a multi‑million‑pound project to renovate the school, part of the Department of Education's Rebuilding Schools for the Future initiative, is set to open in September 2025. The new two‑storey building will feature 17 general classrooms, art and technical rooms, new office space, meeting rooms, and a modern school hall, providing state‑of‑the‑art facilities for students to learn. Phase two begins this year and will redevelop the remainder of the site over the next few years.

The school provides exceptional pastoral care and SEND provision through dedicated teams committed to helping students achieve their best results. With a traditional approach to uniform, behaviour, and work, the school maintains high standards while prioritising strong support for students and actively involving parents in these aspects of school life.

Students are rewarded for their achievements, inside and outside…