Head of Design & Technology

The King Edmund School; Rochford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic educational institution in Rochford is seeking a Head of Technology to lead high standards in teaching and learning across Technology subjects. The successful candidate will inspire students and staff, ensure quality curriculum design, and support inclusive education. This full-time role offers an opportunity to join a school with pioneering facilities and a commitment to fostering a supportive and ambitious environment for all learners.

Benefits

Free car parking

Onsite gymnasium

Swimming pool

Recognition schemes

Qualifications

• Excellent classroom practitioner with passion for technology.
• Visionary leader for developing a forward-thinking curriculum.
• Ability to inspire both staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the Technology curriculum.
• Monitor standards to secure strong student outcomes.
• Lead on curriculum planning and high-quality teaching.
• Support and develop staff through CPD and appraisal.
• Manage resources to provide a safe learning environment.
• Promote Design and Technology subjects among students.

Skills

Passion for specialist subject

Visionary leadership skills

Ability to inspire and build relationships

Commitment to inclusive education

Job description

Overview

As Head of Technology, you will play a pivotal role in driving high standards of teaching and learning across the Technology subjects. You will lead a committed team, ensuring high-quality curriculum design, effective assessment, and excellent progress for all learners.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic direction for the Technology curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious, inclusive, and designed to inspire.
• Monitoring standards across the faculty and intervening effectively to secure strong student outcomes.
• Leading on curriculum planning, sequencing, assessment, and the consistent implementation of high-quality teaching practices.
• Supporting and developing staff through CPD, appraisal, feedback, and collaborative working.
• Managing resources effectively, ensuring a safe, stimulating learning environment and value for money across the budget.
• Promoting Design and Technology subjects across the school, including their relevance to future careers and students' wider development and widening our Sixth Form offer. The school day lends itself to a good work/life balance, with the teaching day ending at 14:10. The school offers an extensive support programme, including a mentor/buddy system, Initial Teacher Training support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) or for those seeking Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/ QTLS), a system of twilight training sessions, and excellent development opportunities. Staff benefits include free car parking, an onsite gymnasium, and a swimming pool, as well as staff recognition schemes.

Qualifications

• An excellent classroom practitioner with a passion for their specialist subject.
• A strong visionary with the leadership skills to develop a forward-thinking curriculum.
• Someone who can inspire staff and students alike, building positive relationships and modelling professional excellence.
• Commitment to inclusive education and meeting the needs of all learners, including disadvantaged and SEND students.

About the School

At the King Edmund School, we are in a bold new chapter. With our new school building that opened in September 2025, an aspirational student body, and a new Headteacher at the helm, we are seeking to appoint a full-time Head of Design & Technology from September 2026. The successful candidate will lead an exceptionally strong department, celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and technical excellence.

The King Edmund School is a co‑educational comprehensive school for students aged 11 to 19. It is an Ofsted-rated 'Good' single academy trust in Rochford, Essex, serving a geographically and socially diverse area. In the latest Ofsted report (2024) the school was awarded 'Good', and its values and ethos were recognised in the findings. Students learn a well‑designed and balanced curriculum that meets their needs, and teachers have strong subject knowledge.

The school's values foster a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their Personal Best. High aspirations, academic success, and a commitment to excellence are promoted. The inclusive community celebrates diversity, ensuring all students feel valued and respected. A safe, caring space is provided for students to grow, and students take pride in their achievements both inside and outside of school.

Phase one of a multi‑million‑pound project to renovate the school, part of the Department of Education's Rebuilding Schools for the Future initiative, is set to open in September 2025. The new two‑storey building will feature 17 general classrooms, art and technical rooms, new office space, meeting rooms, and a modern school hall, providing state‑of‑the‑art facilities for students to learn. Phase two begins this year and will redevelop the remainder of the site over the next few years.

The school provides exceptional pastoral care and SEND provision through dedicated teams committed to helping students achieve their best results. With a traditional approach to uniform, behaviour, and work, the school maintains high standards while prioritising strong support for students and actively involving parents in these aspects of school life.

Students are rewarded for their achievements, inside and outside of school, through a House system. Each July, those students who have displayed the most effort and progress over the previous year are celebrated at an Awards Evening held at the prestigious Cliffs Pavilion in Southend. The school also takes part in the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards scheme. Sixth‑Form students have their own block with a common room, canteen and IT suite. Students may study A-levels, Level 2 and 3 vocational courses, and a T‑level in Education and Early Years.

Staff strive to support every student to achieve well academically, while their deeper passion is for all students, regardless of ability, to reach their full potential. Students leave KES ready to embrace the next chapter of their young lives, whether that is studying a degree at a Russell Group university or starting an apprenticeship after Year 11.

In the next academic year, KES will have facilities amongst the finest in the country and certainly nothing comparable locally, a huge incentive for both new staff and students to join the school. To find out more about life at KES, please visit our social media pages: www.facebook.com/thekingedmundschool, www.instagram.com/thekingedmundschool.

Application Process

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.