At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the PE department, inspire students, and implement innovative teaching strategies.
- Company: Outwood Academy Hemsworth, part of Outwood Grange Academies Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, manageable workload, and well-being support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) required.
- Other info: Join a supportive academy focused on continuous improvement and student success.
The predicted salary is between 51773 - 57137 £ per year.
Role: Head of PE
Academy: Outwood Academy Hemsworth
Start Date: 01/04/2026
Salary (Actual Salary): £51,773 - £57,137
Working Pattern: Full Time
Are you a visionary educator ready to lead a subject department, providing clear, cohesive direction and inspiring high achievement? Join us as a Head of Department, where you will communicate a clear purpose and vision, motivate colleagues, and implement whole‐Academy initiatives to ensure your department meets ambitious academic targets. This role is designed for someone who models the Academy's values, promotes innovative teaching strategies, and is dedicated to securing continuous improvement and quality outcomes for all students.
Welcome From The Principal
We are an 11-18 academy, based in the Historic Market Town of Hemsworth near the Cathedral City of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, with a curriculum designed to stretch and enrich our students' experience. Our relentless focus on learning ensures everyone has the right to learn. Part of the Outwood Family since 2018, we are a welcoming and supportive academy, with a relentless determination to provide the very best education for every child. With a holistic view of education, we aim to create a safe and secure learning community that encourages healthy and sustainable lifestyles and empowers students to pursue career pathways they will find stimulating and deeply rewarding. We are proud to have been awarded Gold Status by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health Award.
As we continue to improve and progress, help to take us to the next level. We work hard to ensure we reduce workload on staff, allowing more time in the classroom to put our vision of students first, raising standards and transforming lives into practice.
About The Department
PE is a core subject taught throughout key stages 3 and 4, with a broad range of activities delivered across multiple facilities, which include a sports hall, gym, fitness suite, astro‐turf and multiple playing fields. Many of our students take part in extra‐curricular PE, with many representing the academy in sporting competitions across Wakefield. PE is also offered at examination level at KS4 for those students wishing to extend their knowledge further. The current qualification offered is the Cambridge National Sports Studies Level 1/2 with groups of learners in Years 10 and 11. The successful candidate would be expected to drive educational outcomes for students on our vocational pathway, whilst striving to increase the uptake of KS4 sports courses.
If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact recruitment at recruitment@hemsworth.outwood.com
Responsibilities
The Head of Department is responsible for communicating a clear purpose and vision while providing cohesive leadership and direction to the Department/Faculty. This leader models the Academy's values, promotes high standards through effective teaching, and is accountable for implementing the Department Development Plan/Self‐Evaluation Form (SEF) to secure continuous improvement. They develop and sustain DEEP LEADERSHIP through line management of staff, overseeing department resources and budget, reviewing syllabuses, and conducting Performance Management Reviews.
Qualifications
Essential qualifications required are a Degree in the relevant subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Candidates must demonstrate a good understanding of their subject's secondary curriculum (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5), knowledge of current departmental issues, and understanding of school improvement and Ofsted inspection programmes. Essential experience includes leading or supporting the leadership of a department, successful teaching across all key stages, and evidence of managing/leading a new initiative. Required skills encompass being an outstanding classroom practitioner with a clear vision, possessing outstanding relationships with students and staff, and the ability to analyze data to develop rapid improvement intervention strategies.
About Us
Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).
What will we do for you?
- Competitive Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
- Professional Growth: Access extensive CPD, progression to Masters level, and development via the Outwood Institute of Education and National Institute of Teaching.
- Workload & Support: Committed to a manageable workload via our Workload Charter and guarantee a minimum of two hours of CPD each week.
- Wellbeing & Flexibility: Enhanced occupational leave, flexible family policies, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
Take the next step in your professional journey and apply now to access these exceptional development and system‐wide impact opportunities. Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.
Head of PE in Pontefract employer: Outwood Grange Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Outwood Grange Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PE in Pontefract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Outwood Academy Hemsworth. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the academy's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, and be ready to discuss innovative teaching strategies that could elevate the PE department.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a Head of Department, you'll need to inspire others. Think about how you can communicate your vision clearly and motivate your future colleagues during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of transforming lives through education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PE in Pontefract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for PE: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Physical Education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and led successful initiatives in the past. We want to see your vision for the department!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of Outwood Academy Hemsworth. Highlight your understanding of the curriculum and how you plan to drive educational outcomes. We love seeing candidates who align with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Outwood Academy Hemsworth!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outwood Grange Academies Trust
✨Know Your Vision
As a Head of PE, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the department. Think about how you can inspire both students and staff. Prepare specific examples of how you've led initiatives in the past that align with the academy's values and goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading a department or team. Highlight any successful projects you've managed, focusing on how you motivated colleagues and improved student outcomes. Use data to back up your claims!
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the current PE curriculum and any recent changes in educational standards. Be prepared to discuss innovative teaching strategies you would implement to enhance student engagement and performance in PE.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the academy's approach to PE, their expectations for the role, and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.