Head of Department - Design Technology

TES FE News; Staines-upon-Thames; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-academy trust is seeking a Head of Department - Design Technology at The Matthew Arnold School in Staines-upon-Thames. The role involves delivering the curriculum, providing feedback, and managing class dynamics effectively. Applicants must have a QTS or equivalent and a strong commitment to safeguarding. The position offers a salary from £34,398 to £46,839 and includes benefits like a generous pension scheme and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous workplace pension

Ongoing training and development

Well-being support

Free on-site parking

Access to onsite gym

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding children.
• Evidence of effective continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the curriculum appropriate to age and ability.
• Provide regular feedback and encourage reflection.
• Manage classes effectively to inspire and motivate.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

IT skills

Awareness of safeguarding

Education

Teaching qualification

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Head of Department - Design Technology to join our team at The Matthew Arnold School, part of Bourne Education Trust.

Our teachers are responsible for the learning and achievement of all pupils in the class, ensuring equity of opportunity for all, achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. All teachers are required to carry out the professional duties and responsibilities of a school teacher as defined by the Teachers’ Standards and set out in the current School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document.

About The Matthew Arnold School

The Matthew Arnold School is a thriving mixed comprehensive school for 11-16 year olds in Staines-upon-Thames, rated "Good" in our February 2024 Ofsted inspection where we were recognised as "a school where students and staff are aspirational."

Our philosophy centres on both academic improvement and character development, encouraging students to challenge themselves and embody our motto: "Dream Big, Work Hard and Achieve." Our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Aspiration are embedded throughout school life.

The people make our school special—from inquisitive children growing into confident young adults, to our talented staff who guide them. We provide an ambitious curriculum complemented by excellent facilities and a diverse enrichment programme, while our strong pastoral structure ensures students develop into resilient individuals. Additionally, our newly established purpose-built smallholding, home to goats, chickens, and ducks, provides a unique opportunity for students to cultivate nurturing and caring skills.

As part of the Bourne Education Trust (BET), a successful multi-academy trust comprising twenty-four schools across Surrey, Hampshire, and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, staff benefit from a robust support network in a collaborative environment. We are committed to creating a community where students, staff, and families proudly contribute to both the school and wider community through "transforming schools...changing lives."

Details

Position: Head of Department - Design Technology

Contract: Full time, permanent

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary: Teachers Main to Upper Pay Scale

(Fringe: £34,398 - £46,839)

Benefits

• Generous workplace pension through Teachers’ Pension Scheme (Employer contribution 28.68%)
• Condensed school year with two week half term in October
• Ongoing training, learning and development opportunities
• Recognition policies for exceptional performance and long service
• Well-being support, including 24/7 online GP access, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), online wellness support and free eye tests and flu vaccinations
• Access to savings on your everyday spending including groceries, homeware, entertainment and holidays, through My Staff Shop benefits platform
• Work-life balance, and family friendly policies and processes
• Free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme
• Occupational sick pay
• Free access to onsite gym after school

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver the curriculum as relevant to the age and ability of the individuals and classes you teach, preparing and developing teaching materials, programmes and pastoral arrangements as appropriate
• Provide pupils with regular feedback, both in real time and through accurate marking, encouraging pupils to respond to the feedback, reflect on progress, their emerging needs and to take a responsible and conscientious attitude towards their own work and study
• Manage classes effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to the pupils’ needs in order to inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
• Engage and make positive contributions as a member of the wider school team, planning collaboratively, sharing information, ideas and expertise, raising standards by sharing effective practice

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Ability to demonstrate an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children
• Ability to evidence effective continuous professional development and IT skills

For full job description and requirements, please see applicant pack on our careers website.

Our Culture

At Bourne Education Trust, we value colleagues who are:

• Reflective, optimistic and aspirational
• Collaborative and innovative
• Committed, engaged and professional
• Advocates for equality and inclusivity

How to Apply

Please click "Apply" to be redirected to our careers site. From there, you can access our applicant information pack and complete our online application form. CVs without a fully completed application form will not be considered.

The closing date for this role is 10 October 2025.

Bourne Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare and safety of its staff and pupils, and follows rigorous safer recruitment procedures. We expect all candidates to meet the highest standard of safeguarding and successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Bourne Education Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all colleagues, pupils and other stakeholders. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. In advertising our vacancies, we are committed to accommodating diverse needs. If you require the applicant job pack to be supplied in a different format, please contact us and we will provide a suitable alternative.