Head of Media Studies

Bullers Wood School for Girls; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bullers Wood School for Girls is seeking a Head of Media Studies to lead and develop the department, ensuring high standards and contribution to the school’s curriculum. You will drive assessment quality, workflow, and staff development as part of a supportive leadership team.

The role requires strategic planning, rigorous data review, and a passion for contemporary media education across key stages. A competitive salary package reflects MPS/UPS and a TLR responsibility.

Qualifications

• QTS or equivalent teaching qualification required.
• Degree and/or substantial subject expertise in Media Studies.
• Proven experience teaching in a secondary school.
• Experience leading a curriculum area or department.
• Strong assessment approach to improve student outcomes.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire students and colleagues and build positive relationships.
• Commitment to inclusive education and high expectations for all students.
• Up-to-date knowledge of contemporary media and the creative industries.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret data on students' achievement and ensure data informs departmental targets.
• Review assessments of progress for classes with teachers.
• Oversee setting of students into appropriate ability groups.
• Sample and moderate students' work and review judgments including coursework.
• Ensure exams and assessment procedures meet Boards' regulations and school policy.
• Be accountable for the quality of teaching in the subject and monitor learning methods.
• Lead curriculum development and resourcing; review schemes of work annually.
• Set targets to raise attainment and coordinate interventions for underperformance.
• Lead departmental meetings and share best practice; manage INSET needs.
• Contribute to the School Improvement Plan and department handbook.

Skills

QTS / equivalent

Media Studies expertise

GCSE & A‑Level knowledge

Secondary teaching experience

Curriculum leadership

Assessment & outcomes

Organisational & communication

Interpersonal skills

Digital & practical media

Inclusive education commitment

Professional development

Collaborative leadership

Media & creative industries

Education

Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent

Degree in Media Studies or related discipline

Job description

Position Summary: Head of Media Studies Job Title: Head of Media Studies Location: Bullers Wood School for Girls Reports to: Deputy Headteacher Salary: MPS - UPS3 - TLR 2b Contract Type: Permanent Date: January 2026 Job Purpose Line Management responsibility for: All teachers of Media Studies Department The responsibilities below are in addition to those of Classroom teacher/Form tutor To lead and manage the Media Studies Department to ensure the subject makes a full contribution to the whole school curriculum. Overview This is an excellent opportunity for an outstanding, ambitious and passionate Head of Media to join the team. The department has an outstanding examination record and is committed to achieving excellence at all key stages as well as success for all its pupils. It is dynamic and delivers a curriculum that focuses on the most up to-date developments across a range of Media, encouraging students at all levels to critically engage with current issues and debates. Head of Media Studies Department Responsibilities: Make judgements about standards of students' achievement, rate of progress and personal development

Head of Media Studies Department Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret data on students' achievement in the subject and ensure student performance data is used effectively and is in line with departmental targets
• Review with teachers their assessments of progress for classes
• Oversee the setting of students into appropriate ability groups as needed/if required
• Sample students' work
• Moderate and review judgements about standards, including coursework
• Discuss work, progress and attitudes with sample groups of students
• Ensure procedures for both internal and external exams are carried out according to the School's procedures and the Boards' regulations as appropriate. Evaluate teaching and learning
• Be accountable for the quality of the teaching of the subject
• Systematically observe colleagues teaching and review teaching and learning methods within the department to ensure they meet the needs of all students
• Provide feedback on observations to colleagues
• Monitor and review the planning of Media Studies
• Keep abreast of current initiatives by regular review
• Review schemes of work annually and amend where necessary to ensure they focus on effective teaching and learning, meet Government guidelines. Where appropriate schemes of work should also incorporate cross-curricular themes including PSHE, citizenship and work-related learning.
• Ensure the Departmental Assessment, Recording and Reporting Policy is in line with School Policy and is adhered to by all departmental staff.
• Support staff with student behaviour issues.
• Maintain a comprehensive view of departmental resources, to ensure that they are available to meet curriculum needs. Lead sustainable improvement
• Arrange, conduct and keep records of departmental meetings and lead the department in discussion about best practice and priorities for the subject
• Lead the review, construction and resourcing of the curriculum
• Set targets for raising student attainment in the context of whole school targets
• Work with colleagues to organise appropriate intervention to address under-performance
• Develop and communicate a strategy for the improvement of the subject
• Take responsibility for organising departmental INSET time as well as monitoring the INSET needs of all members of the department.
• Create the capacity for change and inspire and enthuse colleagues by personal example (i.e. acting as a role model by maintaining a positive outlook and demonstrating sympathetic and focused support).
• Lead the improvement of teaching quality and encourage teachers to review and improve on their practice
• Ensure departmental views are reported to the appropriate bodies - Faculty, Governors, Headteacher.
• Contribute to the Department Handbook.
• Be responsible for positive image of the department Participate in whole School management responsibilities
• Contribute to the creation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan as it affects the department.
• Participate in working parties as required.
• Ensure all whole school policies e.g. Teaching and Learning, Health and Safety, Equality, Premium Pupil groups and Special Educational Needs are in place and upheld within the department. Staff Management
• Act as an appraiser where directed.
• Support ECTs as needed
• Liaise with the mentor and Senior Mentor with regard to student teachers (SDS/SCITT) as appropriate.
• You will also be a Classroom Teacher and Form Tutor and be required to fulfil any other duties as required by the Headteacher commensurate with the post.

Note, whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, this job description is not prescriptive, and each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees are expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level and/or scope that is not specified in this job description. Job descriptions are subject to change, in consultation with the post holder, to meet the changing needs of the broader Trust. All post holders are accountable through the LET Performance Management Policy.

Person Specification

• Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent.
• Relevant degree and/or substantial subject expertise in Media Studies or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of GCSE and A Level Media Studies requirements.
• Proven experience of successful teaching within a secondary school setting.
• Experience of leading or managing a curriculum area or subject department.
• Strong understanding of effective assessment and strategies for improving student outcomes.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire students and colleagues and build positive professional relationships.
• Strong digital and practical media skills.
• Commitment to inclusive education and high expectations for all students.
• Commitment to professional development and keeping subject knowledge current.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of the school's wider leadership and teaching team.
• Enthusiasm for developing students' understanding of contemporary media and the creative industries.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from backgrounds currently underrepresented in our staff body.

Person Specification

• Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent.
• Relevant degree and/or substantial subject expertise in Media Studies or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of GCSE and A Level Media Studies requirements.
• Proven experience of successful teaching within a secondary school setting.
• Experience of leading or managing a curriculum area or subject department.
• Strong understanding of effective assessment and strategies for improving student outcomes.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire students and colleagues and build positive professional relationships.
• Strong digital and practical media skills.
• Commitment to inclusive education and high expectations for all students.
• Commitment to professional development and keeping subject knowledge current.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of the school's wider leadership and teaching team.
• Enthusiasm for developing students' understanding of contemporary media and the creative industries.