Head of Design & Technology

Job Description:

Job Title: Head of Design & Technology
Location: Leicestershire
Salary: MPS/UPS plus TLR2 £38,000 - £52,000 per annum
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Start Date: September 2026

Job Description

An ambitious and experienced Head of Design & Technology is required to provide strategic leadership and drive excellence across a thriving department. This role is suited to a highly effective classroom practitioner with a strong track record of raising attainment and leading curriculum innovation.
The successful candidate will contribute to whole-school leadership as part of the Middle Leadership Team, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and student achievement. In addition to classroom responsibilities, the postholder will lead departmental development, manage staff, oversee curriculum provision and ensure strong outcomes for all students.

Key Responsibilities



Leadership & Strategy

• Contribute to the strategic direction and long-term development of Design & Technology across the school.
• Lead and line manage departmental staff, promoting high expectations and professional growth.
• Develop and implement clear departmental improvement priorities aligned with whole-school objectives.
• Represent the department within the wider leadership structure and contribute to school-wide initiatives.

Curriculum & Standards

• Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of a broad, balanced and high-quality curriculum.
• Ensure curriculum provision aligns with school improvement priorities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national developments in subject content and pedagogy.
• Monitor teaching standards and promote consistent, high-quality classroom practice.

Student Progress & Achievement

• Monitor student attainment and progress across all key stages within the department.
• Analyse performance data to inform planning and targeted intervention strategies.
• Ensure timely and effective support for underperforming students.
• Produce reports on departmental performance and outcomes as required.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and maintain clear standards of teaching and learning within the department.
• Contribute to lesson observations, work scrutiny, learning walks and student voice activities.
• Support whole-school quality assurance systems.

Staffing & Professional Development

• Conduct appraisal reviews and act as appraiser for designated staff.
• Identify professional development needs and coordinate appropriate training opportunities.
• Support recruitment, induction and retention of high-quality staff.
• Promote teamwork, accountability and a positive working culture within the department.

Resource & Operational Management

• Oversee effective deployment of staff and departmental resources.
• Manage departmental budgets responsibly and ensure value for money.
• Ensure appropriate cover arrangements during staff absence in liaison with relevant colleagues.

Pastoral & Behaviour

• Support the implementation of behaviour management systems to ensure a positive learning environment.
• Monitor attendance and engagement within the department, taking appropriate action where necessary.
• Work collaboratively with pastoral teams to support student welfare and development.

Teaching & Learning

• Model outstanding classroom practice in line with Teacher Standards.
• Support colleagues in improving teaching quality, particularly where performance requires development.
• Lead initiatives to raise standards of teaching and learning across the department.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute fully to the wider life of the school community.
• Engage actively in appraisal and ongoing professional development.
• Undertake any additional reasonable duties commensurate with the level of the role.
• Promote and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven experience of successful teaching within Design & Technology.
• Experience of departmental leadership or significant subject responsibility.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design and assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to raise standards and improve outcomes.
• Effective leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Experience using data to inform improvement strategies.
• Clear commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.

What's on Offer

• A permanent middle leadership position with TLR2 responsibility.
• Opportunity to shape and develop a creative and forward-thinking department.
• Professional development and leadership progression opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

About Clarence Recruitment

We are highly experienced recruitment specialists operating in the Education Sector. We work with exceptionally talented candidates whom we place into outstanding opportunities. As an independent agency, we're agile and responsive, ensuring your career goals are met.

Apply Now

If you are a passionate Design & Technology specialist ready to take the next step in leadership, apply today. Interviews and placements are moving quickly.
We are currently working with numerous vacancies so if this position is not quite for you please do send us your CV to discuss other opportunities more suitable to your requirements.

Safeguarding

Clarence Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will need an enhanced DBS check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.