Head of Department - Design and Technology

TES FE News; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking educational institution in High Wycombe is seeking a Head of Design and Technology to lead curriculum innovation and inspire students. The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership background and be passionate about developing engaging, hands-on experiences in various disciplines. This position offers the opportunity to shape a progressive department and contribute significantly to the school's overall development.

Benefits

9-day working fortnight

Exceptional professional development

On-site accommodation potential

Qualifications

• Passion for innovation in Design and Technology education.
• Proven track record of driving departmental development.
• Experience in teaching to Sixth Form level.

Responsibilities

• Lead performance management across the department.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources efficiently.
• Collaborate with Senior Leadership on strategic goals.
• Design enrichment opportunities for students.
• Ensure continuity of quality in cover work.

Skills

Leadership

Innovation

Collaboration

Curriculum Development

Teaching Excellence

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Relevant degree in Design and Technology

Job description

Overview

Discover What Highcrest Can Offer You

How does working nine days but being paid for ten sound? From September 2024, all permanent staff at Highcrest benefit from a 9-day working fortnight. The concept is simple: you work nine days and get paid for ten. The tenth day is your dedicated ‘reset day’ — time away from school to rest, recharge, and invest in your well-being. This is in addition to your statutory PPA time. Staff feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Colleagues return from their reset day feeling more energised, less overwhelmed, and better able to manage the demands of school life. Many also enjoy the extra flexibility, reduced travel time, and cost savings.

Could this be the change you’ve been looking for?

On Top Of This, We Offer

• Exceptional investment in your professional development
• The potential for on-site accommodation if you are relocating
• First-class facilities, including a well-equipped gym, excellent canteen, and a welcoming coffee shop

Does Highcrest sound like the school for you?

If you’re driven by the satisfaction of transforming lives and helping young people overcome barriers to success, we’d love to hear from you.

Take your career to the next level

At Highcrest, we do whatever it takes to break down barriers and unlock potential. As the only all-ability academy in Buckinghamshire, we are proud to provide an outstanding education for every student — from high academic achievers to those with special educational needs. Our innovative, inclusive curriculum reflects the diversity of our school community and is purposefully designed to challenge, support, and inspire every learner. If you’re ready to grow as an educator and make a real difference, this is your opportunity to take your career to the next level — and be part of something truly transformational.

Explore the opportunity

We are seeking a visionary and driven Head of Design and Technology to lead our forward-thinking department into its next exciting chapter. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious educator to shape a vibrant curriculum and inspire the next generation of designers, engineers and creators.

As Head of Department, you will champion excellence in teaching and learning across all areas of Design and Technology. You’ll play a pivotal role in evolving a curriculum that is bold, engaging, and future-focused — offering students rich, hands-on experiences in Engineering, Cookery and Catering, Fashion Design, Hair and Beauty, and Construction. Our department thrives on creativity, innovation, and ambition. We embrace change, encourage unconventional thinking, and foster a culture where ideas flourish. We are proud to be a progressive school that values adaptability and originality.

We’re looking for a leader with a proven track record of driving improvement and nurturing professional growth among staff. You’ll bring strategic clarity, collaborative spirit, and the ability to cultivate a supportive and high-performing team. Working closely with senior leaders, you will align departmental development with the wider School Development Plan, ensuring Design and Technology continues to be a cornerstone of academic excellence.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead performance management across the department, ensuring staff development and accountability are upheld in accordance with Academy policy.
• Manage departmental budgets, equipment, and resources with efficiency and foresight — ensuring tools and machinery are maintained, serviced when necessary, and used to their full potential.
• Collaborate closely with Senior Leadership to align the department’s strategic goals with the broader School Development Plan, contributing to whole-school improvement.
• Design and oversee enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom — fostering creativity, practical skills, and real-world engagement for all students within the Design and Technology curriculum.
• Ensure the quality of cover work during staff absences, maintaining continuity and high standards of learning across all subject areas.

We believe that our Heads of Department have a pivotal role in inspiring and challenging pupils of every ability in every year to raise their academic standards, in promoting their confidence and self-esteem, and in securing year on year improving GCSE and post-16 results.

About You

You will be an inspiring educator with a passion for innovation and a clear vision for the future of Design and Technology. Ready to expand your leadership capacity, you’ll guide the department into its next phase of development with confidence and creativity. As a skilled and experienced classroom practitioner, you will deliver high-quality teaching across the subject area — including to Sixth Form level — and model best practice in pedagogy and curriculum delivery. Your commitment to excellence will be evident in your ability to raise standards, implement effective systems, and drive continuous improvement in student outcomes.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to join our team, please complete our online application form via the apply button.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Highcrest Academy is fully committed to safeguarding children (polices on web). All members of staff are in a "regulated" role under the Vetting & Barring Scheme and have to be DBS cleared prior to employment.