Head of Design & Technology

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 either Easter or September 2026. The successful candidate will lead an exceptionally strong department, celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and technical excellence.

Our vision for Design and Technology is to be one of the best faculties in Essex, delivering product design, textiles, graphics, 3D, CAD and Construction based courses.

We are determined to become the school of choice in Essex—a place where every young person is challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive. This isn’t a dream - it is a promise and you will be at the centre of delivering and creating this.

The Role

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. You will be responsible for:

  • 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 (in time) our Sixth Form offer.

What We’re Looking For

  • 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.

Why Join King Edmund School?

This is a school with immense potential and a powerful sense of purpose. Under new leadership, we are creating something exceptional—step by step, brick by brick. You will be joining a committed, talented team at a moment of transformation, where your leadership will directly shape our school’s success story.

Come and be part of something extraordinary!

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 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, as well as excellent development opportunities.  Staff benefits include free car parking, on-site gymnasium and swimming pool as well as staff recognition schemes. 

If you are currently considering a career move, we would very much like to hear from you.  Please visit the vacancies section of our website (https://kes.essex.sch.uk/join-our-community/staff-vacancies) and complete the ‘Quick Apply’ application form and submit a copy of your CV. For more about our school and vision please see attached welcome letter from our new Headteacher.

We also welcome and encourage telephone calls on 01702 560904 to register an interest or to find out more about the school and the role. If you wish to arrange an informal conversation or visit to the school prior to interview, we would be delighted to welcome you to KES prior to the closing date, to offer you the opportunity to get a real sense of the school first hand. 

To arrange a visit, please email your request to Mrs Andrea Atkins – HR Manager at recruitment@kes.essex.sch.uk and provide your availability, as well as a contact telephone number.

The King Edmund School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.

The King Edmund School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.

Documents

Document Title Date Download
Application and recruitment Monitoring Form 09th Jan 2024 Download
Applicant Guidance Safer Recruitment 09th Jan 2024 Download
Recruitment Letter Welcome from the Headteacher Head of Design Technology 08th Jan 2026 Download
Head of Department Job Description NEW Jan26 08th Jan 2026 Download
Head of Department Person Specification NEW Jan26 08th Jan 2026 Download
Apply For This Vacancy

Job Specification

Role
Head of Department
Subject
Design and Technology
Salary
£31,650-£49,084 plus TLR 2c (£7,977)
Type
Permanent, Full-Time
Closing Date
Midday on 23 January 2026
Start Date
Easter or 01 September 2026
Job Reference
KESHODT0126
Location
SS4 1TL
Get Directions

Any Questions?

For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: KESHODT0126.

Mrs Andrea Atkins
01702 545771

Quick Application Form - TEACHING ROLE

Quick Application Form - TEACHING ROLE
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
Back to Overview Apply For This Vacancy

Job Specification

Role
Head of Department
Subject
Design and Technology
Salary
£31,650-£49,084 plus TLR 2c (£7,977)
Type
Permanent, Full-Time
Closing Date
Midday on 23 January 2026
Start Date
Easter or 01 September 2026
Job Reference
KESHODT0126
Location
SS4 1TL
Get Directions

Any Questions?

For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: KESHODT0126.

Mrs Andrea Atkins
01702 545771