Role Title: Head of Department

Location: Stretford

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

Simply Education is proud to be working in partnership with a well-established and high-performing school to recruit an outstanding Head of Department. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and dedicated individual to lead, develop, and inspire a team of educators while shaping the strategic direction of the department.

About the School

Our client school is committed to providing an outstanding education for all students, ensuring they leave with the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed. They are seeking a passionate and dynamic leader who will drive excellence in teaching and learning and contribute to the school's ongoing success.

Role Overview

The Head of Department will play a pivotal role in supporting the Governors and Headteacher in delivering a strategic vision for the school. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to lead, develop, and manage a high standard of provision, ensuring the best possible outcomes for students.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing the school's aims and objectives, ensuring a student-centred approach to education.

• Be a visible and accessible presence throughout the school day, providing encouragement to staff and students.

• Work alongside the Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Head of Department/Department Progress Leads to ensure high-quality teaching and rigorous assessment within the department.

• Lead, mentor, and coach colleagues, promoting best practices in teaching and learning.

• Oversee the health and safety of colleagues and students within the department.

• Support the school's distinctive ethos by actively contributing to initiatives that promote student achievement and staff development.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a department development plan aligned with the school improvement plan.

• Ensure schemes of work meet the diverse needs of all learners and provide appropriate academic challenge.

• Maintain strong links with local KS2 schools to ensure continuity in learning progression.

• Embed career development opportunities within the KS3 and KS4 curricula.

• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment within the department.

• Participate in the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.

• Oversee induction procedures for new staff and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Conduct performance management reviews and identify relevant training opportunities.

• Ensure the effective implementation of school behaviour and inclusion policies.

• Monitor teaching and learning through observations, learning walks, and book reviews.

• Establish and implement clear policies for assessment, reporting, and data analysis to drive student progress.

• Use data effectively to evaluate student outcomes and plan intervention strategies.

• Liaise with senior leadership and staff to ensure curriculum and staffing plans meet school objectives.

• Maintain clear communication channels within the department and across the school community.

• Oversee the department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

• Ensure classrooms and corridors are well-maintained, organised, and reflect high standards of learning.

• Identify students not meeting targets and implement targeted intervention strategies.

• Promote innovation and enrichment within the department through CPD and teacher collaboration.

• Lead extracurricular activities and support whole-school events.

• Support and promote the school's behaviour for learning policy using restorative practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Relevant degree with PGCE and QTS or equivalent.

• Demonstrated ability to engage, motivate, and inspire students and colleagues.

• Proven experience in delivering high-quality teaching and learning strategies.

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).

• IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office and data analysis.

• Evidence of commitment to professional development and mentoring fellow educators.

Desirable:

• Middle or senior leadership qualification or experience.

• Knowledge and experience of leading a department for students aged 11-16, preferably to GCSE level.

• A track record of teaching outstanding lessons and delivering significant learning impact.

Why Join This School?

• A supportive leadership team committed to staff well-being and professional growth.

• Opportunities for career development within a thriving educational environment.

• A collaborative and inclusive school community.

• Access to high-quality resources and facilities to support teaching and learning.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious leader looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to Simply Education.

Contact Details:

Joshua Graham
Cheshire and Manchester Branch Manager

07506 705017 | 0161 413 7929