At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Physical Education department, delivering engaging lessons and fostering student success.
- Company: Heckmondwike Grammar School, a vibrant learning community with high academic standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension plan, free parking, and access to school gym facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant discipline and recognised teaching qualification required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to student progress and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location: Heckmondwike Grammar School, High Street, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, WF16 0AH
Organisation: Heckmondwike Grammar School
Position: Subject Leader, Physical Education
Contract: Permanent, 1.0 FTE from September 2026
Salary: Commensurate with skills and experience plus TLR 2c (£8,611)
Benefits:
- Pension Plan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free On‑Site Parking
- Use of School Gym Facility
Genuine Occupational Requirement: Male
Closing Date: 13 March 2026, 9:00 AM
Department Overview: Physical Education is a thriving and successful curriculum area within the school. The Physical Education Department consists of three full‑time and two part‑time specialist teachers, plus a member of the Senior Leadership Team who teaches within the department, all operating under the direction of the Subject Leader. We aim to be reflective practitioners, delivering lessons that are varied and engaging, with high standards of teaching and learning. The department makes use of excellent indoor and outdoor facilities including a sports hall, a dedicated table‑tennis activity space, a fully functional, state‑of‑the‑art fitness gym with a mezzanine level, and plans to further develop this area to support wellbeing‑based physical activity and exercise. The school site includes a full‑size MUGA astro‑turf pitch used for hockey, football, netball and hard‑court areas for netball and tennis. Currently, the tennis courts are undergoing redevelopment and will include a covered area. A short distance from the school is a substantial collection of playing fields with three football pitches, one rugby pitch, a training area, a 400 m track and marked throwing areas used during the summer term. In addition, the department is well‑resourced with equipment for a range of activities, and the school has excellent ICT resources, including interactive whiteboards in every classroom.
In Key Stage 3, pupils follow a customised curriculum organised over a two‑week timetable covering the national requirements for Physical Education. In Years 7 and 8, pupils receive two hours of lesson a week taught in single‑gender and mixed‑ability groups covering a wide range of activities. In Key Stage 4, all students receive three hours over two weeks and can also take GCSE Physical Education following the AQA GCSE full course specification. In the Sixth Form, the department offers A‑Level Physical Education following the OCR specification. Results at both GCSE and A‑Level are excellent. The department also runs an extensive programme of extra‑curricular activities, fixtures and trips during the school year. School teams and individual performers achieve regular success at district, county and national level, as well as internal house competitions in major sports. Annual house athletics sports day and swimming gala are part of the calendar. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is very popular, with Year 10 students completing the Bronze Award and Sixth Form students undertaking the Silver and Gold Awards. We take great pride in providing a first‑class education and instilling a love of learning.
You Will Need To:
- Believe in our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Excellence and follow our school ethos embedded in our motto of ‘Nil Sine Labore’ – Nothing Without Work.
- Be a reflective practitioner wanting to develop and hone your craft to the highest level.
- Be an inspirational teacher who builds excellent relationships and motivates students.
Responsibilities: Specific responsibilities are outlined in a detailed job description. In addition to this, Teachers at Heckmondwike Grammar School are expected to be effective and reflective professionals who challenge and support all pupils to achieve their best. They should:
- Inspire confidence, build team commitment, and engage and motivate students.
- Think analytically about their work and take positive action to improve the quality of pupils’ learning.
- Encourage high standards of academic and personal achievement.
- Act as positive role models for students.
- Contribute actively to the policies and aspirations of the school and the PE department.
What We Offer:
- Motivated, ambitious students who are eager to learn and succeed.
- A supportive and creative team dedicated to student progress.
- Well‑equipped, specialist classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.
- A learning‑centred school where best practice is a priority.
- Comprehensive CPD opportunities to support professional development and career progression.
- A vibrant, collaborative community of like‑minded professionals.
What You Will Bring To The Role:
- A degree in a relevant discipline and a recognised teaching qualification.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of the 11‑18 curriculum and educational best practices.
- Detailed knowledge of pedagogical practice in relation to teaching and learning.
- Skilled classroom practitioner.
- Highly effective communication skills.
- Ability to lead, manage and inspire colleagues.
- Ability to form good working relationships and influence others.
- Capacity to evaluate and improve.
- A strong classroom presence with the ability to inspire and motivate students from KS3 to KS5.
- High level of skill in dealing with issues relating to student behaviour.
- Ability to analyse performance data.
- Effective ICT skills and an understanding of how technology can enhance teaching and learning.
- A willingness to contribute to extracurricular activities and the wider school community.
- Confidence in contributing to curriculum development, including schemes of work and teaching materials.
- Passionate belief in the ability of every student to achieve.
- A clear educational vision and sense of direction.
- Good organisational skills and high levels of self‑motivation.
- Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
- Energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for PE.
- A suitability to work with children, with a commitment to safeguarding and student well‑being.
Why Should You Apply? Heckmondwike Grammar School is a unique learning environment, home to students who are eager to learn, ambitious in their aspirations, and keen to make the most of their educational experience.
We Take Pride In:
- Our diverse school community, which consistently achieves exceptional results.
- A school culture that supports students’ academic success and personal development.
- Strong relationships between staff and students, creating a positive learning environment.
- High expectations, which drive students to excel.
We Also Offer:
- A competitive salary.
- Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- A range of well‑being benefits.
Applications: Completed applications should be sent by email to: . Further information about the school is available on the school website.
Safeguarding Statement: Heckmondwike Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Subject Leader – PE (Male) - Heckmondwike Grammar School employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Leader – PE (Male) - Heckmondwike Grammar School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Heckmondwike Grammar School. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Make sure you can articulate how your teaching style aligns with their commitment to respect, responsibility, and excellence. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your passion for PE to the forefront! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past. Whether it’s through innovative lesson plans or extracurricular activities, let your enthusiasm shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Leader – PE (Male) - Heckmondwike Grammar School
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at Heckmondwike Grammar School.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of our school. Highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with our commitment to Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence, and don’t forget to mention your experience with diverse learning environments!
Be Reflective and Analytical: We love candidates who can think critically about their teaching practices. In your application, discuss how you've evaluated your own performance and what steps you've taken to improve student outcomes. This shows us you're a reflective practitioner!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school community there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the 11-18 curriculum and the specific requirements for Physical Education. Familiarise yourself with the AQA GCSE and OCR A-Level specifications, as well as any recent changes in educational practices that could impact your teaching.
✨Showcase Your Passion for PE
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for Physical Education shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your love for the subject and how it translates into your teaching style. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to inspiring students.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about how you handle student behaviour and create a positive learning environment. Have specific examples ready that showcase your strategies for managing classroom dynamics and promoting respect and responsibility among students.
✨Engage with Extracurricular Activities
Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the school’s extracurricular programme. Highlight any previous experience you have in coaching, leading sports teams, or organising events, as this shows your willingness to go above and beyond in supporting student development.