Head of Computer Science

Outwood Grange Academies Trust; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & pension

CPD opportunities & Masters level

Two hours CPD weekly

Flexible family policies

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Outwood Academy Riverside is seeking a Head of Computer Science to lead the department, shape curriculum, and raise academic achievement. You will guide teaching practices, model Academy values, and drive whole-school initiatives to secure continuous improvement.

The role requires a degree in the subject and QTS, with experience in leading or supporting department leadership. Salary ranges £34,069–£52,835 with a TLR 2.1, and substantial professional development opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Degree in subject and QTS are essential.
• Experience leading or supporting department leadership is essential.
• Ability to analyze data to drive rapid improvement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Communicate a clear purpose and vision for the department.
• Provide cohesive leadership and line management of department staff.
• Oversee department budget and resources; implement the Department Development Plan/SEF.
• Develop and sustain deep leadership across the team to improve outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Curriculum development

Classroom practice

Education

Degree in subject

QTS

Job description

Job Description

Role: Head of Computer Science

Academy: Outwood Academy Riverside

Start Date: 01/01/2026

Salary (Actual Salary): £34.069 - £52,835, Plus TLR 2.1

Working Pattern: Full Time / Part Time Considered

Are you a visionary educator ready to lead a subject department, providing clear, cohesive direction and inspiring high achievement? Join us as a Head of Department, where you will communicate a clear purpose and vision, motivate colleagues, and implement whole-Academy initiatives to ensure your department meets ambitious academic targets. This role is designed for someone who models the Academy's values, promotes innovative teaching strategies, and is dedicated to securing continuous improvement and quality outcomes for all students.

Welcome From The Principal

We are a free scheel in the centre of Middlesbrough, and we do things differently! Do you?
As Principal, I am proud to introduce you to Outwood Academy Riverside, an innovative free school within a nationally renowned Trust that nurtures talent and provides high-quality professional development.
Opened in 2020, Riverside is a special place to work with genuine care for every family member. Our community is built on core values, including kindness, compassion, respect and integrity. We maintain academic rigour and high expectations, resulting in very good behavior and attendance that is above the national average. Students face no 'glass ceiling' and benefit from exceptional personal development opportunities (including Cadets, MISST, and LAMDA).
This is a unique opportunity to join an inspirational team making history. We are currently on Russell Street (with a satellite site in Eston) and are planning a move to a new, state-of-the-art facility by 2027.

About The Department

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believe in the transformative power of computing in the modern world and is eager to inspire the next generation of digital innovators.
As department we have a strong belief in encouraging students to see the wonders of modern digital technology and how they can have an impact on its future, with the shared aim of breaking down barriers and encouraging girls and minorities in particular to fully embrace computing. Together as a team we support each other in achieving these aims.

If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact D Potter (HoD), [e-mail]

Responsibilities

The Head of Department is responsible for communicating a clear purpose and vision while providing cohesive leadership and direction to the Department/Faculty. This leader models the Academy's values, promotes high standards through effective teaching, and is accountable for implementing the Department Development Plan/Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) to secure continuous improvement.

They develop and sustain DEEP LEADERSHIP through line management of staff, overseeing department resources and budget, reviewing syllabuses, and conducting Performance Management Reviews.

Qualifications

Essential qualifications required are a Degree in the relevant subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Candidates must demonstrate a good understanding of their subject's secondary curriculum (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5), knowledge of current departmental issues, and understanding of school improvement and Ofsted inspection programmes. Essential experience includes leading or supporting the leadership of a department, successful teaching across all key stages, and evidence of managing/leading a new initiative.

Required skills encompass being an outstanding classroom practitioner with a clear vision, possessing outstanding relationships with students and staff, and the ability to analyze data to develop rapid improvement intervention strategies.

About Us

Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the head of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).

What will we do for you?

We offer a comprehensive package focused on career development, fair pay, and well-being:

• Competitive Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
• Professional Growth: Access extensive CPD, progression to Masters level, and development via the Outwood Institute of Education and National Institute of Teaching.
• Workload & Support: Committed to a manageable workload via our Workload Charter and guarantee a minimum of two hours of CPD each week.
• Wellbeing & Flexibility: Enhanced occupational leave, flexible family policies, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.