Department Leader

Highfield Littleport Academy; Twickenham; 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 Littleport Academy in Cambridgeshire is seeking a Department Leader to shape high-quality teaching and learning across the school. The role combines strategic leadership with classroom teaching in a SEN context, and involves staff development and collaboration with families.

Experience in SEN is essential. This permanent, full-time post offers leadership opportunities within the Active Learning Trust and a supportive school community.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a department in a SEN/special school context.
• Proven ability to develop curriculum and support staff.
• Strong collaboration with leadership and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership of a department or learning pathway, aligned to the academy improvement plan.
• Lead curriculum development, teaching and learning, ensuring high expectations for all pupils.
• Line manage and support staff, including contribution to CPD and performance development.
• Teach effectively within the special school context, promoting strong progress and wellbeing.
• Contribute actively to senior leadership, behaviour systems, safeguarding and partnership with families.

Job description

Location:Highfield Littleport Academy, Littleport, Cambridgeshire
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: Leadership Scale L6-10 £60,619 - £66,956 Annually (FTE)

Due to continued growth, Highfield Littleport Academy is looking to appoint a Department Leader who is ready to play an influential role in shaping high-quality teaching and learning across the school. This post offers a meaningful leadership opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is motivated by improvement, collaboration and making a genuine difference for children with complex needs.

Alongside leading a department or learning pathway, the role combines strategic leadership with the opportunity to teach and lead a class, keeping practice firmly rooted in the classroom. Working closely with colleagues and the wider leadership team, the successful candidate will support and develop staff, strengthen provision and contribute to the ongoing development of the academy community. Previous SEN experience is essential.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership of a department or learning pathway, aligned to the academy improvement plan
• Lead curriculum development, teaching and learning, ensuring high expectations for all pupils
• Line manage and support staff, including contribution to CPD and performance development
• Teach effectively within the special school context, promoting strong progress and wellbeing
• Contribute actively to senior leadership, behaviour systems, safeguarding and partnership with families

Why Join Our Trust?

• Belong to a compassionate and inclusive trust that values you and the role you play.
• Join an experienced group of people that are fully dedicated to delivering the best for our children.
• Gain access to our VivUp employee benefit system, Cycle to Work scheme and teacher pensions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the Active Learning Trust.

Contact
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, or for more info, please contact Emma Brooke, School Business Manager, at: [e-mail] (01353 223301)

The Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date.

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. 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.