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- Tasks: Lead the development of an inclusive Food Technology curriculum and ensure high-quality teaching.
- Company: Maiden Erlegh School, a supportive environment focused on student success.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension scheme, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a vibrant school community dedicated to inclusion and student wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher with strong Food Technology knowledge and leadership potential.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 51048 £ per year.
Location: 81 Crescent Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5SL
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full‑Time
Salary: £32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (Actual) MPR/UPR based on experience, plus a TLR 2b allowance
Closing Date: Midnight, Fri 15th May, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
About This Role
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, curriculum design and implementation, ensuring high standards of teaching and assessment, and driving improvement through effective monitoring, evaluation and intervention.
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
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
- 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
Equal Opportunities
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 at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
Contact Detail:
Maiden Erlegh Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food Technology at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Maiden Erlegh School. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Food Technology.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can showcase your leadership skills. We want to hear about your past successes in curriculum development and how you've improved student outcomes. Bring those stories to life!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to demonstrate your commitment to inclusion! Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported disadvantaged students or those with SEND in your previous roles. This is key for the role at Maiden Erlegh.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, 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 at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Head of Food Technology role. We want to see how you can lead and innovate in the curriculum, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your past experiences in managing teams and driving improvements. Share specific examples of how you've coached colleagues or enhanced student outcomes in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Food Technology curriculum. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in teaching this subject. Be ready to discuss how you would implement an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that caters to all students.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your leadership experience, especially in curriculum development or team management. Think about how you’ve coached colleagues or improved student outcomes in the past, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you use assessment and data to inform your planning and interventions. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to monitor student progress and implement effective strategies for improvement.
✨Engagement and Inclusion Focus
Highlight your commitment to inclusion and supporting all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with SEND. Think of ways you can promote high standards of behaviour and engagement in your classroom, and be ready to discuss these strategies.