Head of Design & Technology – Dynamic Secondary Academy in Swindon (January Start)

A dynamic secondary academy in Swindon is seeking an ambitious safety-conscious Head of Design & Technology to lead its creative and technical faculty for a permanent January start.

This is a premier leadership opportunity to join an innovative learning community known for its strong focus on practical engineering design innovation and modern workshop infrastructure.

Job Overview

This well-resourced school boasts state-of-the-art workshop spaces traditional hand tools and cutting-edge digital fabrication machinery. The successful applicant will take full strategic oversight of the Design & Technology department driving curriculum design health and safety compliance and academic provision across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE / Vocational) with potential Key Stage 5 A-Level Product Design delivery.

Leading a dedicated team of DT specialists and workshop technicians you will foster an inclusive high-energy environment that promotes practical problem-solving CAD/CAM prototyping and technical design rigor. This is a full-time permanent leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership vision and curriculum mapping for Design & Technology across Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5

• Oversee all workshop health safety and equipment compliance in full accordance with DATA and CLEAPSS guidelines

• Line manage mentor and evaluate departmental teachers and technical support staff to ensure outstanding teaching standards

• Oversee the non-exam assessment (NEA) coursework moderation process for GCSE and Vocational Design courses

• Manage departmental budgets timber/metal/plastic stock inventories machinery servicing schedules and software licensing (e.g. Fusion 360 2D Design)

• Drive extracurricular STEM and design challenges including regional greenpower or robotics competitions

• Fulfill pastoral duties as a Form Tutor within the schools established care system

• Collaborate with Senior Leadership on school-wide vocational pathways and STEM integration

The School & Whats on Offer

• Modern forward-thinking secondary academy environment

• Competitive salary paid to scale on MPS/UPS plus generous TLR 2b / TLR 1a allowance

• Permanent full-time contract starting January

• Advanced workshop facilities 3D printing suites and laser cutting technology

• Convenient Swindon location with direct transport links across Wiltshire and Berkshire

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognized UK teaching credentials (PGCE / SCITT)

• Honors degree in Design & Technology Product Design Industrial Design or Engineering

• Valid certification for machine safety and secondary school workshop machinery operation (DATA / CLEAPSS)

• Demonstrated departmental leadership experience (e.g. 2i/c Key Stage Coordinator or existing Head of Department)

• Proven track record of outstanding GCSE and Vocational DT outcomes

How to Apply

Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this permanent Head of DT post in Swindon for a January start.