Curriculum Lead for Computer Science at River Academy in Reading

Due to the growth of River Academy, we are looking to appoint a Curriculum Leader for Computer Science to start in September 2026. River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.

River Academy, part of Maiden Erleigh Trust, is seeking to appoint an ambitious and committed Curriculum Leader for Computer Science to provide strong subject leadership and drive high standards of teaching, learning and achievement. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced teacher or current middle leader to shape curriculum intent and implementation, lead a subject team, and contribute to whole-school and Trust-wide curriculum development.

The postholder will uphold and model the highest expectations for conduct, attendance, attitudes to learning and personal development. They will lead the year team, implement school and Trust policies robustly, and ensure that the year group benefits from a highly effective Personal Development (PD) programme, including assemblies and enrichment activities. They will work closely with colleagues across the school, the Trust and external agencies to safeguard students, remove barriers to learning and support smooth transitions between key stages.

In addition to the responsibilities of a classroom teacher, the Curriculum Leader for Computer Science will:

• Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of a high-quality Computer Science curriculum across all key stages
• Ensure consistently strong student outcomes, including for disadvantaged pupils, students with SEND and high prior attainers
• Line manage and support members of the Computer Science team, including coaching, professional development and appraisal
• Monitor teaching, learning and assessment to secure continuous improvement and high academic standards
• Write and deliver subject development plans aligned to the School Improvement Plan
• Manage the departmental budget and resources effectively
• Contribute to wider whole-school curriculum leadership and Trust collaboration

The postholder will also play a key role in promoting a positive, aspirational culture and ensuring compliance with safeguarding, equality, and health and safety requirements.

We are looking for a professional who:

• Holds QTS, a relevant honours degree and a recognised teaching qualification
• Has strong subject knowledge in Computer Science and a clear understanding of excellent pedagogy
• Can use data effectively to monitor progress and inform curriculum planning
• Has the ability to coach, mentor and lead colleagues
• Demonstrates strong behaviour management and organisational skills
• Is committed to continuous professional development and contributing to the wider life of the school

Leadership experience is desirable but not essential for the right candidate with the capacity and ambition to lead.

River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm, and systems are designed to reduce workload so teachers can focus on their teaching craft. Tutor time is carefully structured and includes reading, assemblies and settling activities to support learning throughout the day. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%. The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise. We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.