At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Computer Science department and inspire future tech leaders.
- Company: Join an outstanding secondary school in Barnet, North London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and early placement for September 2026.
- Why this job: Shape the future of computing education and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: QTS/QTLS and a degree in Computer Science required.
- Other info: Innovative environment with opportunities for professional growth and industry links.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a visionary technologist ready to lead an elite department in North London? Protocol Education is proud to partner with a nationally recognized, ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted-rated secondary school in Barnet. We are seeking a dynamic and ambitious Head of Computer Science for a full-time, permanent position commencing in September 2026. This is a high-profile leadership role within a school that views Computing and Digital Literacy as fundamental to the future success of its students.
The School & Department
Situated in the heart of Barnet, this school is a center of academic excellence where innovation is encouraged at every level.
- Digital Excellence: The school is committed to a "future-ready" curriculum, boasting multiple high-spec Mac and PC suites and a dedicated VR/Robotics lab.
- Top-Tier Performance: Computer Science is one of the most popular and successful subjects at both GCSE and A-Level, with results consistently in the top 5% nationally.
- Leadership Support: You will work directly with a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) that understands the value of IT and provides the budget and autonomy required to stay at the cutting edge.
The Role
As the Head of Computer Science, you will have the creative freedom to shape the department’s trajectory. Your goal will be to inspire the next generation of software engineers, cybersecurity experts, and data scientists.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Vision: Lead the design and delivery of a progressive curriculum across KS3, KS4, and KS5 (OCR/AQA).
- Departmental Growth: Manage and mentor a team of specialist teachers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared resources.
- Extracurricular Innovation: Expand the school’s footprint in STEM by leading coding clubs, e-sports initiatives, and national competitions.
- Industry Links: Develop partnerships with tech hubs and universities to provide students with "real-world" pathways into the industry.
Who We Are Looking For?
We want a leader who is as passionate about pedagogy as they are about programming.
Requirement
Essential Criteria
- Qualifications: QTS / QTLS and a degree in Computer Science or a closely related technical field.
- Expertise: Proficiency in Python (and ideally Java or C++) with the ability to teach complex theory to A-Level.
- Leadership: Proven experience in a middle-management role or a "Lead Teacher" position with a clear track record of impact.
- Mindset: An innovative educator who stays ahead of trends in AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity.
The Protocol Education Advantage
- Market-Leading Pay: Salary paid to scale (Inner/Outer London) plus a significant TLR 1 or 2 (dependent on experience).
- Early Placement: Secure your long-term career move for September 2026 before the "spring rush."
- Relocation Support: If you are moving to Barnet from outside London, we can offer guidance on the local area and housing.
Apply Today
Join a school where your expertise will be valued and your leadership will make a tangible difference. To apply: Please submit your CV via this portal. For a confidential discussion about this Head of Computer Science vacancy, contact the Protocol Education Secondary Team today.
Protocol Education is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.
Head of Computer Science in Barnet employer: Protocol Education
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Computer Science in Barnet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about openings at schools. A friendly chat can often lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to meet with school leaders or during interviews, share your vision for the Computer Science department. Let them see how excited you are about shaping the future of tech education.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for curriculum development or extracurricular activities. Schools love candidates who can think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives.
✨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 a school that values tech and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Computer Science in Barnet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for Computer Science shine through in your application. We want to see how passionate you are about inspiring the next generation of tech wizards!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Computer Science role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the department and how you plan to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the curriculum for KS3, KS4, and KS5, especially the OCR/AQA specifications. Be ready to discuss how you would design and deliver a progressive curriculum that excites students and prepares them for the future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among teachers, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Bring Your Innovative Ideas
Think about extracurricular initiatives you could introduce, like coding clubs or e-sports competitions. Be prepared to share your vision for expanding the school’s footprint in STEM and how you would engage students beyond the classroom.
✨Connect with Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into your teaching and develop partnerships with tech hubs and universities to provide real-world pathways for students.