Overview
What skills and experience we're looking for
Downlands Community School is a thriving, inclusive and ambitious school committed to taking every pupil beyond their lived experience. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Technology to lead our Design & Technology and Food Preparation & Nutrition curriculum.
This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader to shape a forward-thinking department where creativity, technical excellence and inclusive practice are central.
At Downlands, we live our ROCKS values: Resilience, Optimism, Community, Kindness and Self-Awareness. The successful candidate will model and champion these values through their leadership and teaching.
Responsibilities
* Leading and developing a team of D&T and Food specialists
* Driving high-quality, inclusive curriculum design and teaching
* Maintaining high expectations, safe working practices and excellent outcomes
* Working collaboratively with senior and middle leaders to support whole-school priorities, including inclusion, character development and well-being
* Using evidence-informed practice and data to continually improve provision
What the school offers its staff
This school and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
Shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search. This is not part of the short-listing process itself, and you will get a chance to address any issues of concern that some up during the search, at interview.
Further details, application forms can be downloaded from our website https://www.downlands.w-sussex.sch.uk under “Vacancies” or from our Recruitment Officer at lfaith@downlands.org
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 23rd February 2026. Informal visits are welcomed.
Benefits and Development
We offer:
* A supportive, collaborative and values-driven community
* A strong focus on staff well-being and professional development
* High-quality CPD, coaching and leadership opportunities
Join a school where every child — and every member of staff — can thrive.
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 are 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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