At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Food Technology curriculum and inspire students to achieve their best.
- Company: Join Maiden Erlegh School, a supportive and innovative educational environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values inclusion and celebrates achievements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with strong Food Technology knowledge and leadership potential.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is seeking a committed and knowledgeable Head of Food to lead the strategic development of Food Technology within the school. This is a key leadership role focused on delivering an ambitious, inclusive and well‑sequenced curriculum that enables all students to achieve strong outcomes and develop secure subject knowledge. The role combines high‑quality classroom practice with subject leadership. The postholder will lead curriculum design and implementation, ensure high standards of teaching and assessment, and drive improvement through effective monitoring, evaluation and intervention. There is a strong emphasis on supporting all learners, including those that are not yet fluent readers, and ensuring equity of access and achievement across all student groups. You will lead, develop and line manage the Food Technology team, building a culture of high expectations, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will also contribute to wider school and Trust priorities, working closely with senior leaders and colleagues across Maiden Erlegh Trust to share best practice and strengthen curriculum provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of an ambitious and inclusive Food Technology curriculum
- Ensure consistently high‑quality teaching, learning and assessment across the department
- Monitor student progress and implement timely, effective interventions to secure strong outcomes
- Line manage, coach and develop colleagues within the subject team
- Oversee curriculum planning, schemes of work and enrichment opportunities
- Ensure robust assessment systems, including standardisation and accurate reporting
- Promote high standards of behaviour, engagement and student wellbeing
- Support disadvantaged students, those with SEND and other priority groups to achieve their potential
- Contribute to whole school and Trust curriculum development and improvement priorities
- Manage the departmental budget effectively and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements
The Ideal Candidate
- Be a qualified teacher with strong subject knowledge in Food Technology
- Have experience of curriculum leadership or the capacity to step into a leadership role
- Demonstrate a track record of high‑quality teaching and improving student outcomes
- Be skilled in using assessment and data to inform planning and intervention
- Have strong leadership, organisational and communication skills
- Be committed to inclusion, high expectations and supporting all students to succeed
- Be able to coach and develop colleagues effectively
- Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and Trust
Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust
- Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
- Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service
- ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event
- Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
- Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles
- Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
- Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes
- Mental Health First Aid Support
- Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET
- Employee Referral Scheme
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Head of Food Technology in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh School in Reading
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. As the Head of Food Technology, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, drive curriculum innovation, and make a meaningful impact on student outcomes while enjoying generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, extensive CPD opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
Contact Details:
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food Technology in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know Maiden Erlegh School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the school culture. Tailor your answers to reflect their commitment to inclusion and high standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teaching demonstration! If you're asked to showcase your classroom skills, make it engaging and relevant to the Food Technology curriculum. We want to see your passion and how you can inspire students.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food Technology in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Technology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Food Technology shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged students in the subject and any innovative teaching methods you've used. We want to see your commitment to making Food Technology exciting and accessible for all learners.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:This role is all about leadership, so make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have. Talk about times you've led a team, developed a curriculum, or implemented changes that improved student outcomes. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support their colleagues!
Be Data-Driven:Mention how you've used assessment and data to inform your teaching and interventions. We love candidates who can demonstrate a clear understanding of how to monitor progress and adapt strategies to ensure all students succeed. Show us your analytical side!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use keywords from the posting and align your experiences with the responsibilities outlined. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role. Don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh School in Reading
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Food Technology curriculum and can discuss how you would develop and implement it. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve improved student outcomes through innovative teaching methods.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in leading a team or department. Highlight how you've coached colleagues, fostered collaboration, and maintained high expectations. Think of concrete examples where your leadership made a difference.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Support
Be prepared to discuss strategies for supporting all learners, especially those with SEND or who are disadvantaged. Share your thoughts on creating an inclusive environment and how you would ensure equity of access for every student.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Demonstrate your ability to use assessment data effectively. Talk about how you’ve monitored student progress in the past and implemented interventions that led to improvement. This shows you’re not just about teaching but also about achieving results.
