At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Food and Nutrition curriculum for students aged 8 to 16.
- Company: Join Downsend, an innovative independent school with a vision for the future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a thriving educational community.
- Why this job: Shape young minds and foster a passion for Food and Nutrition in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
About the School - Downsend: Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world. At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we never hold back. We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent School Inspectorate.
About the Role: As Lead Teacher of Food and Nutrition, you will lead and develop a thriving curriculum area, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment that promotes excellence in teaching and learning. Working closely with the Head of Art and Design Technology, you will deliver a stimulating and engaging Food and Nutrition curriculum across Years 3 to 11, ensuring pupils are challenged, make excellent progress, and develop a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. The role includes leading and supporting departmental colleagues, fostering a collaborative and ambitious team culture, delivering enrichment and scholarship opportunities, and contributing to the professional development of both specialist and non-specialist teachers. You will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the subject and maintaining the highest standards of pupil achievement and engagement. This is a permanent, full-time role with a start date of January 2027.
Who We Are Looking For: We are looking for an outstanding and dynamic teacher with strong leadership skills, a proven track record of success at GCSE level, and a passion for inspiring young people through Food and Nutrition. The successful candidate will be a good honours graduate with Qualified Teacher Status, who combines high expectations of pupil attainment, progress, and behaviour with the calmness, resilience, and efficiency to perform effectively in a busy school environment. They will be a confident communicator and ambassador for the School, capable of inspiring confidence in colleagues, pupils, and parents through excellent interpersonal, presentation, written, and ICT skills. Highly organised and professional, they will demonstrate a strong understanding of the independent education sector and its high expectations, together with an awareness of health and safety requirements within a practical teaching environment. Above all, they will be enthusiastic, personable, and committed to the importance of co-curricular opportunities in providing an exceptional educational experience, while making a positive contribution to the wider life of the School.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date: 23:59 BST (UTC+1), Sunday 9th August 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Lead Teacher of Food and Nutrition in Leatherhead employer: Cognita
At Glenesk Pre-Prep and Nursery School, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where both children and staff can thrive. As part of the Cognita family, you will benefit from competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work culture that values your contributions. With unique perks such as free lunches during term time and school fee discounts, joining our team means being part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in early childhood education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Teacher of Food and Nutrition in Leatherhead
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Cognita.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Cognita!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Cognita, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Cognita, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Teacher of Food and Nutrition in Leatherhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Cognita, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Cognita.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Cognita. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Cognita. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Cognita’s mission.
