At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Product Design curriculum, ensuring high-quality teaching and student satisfaction.
- Company: Bitterne Park School, a vibrant community school with modern facilities.
- Benefits: Free gym access, healthcare cash plan, and various discount schemes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aspiring designers in a creative and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and a degree in Product Design or related field.
The predicted salary is between 33874 - 41402 £ per year.
Start Date: January 2027
Contract: Full Time/ Permanent
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR
Are you a passionate and inspiring Product Design specialist, looking for an exciting leadership opportunity? As our curriculum leader for Product Design, you will lead the area effectively in all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring high levels of quality and student satisfaction, excellent outcomes and strong progression.
About Our School
Bitterne Park School is an 11-19 mixed, community school and Sixth Form set in eighteen acres of grounds overlooking the River Itchen and Riverside Park. In September 2017, the school moved into its new building, which has allowed us to fully embrace the ethos and values that the school has been striving for. The bright and modern learning environment is centred around an atrium, which is at the heart of the school. Each of the classrooms is bright and spacious with fully interactive touch screen projection and improved IT. We are particularly proud of our Performing Arts facilities, including drama studios, practice rooms, music rooms, and a dance studio, as well as high specification theatre, dance studio, and music facilities in the Sixth Form building. The school also has a multi-sports hall, tennis courts, netball courts, basketball courts, and an outdoor table tennis area, along with a full size, all weather, 3G pitch. Bitterne Park School plays a key role in the local community with many local groups using our facilities.
About the Product Design Department
The Product Design Department at Bitterne Park School is part of a wider DT and Art Faculty with individual Heads of Department supported by a Head of Faculty. Product Design is run at KS3 and KS4, fostering a culture of high-quality work with students achieving well at GCSE. Product Design empowers students with vital communication and technical skills needed to succeed in their chosen pathways and future careers. We provide the tools, time, and creative space for students to independently investigate broad, topical themes with tailored support to meet every learner's needs. By analysing the historical context of a diverse range of designers, artists, cultures, and eras, our students learn to blend critical research with imaginative execution to develop their own unique design work. Students engage with practical applications from Year 7 to Year 11, developing creative ideas and securing practical hand tool skills with machine tool experiences in a range of core materials and processes. In Years 7/8, we have a rotation with Food and Textiles, and in Year 9, students opt into this subject, with many moving on to GCSE Product Design. We have a good crossover of PCs, desks, and practical benches for students to work across theory and practical. The department has a dedicated DT technician and prep room, and within the main DT rooms, there are vacuum formers, 2 large laser cutters, and 2 3D printers along with a great range of excellent colleagues.
The Role
The Head of Product Design will:
- Oversee the production of ambitious, inspiring, and stimulating teaching and learning materials across courses in the curriculum area.
- Ensure that all subject-related documentation such as schemes of work, assessment plans, assessments, and mock examinations are high quality, fit for purpose, and regularly updated.
- Lead and promote inspirational and innovative teaching, learning, and assessment across the curriculum.
- Support and mentor colleagues where appropriate.
- Promote enrichment opportunities, exhibitions, and creative projects.
Closing Date: 12th October 2026 – noon
Proposed Interview Date: TBA
Bitterne Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is therefore subject to an Enhanced DBS and requires a children’s barred list check.
Requirements
The Successful Candidate will Have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Essential.
- A degree or relevant qualification in Product Design or a related field.
- The ability to analyse data to inform decision making and drive improvement in outcomes.
- A commitment to innovation, development, and continuous improvement.
- Strong organisational and leadership skills.
- A creative and collaborative approach to problem solving.
Benefits
- Free on-site gym with free personal training sessions.
- Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- On-site: hairdressing, car servicing, MOT, and valeting services.
- Healthcare Cash Plan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Discount Schemes.
Head of Product Design in Southampton employer: Bitterne Park School
Join a vibrant educational institution that prioritises creativity and innovation in teaching. As the Head of Photography, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters professional development and career progression, alongside well-equipped facilities to inspire both staff and students. With a commitment to staff wellbeing and unique perks like private healthcare options and an on-site gym, this role offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners.
