Head of Design and Technology

Haberdashers' Boys' School; Elstree; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

17 weeks holiday per year

Pension scheme through Aegon

Life insurance

Income protection

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Professional development opportunities

Free lunch and refreshments

Free onsite parking

Sports facilities access

Wellbeing initiatives

Vivup staff benefits

Job summary

Haberdashers' Boys' School is seeking an outstanding Head of Design & Technology to provide strategic leadership for the department and inspire the next generation of designers, engineers and innovators. Based in the state-of-the-art Design Centre, you will lead teaching, curriculum development and a dynamic co-curricular program.

You will oversee specialist teachers, foster a culture of creativity and innovation, and drive outstanding outcomes in GCSE and A Level cohorts, while supporting

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management experience in education.
• Experience developing and leading a curriculum across GCSE and A Level.
• Ability to drive excellence in teaching and learning across a design & technology department.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to academic and co-curricular excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Design & Technology across the department.
• Lead development of an ambitious, innovative curriculum.
• Support and stretch students to achieve outstanding outcomes.
• Oversee a team of specialist teachers and professional development.
• Lead and support a vibrant co-curricular programme and competitions.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Public examinations

Communication skills

Strategic leadership

Job description

Habs has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2025, with Haberdashers' Elstree Schools receiving both the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships and the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025. This national recognition reflects our long-term commitment to social impact and the deep, sustained collaborations we continue to build with our state sector partners. It is an exciting and proud moment to be joining our community. The Design and Technology Department at Haberdashers' Boys' School is an ambitious, innovative and highly successful department, with a strong record of achievement at GCSE and A Level. We are seeking an outstanding Head of Design & Technology to lead the department and inspire the next generation of designers, engineers and innovators. Based in our purpose-built Design Centre, the department benefits from exceptional facilities, including specialist workshops, laser cutters, CNC machinery, 3D printers and cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology. Design and Technology is a popular subject throughout the School, with thriving GCSE and A Level cohorts studying Product Design and Design Engineering.

About the Role

As Head of Department, you will provide strategic leadership for Design & Technology, driving excellence in teaching and learning while leading the continued development of an ambitious and innovative curriculum. You will be responsible for supporting and stretching students to achieve outstanding outcomes, developing teaching practice across the department and fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity and innovation. You will also lead and support a team of specialist teachers, ensuring high standards of teaching, collaboration and professional development. Beyond the classroom, you will oversee a vibrant co-curricular programme, with students regularly achieving success in competitions including VEX Robotics, F1 in Schools and Greenpower Racing, as well as securing prestigious Arkwright Scholarships.

• Has excellent subject knowledge and a passion for Design & Technology.
• Has a proven track record of successful leadership and management in education.
• Can inspire students and colleagues to achieve their full potential.
• Has experience of curriculum development and public examinations.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Has a commitment to academic excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Understands the importance of the academic, pastoral and co-curricular aspects of school life.

What we offer

• We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with the candidate's experience
• Approximately 17 weeks holiday per year.
• Private Pension Scheme through Aegon with four flexible options and generous employer contributions.
• Additional life insurance cover and income protection.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support and advice.
• Financial assistance for further qualifications.
• Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
• Free lunch and refreshments.
• Free onsite parking and access to travel on the school's extensive coach network.
• Complimentary access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, including gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes.
• Wellbeing initiatives such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and health checks.Access to an online GP service for quick and convenient healthcare advice.
• Access to Vivup, our staff benefits platform offering discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and interview suitable candidates before the closing date if we receive sufficient applications.

Haberdashers' Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.