Head of Design & Technology

Thornhill Academy; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking educational institution in Sunderland is seeking a Head of Design & Technology to lead the curriculum development and inspire creativity in students. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership in education, curriculum design, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and joining a vibrant community preparing for significant improvements in facilities.

Benefits

Access to professional development

Collaborative Trust network opportunities

Supportive culture focused on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Proven classroom practitioner with a record of improving outcomes.
• Skilled in curriculum design and implementation across a range of DT disciplines.
• Dedicated to professional growth for yourself and your team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of the DT curriculum.
• Ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement.

Skills

Inspirational leadership

Curriculum design

Data monitoring for improvement

Mentoring colleagues

Commitment to inclusion and equity

Job description

As Head of Design & Technology, you will lead the strategic development of the DT curriculum and ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning. You will inspire a love for creativity, design, and innovation in our students, equipping them with skills for future success. You will:

• Provide inspirational leadership within the Design & Technology department.
• Develop and deliver a high-quality, engaging curriculum that fosters creativity and technical skill.
• Support and mentor colleagues to deliver outstanding teaching and student outcomes.
• Use data effectively to monitor progress and drive improvement.
• Lead curriculum innovation to ensure our students experience a broad, modern, and ambitious DT offer.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement as part of the wider leadership team.
• Passionate about Design & Technology and committed to inspiring young people.
• Skilled in curriculum design and implementation across a range of DT disciplines.
• A proven classroom practitioner with a record of improving outcomes.
• Able to lead and motivate others, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Committed to inclusion, equity, and providing every student with opportunities to excel.
• Dedicated to professional growth—for yourself, your team, and your students.
• At Thornhill Academy, we are proud to serve a diverse community in the heart of Sunderland. With students from over 14 different ethnicities and 35 languages spoken across our academy, we are a school that truly celebrates difference, inclusion, and cultural richness. Our mission is simple - to ensure every student, regardless of background, achieves academic success and personal growth.

Benefits

• Access to Consilium's Centre for Professional Learning, offering bespoke professional development.
• A collaborative Trust network with opportunities for progression and leadership development.
• A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion, and staff support.
• The chance to shape the future of DT in a school on a transformational journey.
• The excitement of joining our community as we prepare for our state-of-the-art new building.
• Please ensure that within your application you provide the names, addresses, and contact details for two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer.


• Consilium Academies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• Under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, the Public Sector fluency duty requires state funded schools to ensure candidates for their customer facing roles have the necessary standard of spoken English.
• Appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.