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We are seeking a Head of Department - Design Technology to join our team at The Matthew Arnold School, part of Bourne Education Trust.
As Head of Department, you will be responsible for the learning and achievement of all pupils in the department, ensuring equity of opportunity for all, achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. All teachers are required to carry out the professional duties and responsibilities of a schoolteacher as defined by ‘Teachers’ Standards’ and set out in the current ‘School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document’.
About The Matthew Arnold School
The Matthew Arnold School is a thriving mixed comprehensive school for 11-16 year olds in Staines-upon-Thames, rated 'Good' in our February 2024 Ofsted inspection where we were recognised as "a school where students and staff are aspirational.
Our philosophy centres on both academic improvement and character development, encouraging students to challenge themselves and embody our motto: "Dream Big, Work Hard and Achieve." Our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Aspiration are embedded throughout school life.
The people make our school special—from inquisitive children growing into confident young adults, to our talented staff who guide them. We provide an ambitious curriculum complemented by excellent facilities and a diverse enrichment programme, while our strong pastoral structure ensures students develop into resilient individuals. Additionally, our newly established purpose-built smallholding, home to goats, chickens, and ducks, provides a unique opportunity for students to cultivate nurturing and caring skills.
As part of the Bourne Education Trust (BET), a successful multi-academy trust comprising twenty-four schools across Surrey, Hampshire, and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, staff benefit from a robust support network in a collaborative environment. We are committed to creating a community where students, staff, and families proudly contribute to both the school and wider community through "transforming schools...changing lives.
Details
Position: Head of Department - Design Technology
Contract: Full time, permanent
Start Date: 1st November 2025
Salary: Teachers Main to Upper Pay Scale (Fringe: £34,398 - £46,839)
Benefits
Generous workplace pension through Teachers’ Pension Scheme
Condensed school year with two week half term in October
Ongoing training, learning and development opportunities
Recognition policies for exceptional performance and long service
Well-being support, including 24/7 online GP access, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), online wellness support and free eye tests and flu vaccinations
Access to savings on your everyday spending including groceries, homeware, entertainment and holidays, through My Staff Shop benefits platform
Work-life balance, and family friendly policies and processes
Free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme
Occupational sick pay
Free access to onsite gym after school
Key responsibilities include:
Ensure excellent standards of teaching & learning across the subject.
Take responsibility for the strategic overview of the department, including self-evaluation and the improvement plan for the department.
Monitor student progress and implement strategic intervention for the department.
Deliver the curriculum as relevant to the age and ability of the individuals and classes you teach, preparing and developing teaching materials, programmes and pastoral arrangements as appropriate.
Requirements include:
Essential
Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent.
Ability to demonstrate an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children.
Ability to evidence effective continuous professional development
Desirable
Experience of teaching in relevant Key Stage and/or subject area.
Experience in coordinating a subject/Phase leading
For full job description and requirements, please see applicant pack on our careers website.
Our Culture
At Bourne Education Trust, we value colleagues who are:
Reflective, optimistic and aspirational
Collaborative and innovative
Committed, engaged and professional
Advocates for equality and inclusivity
How to apply for this role:
Please apply on our webiste. From there, you can access our applicant information pack and complete our online application form. Please note CVs without a fully completed application form will not be considered.
The closing date for this role is 10th October 2025.
Bourne Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare and safety of its staff and pupils, and follows rigorous safer recruitment procedures. We expect all candidates to meet the highest standard of safeguarding and successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Bourne Education Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all colleagues, pupils and other stakeholders. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. In advertising our vacancies, we are committed to accommodating diverse needs. If you require the applicant job pack to be supplied in a different format, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to provide a suitable alternative.
Safeguarding Statement
The Matthew Arnold School is committed to safeguarding and successful applicants will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Matthew Arnold School may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn at any point without notice. With this in mind, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.