Director of Learning - Technology / Textiles / Engineering
Director of Learning - Technology / Textiles / Engineering

Director of Learning - Technology / Textiles / Engineering

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Aldridge Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in Technology, Textiles, and Engineering to inspire innovation and creativity.
  • Company: Join Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, a community-focused school with a strong ethos.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and exclusive discounts through our benefits scheme.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a real impact on students' lives.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in education with a passion for technology and hands-on learning.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values diversity and continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK

Salary: MPS / UPS + TLR2B

Contract Type: Permanent

Education Phases: Secondary

Job Roles: Head Of Department or Curriculum

Working Patterns: Full-Time

Application Deadline: Sunday, 19th April 2026

About Us

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) has a capacity of 1200 in the lower school and also has a developing sixth form provision. The sixth form has enjoyed strong progress in both academic and applied courses and has destinations data that shows NEETs significantly lower than the national picture. All Aldridge schools place enterprise and an entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of their ethos. In addition, DACA has a strong record of promoting cultural capital through its Technology and Creative Arts departments, where competition, visits and visitors are a regular part of student experience and support the development of cultural capital. DACA is very much a community school with a truly comprehensive intake. Sitting above the national average, 33% of its cohort are designated as being in the pupil premium category and DACA works hard to support all students to achieve strong engagement and strong outcomes. With a strong focus on our four key improvement levers around culture, coaching, curriculum and data-informed instruction, the DACA team are building towards a consistent provision that supports great progress for all students.

About The Role

Lead Innovation. Shape the Future. Inspire the Next Generation.

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for cutting-edge technology, creative design, and hands-on engineering? We are seeking a bold and dynamic Director of Technology, Textiles and Engineering to drive excellence, spark innovation, and transform learning experiences. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to redefine how technology and creativity intersect while leading a thriving department at the forefront of digital innovation, sustainable design, and engineering excellence.

In this role, you will inspire and lead a high-performing team across Technology, Textiles, and Engineering, shape a forward-thinking curriculum that blends digital skills, design thinking, practical innovation, and champion emerging technologies. You will also drive student achievement, foster a culture of creativity and problem-solving, and build strong partnerships with industry to ensure learning remains relevant and future focused.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Proven leadership experience in Technology, Engineering, or Design education.
  • A passion for innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning.
  • Strong strategic vision with the ability to deliver results.
  • Confidence in leading change and inspiring both staff and students.
  • A commitment to excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Benefits

Join the Aldridge Education Family! Here’s why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:

  • Aldridge Benefits Scheme - Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
  • Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
  • Employee Assistance Programme - Your wellbeing matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
  • Flexible Working Opportunities - Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
  • Free On-Site Parking - No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
  • Generous Annual Leave - Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years!
  • Pension Schemes - Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • Refer a Friend Scheme - Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!

When you click apply you will be taken to our careers page where you can complete your application.

Director of Learning - Technology / Textiles / Engineering employer: Aldridge Education

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, prioritising innovation and creativity in education. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, DACA offers generous benefits such as flexible working opportunities, a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, and a robust pension scheme, all while being deeply embedded in the Blackburn with Darwen community. Join us to inspire the next generation and lead a dynamic team dedicated to transforming learning experiences in Technology, Textiles, and Engineering.
Aldridge Education

Contact Detail:

Aldridge Education Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Learning - Technology / Textiles / Engineering

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector, especially those involved in technology and engineering. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for innovation and hands-on learning. Share examples of how you've inspired students or led successful projects in the past – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around creativity and technology. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s get the conversation started!

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Learning - Technology / Textiles / Engineering

Leadership Experience
Innovation
Creativity
Hands-on Learning
Strategic Vision
Change Management
Inspiring Others
Commitment to Excellence
Inclusion
Continuous Improvement
Curriculum Development
Partnership Building
Digital Skills
Design Thinking
Practical Innovation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for technology, textiles, and engineering shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our vision at DACA, so don’t hold back!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and achievements that relate directly to the role. We’re looking for proven leadership in education, so showcase those skills clearly.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be bold, be creative, and connect your experiences to the innovative spirit we value at DACA.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Aldridge Education

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in the fields of Technology, Textiles, and Engineering. Brush up on innovative teaching methods and be ready to discuss how you can integrate these into the curriculum.

✨Show Your Vision

Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for the department. Think about how you would drive innovation and inspire both staff and students. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led change in previous roles.

✨Engage with the Community

DACA values community engagement, so come prepared to discuss how you would build partnerships with local industries. Think about ways to make learning relevant and future-focused through these collaborations.

✨Emphasise Inclusion and Improvement

Highlight your commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss strategies for supporting diverse learners and ensuring that all students achieve strong outcomes, especially those from underrepresented demographics.

Director of Learning - Technology / Textiles / Engineering
Aldridge Education

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