Department Leader

Highfield Ely Academy; Ely; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

VivUp employee benefit system

Cycle to Work scheme

Teacher pensions

Job summary

Highfield Ely Academy in Ely, Cambridgeshire, is seeking a Department Leader to join the leadership team. The role focuses on developing teachers and support staff through coaching and professional dialogue to raise practice across the school.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to influence teaching, culture and whole‑school improvement, in a visible, people‑focused position that supports pupils with SEND and their families.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve the quality of teaching and learning within the department to secure strong outcomes for pupils with SEND
• Coach, mentor and line manage staff, supporting development while maintaining high expectations
• Monitor and evaluate teaching, contributing to self‑evaluation and whole‑school improvement priorities
• Provide leadership for curriculum areas, behaviour, routines and communication with families
• Contribute actively to the leadership team, shaping systems, culture and strategic direction

Job description

Location: Highfield Ely Academy, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Salary: ALT Leadership L6 - L10 £60,619 - £66,956
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

We are looking for a Department Leader to join the leadership team at Highfield Ely Academy, bringing energy, care and a strong understanding of specialist education. This is a visible, people‑focused role, centred on developing teachers and support staff through coaching, modelling and meaningful professional dialogue so that high‑quality practice is consistent across the school. Working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, the postholder will influence teaching, culture and expectations, contributing to whole‑school improvement and a positive, collaborative environment where both adults and pupils grow and succeed.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Lead and improve the quality of teaching and learning within the department to secure strong outcomes for pupils with SEND
• Coach, mentor and line manage staff, supporting development while maintaining high expectations
• Monitor and evaluate teaching, contributing to self‑evaluation and whole‑school improvement priorities
• Provide leadership for curriculum areas, behaviour, routines and communication with families
• Contribute actively to the leadership team, shaping systems, culture and strategic direction

Why Join Our Trust?

• A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A vibrant and inclusive school community.
• Belong to a compassionate and inclusive trust that values you and the role you play.
• Gain access to our VivUp employee benefit system, Cycle to Work scheme and Teacher pensions.

Contact

If you would like further information please contact Pippa Edwards (School Business Manager) on 01353 662085, or email [e-mail]

To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 4 months’ probation period at the start of their employment (except for Early Career Teachers who are subject to a Statutory Induction Period). This policy aims to assess new employees' alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Flexible working will be considered for all roles deemed suitable.