At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the PE department, shaping its direction and ethos.
- Company: Established secondary school in Southend-on-Sea with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and shaping the future of PE.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' physical wellbeing and sports participation.
- Qualifications: QTS with a degree in Physical Education and proven classroom excellence.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
An established secondary school in Southend-on-Sea is seeking an inspirational Head of PE to lead its successful and ambitious Physical Education department from January 2026. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, committed and experienced PE teacher or existing Head of Department with a proven track record of raising standards and inspiring participation in sport and physical activity. This is a key leadership post, offering a real opportunity to shape the direction and ethos of the PE department and make a lasting impact on the school community.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Physical Education department, ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning.
- Develop and deliver an engaging PE curriculum across KS3–KS5.
- Promote sport and physical wellbeing through extra-curricular programmes, competitions, and enrichment activities.
- Provide strategic direction for the department and contribute to whole-school improvement.
- Line manage and mentor departmental staff, supporting professional growth and performance.
- Ensure high levels of student engagement, behaviour, and progress.
Person Specification
- QTS with a relevant degree in Physical Education or a related subject.
- Proven classroom excellence with a track record of raising attainment.
- Experience of departmental leadership or clear leadership potential (e.g., 2iC, curriculum lead).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational abilities and a passion for driving improvement.
- Commitment to inclusive, high-quality PE provision for all learners.
What’s on Offer
- A permanent, full-time leadership role in a well-respected South Essex school.
- Competitive salary package (MPS/UPS + TLR).
- A supportive leadership team and strong focus on professional development.
- Opportunity to shape the future of the PE department and lead whole-school sport strategy.
- Access to high-quality CPD and progression pathways.
How to Apply
To apply or find out more about this opportunity, please send your CV to admin@localeducation.co.uk or call 01268 206500 for a confidential discussion.
Head of PE in Leigh-on-Sea employer: Local Education
Join a supportive secondary school in Rayleigh, where your role as a Student Support Supervisor will allow you to make a meaningful impact on students' lives every day. With a focus on fostering a positive and safe learning environment, the school offers a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to staff well-being. Enjoy a rewarding career in education with a dedicated team that values your contributions and encourages personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PE in Leigh-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who are already in leadership roles. They might have insider info on openings or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for PE! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for the department and how you plan to inspire students. Make it clear that you're not just looking for a job, but a chance to make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s current PE programme. Think about how you can enhance it and be ready to discuss your ideas. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PE in Leigh-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of PE role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements in raising standards in PE, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our ambitious department.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about physical education and how you plan to inspire students. Be sure to mention any innovative ideas you have for the PE curriculum or extracurricular activities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, we want to see examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve mentored staff or led initiatives that improved student engagement and performance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the PE curriculum for KS3–KS5. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and deliver engaging lessons that inspire students. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully raised standards or increased participation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of PE, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare to talk about your experience in managing a team, mentoring staff, and driving improvement within a department. Have examples ready that highlight your strategic direction and how you've contributed to whole-school initiatives.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you can promote student engagement and behaviour in your PE classes. Be prepared to share strategies you've used to keep students motivated and involved, both in lessons and through extra-curricular activities. This will show your commitment to high-quality PE provision for all learners.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, be sure to listen actively and engage with the panel, showing your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with others.
