Head Of Computer Science – Secondary Academy In Harrogate (January Start)

Marchant Recruitment; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrogate Academy in North Yorkshire is seeking an innovative Head of Computer Science to lead the digital technologies department on a full-time, permanent basis starting in January.

You will oversee KS3/KS4/KS5, shape syllabus progression, and direct robotics and cybersecurity enrichment, while coaching non-specialists and managing IT labs.

The role requires QTS, strong programming knowledge in Python/Java/C#, proven leadership, and an enhanced DBS. Salary is on TLR1 or Leadership Scale.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognised UK credentials with an honours degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
• High proficiency in text-based programming (Python, Java, C#) and computer systems architecture.
• Proven track record of strong academic outcomes at GCSE and A-Level alongside leadership experience.
• Active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, curriculum design, and operational management for the Computer Science faculty.
• Teach practical coding (Python/Java) and theoretical computer architecture lessons across KS3, KS4, KS5.
• Line-manage department teachers, conducting peer observations, code reviews, and subject-specific CPD.
• Oversee NEA programming project moderation and manage external exam board submissions.
• Track student assessment data, implement targeted intervention groups, and organize regional hackathons.
• Supervise computer suites, software licensing, development IDE environments, and hardware inventories.

Skills

Leadership experience

Python

Java

C#

Coaching non-specialists

GCSE/A-Level outcomes tracking

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or UK credentials with honours in CS/Software Engineering

Job description

A high-achieving secondary academy in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is seeking an innovative Head of Computer Science to lead its digital technologies department on a full-time, permanent basis starting in January.

Job Overview

Computer Science is an expanding discipline within this academy's STEM curriculum. The successful candidate will take strategic leadership over Key Stage 3 Computing, Key Stage 4 (GCSE Computer Science), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level Computer Science / BTEC Digital Information Technology), managing syllabus progression, programming pedagogy, and IT laboratory spaces.

Working alongside senior leadership, you will coach non-specialists, direct robotics and cybersecurity enrichment clubs, and oversee Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) coding project moderation. This is a full-time, permanent contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, curriculum design, and operational management for the Computer Science faculty

• Teach practical coding (Python/Java) and theoretical computer architecture lessons across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5

• Line-manage department teachers, conducting peer observations, code reviews, and subject-specific CPD

• Oversee NEA programming project moderation and manage external exam board submissions

• Track student assessment data, implement targeted intervention groups, and organize regional hackathons

• Supervise computer suites, software licensing, development IDE environments, and hardware inventories

Role Overview & Specifications

• Start Date: January

• Contract Type: Full-time, permanent contract

• Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

• Salary / Pay Rate: TLR1 or Leadership Scale equivalent

• Key Curriculum: OCR / AQA Computer Science

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS, QTLS) or recognized UK credentials with an honors degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

• High proficiency in text-based programming (Python, Java, C#) and computer systems architecture

• Proven track record of strong academic outcomes at GCSE and A-Level alongside leadership experience

• An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)