West Kirby Grammar School, a leading selective girls’ school with a coeducational sixth form, seeks a full‑time Head of Food & Nutrition to lead the faculty’s provision across Key Stages 3 and 4.
Key Responsibilities
* To lead the design, sequencing, and delivery of the Food and Nutrition curriculum across KS3–4, ensuring provision is academically ambitious, inclusive, and engaging.
* To embed rigorous and purposeful assessment strategies, including formative assessment, exam‑style tasks, NEA guidance, and structured pupil response activities.
* To implement and monitor quality assurance processes at KS3 and KS4, ensuring consistent marking, feedback, and teaching aligned with departmental and whole‑school expectations.
* To oversee administration and internal verification of KS4 NEA work and liaise with Exam Boards as required.
* To monitor student progress and use data to inform targeted interventions and support strategies, ensuring aspirational outcomes for all learners.
* To support staff in addressing gaps in student knowledge and skills, planning effective classroom strategies, and delivering additional interventions as needed.
* To coordinate extracurricular and enrichment opportunities related to Food and Nutrition, including visits, workshops, and other subject‑specific activities.
* To contribute to departmental development planning, ensuring progression and consistency across both key stages.
* To work closely with other TLR holders and the Head of Faculty to promote collaboration and consistency across the Design and Technology Department.
* To act as a role model of professional conduct and high‑quality teaching.
* To stay informed about subject‑specific developments in Food and Nutrition education, including curriculum and assessment changes.
* To participate fully in department meetings, training, and whole‑school initiatives.
* To contribute to the wider life of the school and support the school’s vision and values.
Person Specification
1. Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent in Food, Nutrition, or a closely related subject (Essential)
* QTS (Secondary Phase) (Essential)
* Further degree or leadership qualification (e.g. NPQ, MA/MEd) (Desirable)
2. Experience
* Successful teaching of Food and Nutrition at KS3 and KS4 (Essential)
* Evidence of strong outcomes for students at GCSE (Essential)
* Experience of contributing to curriculum development and quality assurance at KS3–4 (Essential)
* Experience of supporting or leading aspects of departmental work (Desirable)
* Experience of leading or coordinating extracurricular or enrichment opportunities in Food and Nutrition (Desirable)
* Experience of using student progress data to inform planning and intervention (Desirable)
3. Knowledge and Skills
* Strong subject knowledge in Food and Nutrition across KS3–4 (Essential)
* Understanding of curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment at KS3–4 (Essential)
* Knowledge of NEA processes, exam board requirements, and internal verification (Essential)
* Ability to analyse student progress data and implement effective interventions (Essential)
* Understanding of how to support stretch and challenge for all learners, including high prior attainers (Essential)
* Awareness of current research and developments in Food and Nutrition education (Desirable)
* Competence in using Microsoft Office and/or digital tools for curriculum and assessment work (Desirable)
4. Special Requirements
* A belief in the potential of all students to achieve at the highest‑level (Essential)
* High expectations of self and others, with a commitment to continuous improvement (Essential)
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with students, colleagues and parents (Essential)
* Willingness to contribute to the wider life of the department and school (Essential)
* Enhanced DBS clearance and identity checks (Essential)
* Professional approach to conduct, attendance and dress (Essential)
Benefits for Staff
* Greater PPA time than national recommendation
* Deadlines well publicised and staff consulted on the annual calendar
* Reduced data collections to ensure no collections for data’s sake
* Considerate approach to lesson observations, drop‑ins and learning walks
* Headteacher ‘Open Door’ Policy at all times
* Opportunities for professional development always considered
* Dedicated classroom wherever possible for teaching staff
* Access for all staff to self‑referral Health & Wellbeing Support package
* In‑house Wellbeing Manager available to all staff, and Staff Wellbeing Committee that monitors and responds to staff needs.
* A flexible and generous approach to family appointments and child events
* On‑site car parking available
* Complimentary tea and coffee
* Regular social events organised by the Social Committee
Commitment to Safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
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