Head of Department - Physics in Reading

The Head of Department provides high-quality leadership for an allocated subject area, ensuring that teaching, learning and assessment are consistently strong and that students make exceptional progress. The role models the Trust’s values and expectations, setting a professional standard for colleagues and students and supporting a culture that is calm, aspirational and academically rigorous. The postholder will lead departmental improvement, manage resources effectively, ensure compliance with Trust and school policies, and work collaboratively with colleagues across the school and Trust. The role also supports a “no excuses” culture through effective behaviour expectations, consistent routines and a focus on literacy, numeracy and PSMSC within the curriculum.

Leadership and Management

• Lead the subject area in line with Trust values and behaviour expectations.
• Implement school and Trust policies relating to behaviour, homework, assessment and presentation.
• Work collaboratively with middle and senior leaders to support whole-school priorities.
• Manage departmental meetings, ensuring a focus on classroom practice, curriculum development and staff development.
• Lead and contribute to recruitment, induction and appraisal processes.
• Produce Subject Development Plans aligned with the School Improvement Plan.
• Monitor staff performance, academic standards and student wellbeing.
• Manage departmental resources efficiently and within budget.
• Coordinate and evaluate departmental events and enrichment activities.
• Communicate proactively with staff, students and parents.

Student Outcomes

• Ensure all students make strong progress from their starting points.
• Identify performance differences and implement timely interventions.
• Review attainment regularly and develop strategies to secure improvement.
• Work with senior leaders to ensure students are supported, challenged and monitored effectively.
• Promote high levels of pride, engagement and presentation in the subject.

Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment

• Ensure teaching across the department is consistently highly effective.
• Identify best practice and share it across the team.
• Address underperformance and support staff development.
• Lead the creation and development of schemes of work, assessments and lesson plans.
• Ensure homework is meaningful, stimulating and aligned with Trust expectations.
• Oversee adjustments to teaching in response to curriculum or specification changes.
• Ensure assessments are standardised and attainment data is accurate.
• Ensure students receive appropriate, actionable feedback.
• Supervise internal examinations and support examination administration.
• Provide enrichment and extra-curricular learning opportunities.

Behaviour, Attendance and Safety

• Ensure the department reflects the Trust’s calm, purposeful and aspirational ethos.
• Support colleagues to uphold strong behaviour and attendance expectations.
• Recognise student effort and progress through established reward systems.
• Ensure consistent use of Behaviour, Anti-Bullying and Equalities policies.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, Health and Safety, Data Protection and Equality requirements.
• Provide appropriate supervision during unsupervised times.

Professional Expertise

• Experienced and accomplished classroom practitioner able to lead a subject area.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment and subject leadership.
• Ability to implement Trust and school policies with consistency and integrity.
• Experience supporting staff development and monitoring teaching quality.
• Ability to interpret performance data and lead improvement strategies.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive professional relationships.
• Effective organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to motivate staff and students in line with the school’s values.
• Confident decision-making and a solution-focused approach.

Approach and Mindset

• Committed to the Trust ethos of high expectations and inclusivity.
• Positive, collaborative and reflective leadership style.
• Professional, resilient and able to model the highest standards.
• Dedicated to securing excellent outcomes and reducing performance differences for students.

Benefits

• Generous employer contributions to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Revalued Earnings schemes.
• Generous holiday entitlement that increases with length of service.
• One day of additional leave each year to attend a significant personal event.
• Comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to attend and deliver CPD.
• Annual all-staff Conference featuring workshops, networking and learning.
• Access to development opportunities via the Apprenticeship Levy and participation in professional networks.
• Hybrid Working: balanced blend of remote and on-site working arrangements for eligible roles.
• Perkbox: access to discounts and wellbeing resources, plus 25 Perk Points each month to exchange for goods and services.
• Wellbeing and Health: free flu vaccinations for all staff and free eye tests for eligible colleagues.
• Employee Assistance Programme: access to 24/7 support, discount vouchers and additional wellbeing services.
• Mental Health First Aid Support: access to trained Mental Health First Aiders across the Trust.
• Recognition and Community: regular celebration of achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging.
• Employee Referral Scheme: financial incentives for referring successful candidates to the Trust.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.