At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a passionate PE team while teaching up to GCSE and post-16.
- Company: High-performing secondary school in Essex with a focus on staff development and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Permanent role with TLR2B, excellent career progression, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Join a thriving school and make a real impact on students' physical education journey.
- Qualifications: Experienced PE teacher with leadership potential; ability to teach an additional subject is a plus.
- Other info: Supportive culture with a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a high-performing secondary school in Essex for an outstanding and ambitious Teacher of PE to take on the role of Head of Physical Education. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a successful and well-established PE department within a school that places a strong emphasis on staff development, student achievement, and wellbeing.
The role is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, with a TLR2B in recognition of departmental leadership responsibilities.
The successful candidate will:
- Teach PE up to GCSE and post-16
- Lead, inspire, and develop a committed and passionate PE team
- Drive excellence in both curricular and extracurricular PE
- Contribute positively to the wider life of the school
- Have the ability to teach an additional subject (desirable but not essential)
Why join this school?
- Outstanding outcomes: Consistently among the highest-achieving schools in Essex
- Supportive culture: Strong focus on staff wellbeing, professional growth, and collaboration
- Excellent location: Easily accessible from London and across Essex via major transport links
The school offers excellent career progression opportunities, supported by a comprehensive induction programme and high-quality, ongoing professional development overseen by senior leaders. This role would suit an experienced PE teacher ready to take the next step into leadership, or an existing Head of Department seeking a new challenge in a thriving school environment.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Closing date: Sunday 1st February 2026
Interviews: To be arranged as applications are received
Head of Physical Education (PE) in Essex employer: Empowering Learning
Contact Detail:
Empowering Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Physical Education (PE) in Essex
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to student achievement and staff wellbeing. We want to see that passion shine through!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led in PE or other subjects that demonstrate your ability to drive excellence.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Physical Education (PE) in Essex
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for PE: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Physical Education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and contributed to a positive PE culture in your previous roles.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As we're looking for a Head of PE, it's crucial to showcase any leadership experience you have. Talk about times you've led a team, driven initiatives, or improved student outcomes in your department.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Use keywords from the listing, like 'curricular and extracurricular PE', to demonstrate that you understand the role and its requirements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows your commitment to joining our fantastic school community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Empowering Learning
β¨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure youβre well-versed in the PE curriculum, especially at GCSE and post-16 levels. Be ready to discuss how you would drive excellence in both curricular and extracurricular activities, showcasing your passion for physical education.
β¨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team or contributed to a department's success in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop a committed PE team, as this role is all about leadership and collaboration.
β¨Emphasise Wellbeing and Development
Since the school places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and professional growth, be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to this culture. Share your ideas on fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff.
β¨Be Ready for the 'Additional Subject' Question
While teaching an additional subject isnβt essential, itβs a desirable trait. Think about any other subjects you could teach and how they might complement the PE department. This shows versatility and willingness to contribute more broadly.