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- Tasks: Lead the Post Primary Department, ensuring high teaching standards and inclusive practices.
- Company: Join a key state sector secondary school in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive leadership team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping educational strategies.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with 5 years post-primary experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Embrace an inclusive environment and contribute to a positive school culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Education Authority seeks an experienced Head of Post Primary Department to join the Senior Leadership Team at a key state sector secondary school. The successful candidate will lead curriculum, staff development, and departmental quality assurance while championing inclusive practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Post Primary Department, ensuring alignment with the school curriculum and national standards.
- Develop and monitor departmental teaching standards, providing feedback through observations, planning reviews, and data analysis.
- Co‑ordinate transition processes for pupils preparing to leave school, working closely with the Principal and Designated Teacher.
- Represent the Department at Leadership Team meetings, contributing to school strategy, policy development, and the School Development Plan.
- Promote a positive, inclusive learning environment, supporting staff collaboration, behaviour management, and pastoral care.
- Manage departmental resources, including budgeting, procurement and assessment coordination.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified teacher recognised by the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.
- Minimum 5 years post‑primary teaching experience, including 1 year with pupils with SEN.
- Demonstrable experience coordinating whole‑school areas and data‑driven improvement.
- Strong knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding policy.
- Excellent communication, collaborative leadership and a commitment to inclusive practice.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience coordinating qualification pathways and career transition for pupils with SEN.
- Additional leadership development or qualifications (e.g. Leadership Education).
- Knowledge of careers education and relevant transition pathways.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Head of Post Primary Dept in Newtownabbey employer: Education Authority Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Education Authority Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Post Primary Dept in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know about openings in leadership roles. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to inclusive practice and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with data-driven improvement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used data to enhance teaching standards or support pupils with SEN. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Post Primary Dept in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how you can lead the Post Primary Department and contribute to our inclusive learning environment.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your teaching experience, especially your work with pupils with SEN. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to coordinate and improve teaching standards, so give us the details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority Northern Ireland
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Northern Ireland Curriculum and how it aligns with the school’s goals. Brush up on the SEND Code of Practice too, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of inclusive practices during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, especially those involving staff development and departmental quality assurance. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and improved teaching standards through data analysis and feedback.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle various situations, such as managing behaviour or coordinating transitions for pupils with SEN. Think through your responses ahead of time, using real-life examples to illustrate your approach.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Research the school’s ethos and current initiatives. During the interview, express how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their School Development Plan. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the school culture.
