Lead Practitioner Technology

Whickham School; Swalwell; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Swalwell is seeking a Lead Practitioner in Technology to inspire and engage students across various age ranges. The role offers the chance to work with a supportive team of experienced educators and contributes to developing teaching practices. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant teaching qualification and a commitment to fostering student success. Opportunities for professional development are provided.

Benefits

Reduced teaching allocation for collaborative planning

Access to various salary sacrifice schemes

Leadership development opportunities

Supportive work/life balance

Access to fitness facilities

Qualifications

• Ability to teach technology subjects effectively.
• Experience in developing student's aspirations and resilience.
• Willingness to participate in school’s professional development.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and engage students in technology education.
• Collaborate with other lead practitioners.
• Contribute to staff development and learning culture.

Skills

Teaching across KS3-KS5

Specialism in Technology

Collaborative working

Education

Relevant teaching qualification

Tools

Technology education methods

Job description

Post: Lead Practitioner Technology

Salary Grade: L1-L5

Contract: Full time permanent

Start Date: January 2026 (or sooner)

Responsible to: Deputy Headteacher - Staff Development

Whickham School is seeking to recruit an engaging and inspirational Lead Practitioner with a specialism in Technology. You must have the ability to teach across the age ranges from KS3-KS5.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside our team of five lead practitioners, who have shaped the strong T & L practice at Whickham School. You will be joining a successful IT, Business and Technology Faculty team of 13 staff. Our Technology subjects are consistently some of the top performing in the school and led by an experienced team who make the very most of our outstanding technology facilities.

Our Vision

Our vision for all our pupils is that they are valued and inspired to be the best that they can be. We seek to develop the following 4 qualities in our pupils:

• Aspiration - Whickham students set aspirational goals that are ambitious and without limitation.
• Respect - Without compromise, Whickham students demonstrate respect for themselves, others and their environment.
• Resilience - Whickham students persevere with challenges especially when faced with setbacks.
• Empathy - Whickham students strive to be kind, caring and understanding of each other's feelings and needs.

Benefits

One of our unique strengths and selling points is our commitment to staff which includes:

• Reduced teaching allocation to allow for each faculty to meet collaboratively for an hour each fortnight in specialist subject teams to support subject specific pedagogy and development
• Access to a range of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. bicycle & electric vehicles leasing)
• Leadership and Teaching & Learning development opportunities
• A supportive environment where work/life balance issues are considered carefully
• A highly regarded ECT programme which receives very positive feedback
• Access to school fitness facilities out of school hours
• Higher priority for admission of children of staff into the school

Specific details regarding the role and skills and qualities that the successful candidate will need to demonstrate are in the attached job description and person. Please indicate the Technology disciplines you have experience of teaching in your letter of application.

We are flexible in terms of required technology skill sets any applicant can offer, and encourage applications from Engineering, Food and/or Product Design specialisms. We welcome visits by prospective applicants to the school. Please contact Simon Alexander ([e-mail]) if you wish to arrange a time to see the school.

Application forms are available on the Whickham School website. Applications should be submitted by 9am on Sunday the 19/10/25 via email to [e-mail]. We expect to hold interviews on Thursday 23rd October.

Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have a robust Safeguarding Policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment with the school. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.

Whickham School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.