At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the PE Department to achieve excellence in Physical Education.
- Company: Waterside Academy, part of Community Schools Trust, dedicated to diverse student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a community-focused school with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and help them thrive beyond school.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for Physical Education.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 € per year.
Location: 317-319 Kingsland Road, London, Greater London, E8 4DL
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full-Time
Salary: Main Pay Scale + TLR 2b
Closing Date: 9:00am, Wed 20th May, 2026
Positions Available: 1
About This Role
Are you a visionary leader ready to redefine what excellence looks like in Physical Education? We are seeking an inspiring and high-achieving Head of Department to lead our PE faculty into its next chapter of success. The primary focus of this role is to provide strong leadership and effective management of the PE Department, ensuring that both students and staff are supported to reach their full potential. You will be responsible for maintaining an outstanding standard of education by setting clear, demanding targets and providing the necessary support to achieve them.
We are looking for a leader who will consistently challenge staff and students to exceed their own expectations and push beyond their perceived limits. Waterside Academy is part of Community Schools Trust. We serve a wonderfully diverse community, many of whom face challenges through no fault of their own. It is for this reason we want to level the playing field for all of our students, regardless of their background, by providing a world class education.
We care about outcomes. We know good grades lift life chances and impact health, wealth and even mortality. We know that teachers have the greatest impact on pupil outcomes and so we take professional development seriously, whatever our role in the school. Whether we have taught for two months, two years or twenty years, we believe in our capacity to always improve in the classroom. Our professional development provision is fundamental to our commitment to improve. We invest in our own and each others’ development and use principles of instructional coaching to provide feedback to each other. Our training involves deliberate practice, video models of excellent practice and lots of fun! The desire to improve a little bit every day permeates the culture in our school.
Our approach to teaching is evidence informed. We avoid ‘discovery learning’ methods and instead, we teach explicitly. Our teachers are experts in the classroom and lead from the front. We focus on perfecting routines for behaviour, like entry into lessons and transitions between tasks so that we can maximise time spent on learning. We have excellent behaviour systems which mean teachers can focus on what we love doing most - teaching!
As well as excellent outcomes, we want our students to be well rounded individuals who will thrive beyond school years; that’s why we deliberately teach prosocial behaviours like making eye contact when greeted, listening attentively and showing gratitude. We know these skills will set all of our students up for life, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. When students fall behind, our teachers run interventions outside of their lessons. We provide an extra session after school for all year 11 students so their families don't have to worry about paying for a tutor.
Teachers work hard here. Our students deserve nothing less and we expect the highest of standards from them because we know they are capable of achieving them. But we invest in working smart too: we have a 3 week Christmas holiday, no retrospective book marking, no student report writing and a 4 and half day week. We recognise talent and impact. There are lots of opportunities for promotions within the school and Community Schools Trust.
Our staff body at all levels is a true reflection of the makeup of the community we serve - we are proud of this and welcome anyone who will add value to our wonderful school community. The Community Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with Safer Recruitment guidelines, all appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Waterside Academy would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section:
- Why do you want to work for Community Schools Trust? (Show us you have researched our values and approaches. Maximum 300 words)
- What impact have you had in your career so far? (Use data, where possible, to evidence your impact. Maximum 300 words)
Head of Department - PE at Waterside Academy employer: Haggerston School
Waterside Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional development of its staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Located in the vibrant community of London, we offer a supportive environment where educators can thrive, with ample opportunities for career advancement within the Community Schools Trust. Our commitment to inclusivity and excellence ensures that every team member can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our diverse student body while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department - PE at Waterside Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Waterside Academy through LinkedIn or social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your interview. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's values and teaching methods. Show us you understand our commitment to professional development and how you can contribute to our culture of improvement. Bring examples from your own experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on our radar as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - PE at Waterside Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Do Your Homework:Before you start writing, take a good look at our values and approaches. We want to see that you've done your research on Community Schools Trust and understand what makes us tick. This will help you tailor your application and show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Impactful:When discussing your career impact, don’t just tell us what you’ve done—show us! Use data and specific examples to back up your achievements. We love numbers that demonstrate how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully:Make sure to address the specific questions in the personal statement section. We’re looking for genuine insights into your motivations and experiences, so take your time to craft thoughtful responses that reflect your passion for education and leadership.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haggerston School
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, think about your vision for the PE department. Be ready to discuss how you would redefine excellence in Physical Education and support both students and staff to reach their full potential.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Prepare to share specific examples of your past achievements in education. Use data to back up your claims, demonstrating how you've positively impacted student outcomes and contributed to a culture of improvement.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Community Schools Trust and understand their values and approaches. Be prepared to explain why you want to work there and how your philosophy aligns with their commitment to providing a world-class education for all students.
✨Engage in Evidence-Informed Practices
Familiarise yourself with evidence-informed teaching methods. Be ready to discuss how you would implement explicit teaching strategies and perfect routines to maximise learning time, as this is crucial for the role.
