At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to elevate student outcomes and foster a supportive culture.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation focused on educational equity and excellence.
- Benefits: Permanent role with clear pathways to senior leadership and professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on teamwork and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, QTS, and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you seeking a leadership role where you can provide consistent support, mentorship, and advocacy for both staff and children? Are you ready to transition away from short‑term roles or a static teaching position into a permanent, impactful leadership career? Are you looking for a position that offers clear, structured pathways from middle management into senior leadership? If so, we want to hear from you. We are actively recruiting a mission‑driven Department Leader who is motivated by a vision of equity, excellence, and collaborative team growth.
Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire
Contract Type: Full‑Time Permanent position
Salary: Depending on experience and qualifications
Start Date: ASAP/September 2026
Qualification: A relevant degree and QTS, proven leadership experience.
Randstad Education is looking for an inspirational educator ready to take full ownership of their department, cultivate a supportive team culture, and implement high‑impact strategies that elevate student outcomes across the school. This is a permanent position and you will be required to support five days a week Monday – Friday inline with school hours.
Responsibilities:- Lead curriculum design, department development, and academic standards.
- Manage, mentor, and appraise teaching teams and support staff.
- Monitor student achievement data to implement targeted interventions.
- Oversee the department budget, learning materials, and timetables.
- Maintain high standards of adaptive teaching within your own classroom.
- Ability to build and adapt robust, inclusive schemes of work.
- Skilled at translating performance metrics into classroom action plans.
- Confident in delegating, managing workloads, and motivating staff.
- Clear, professional collaboration with SLT, parents, and governors.
- Holds UK QTS with proven subject leadership or middle management experience.
- Deeply committed to educational equity, excellence, and student advocacy.
- A resilient, grounded leader who tackles challenges calmly.
- Approachable and supportive, fostering a positive team culture.
- Motivated by personal growth and clear pathways into senior leadership.
- Values teamwork, treating all teaching and support staff as equal partners.
Please note that this role is unable to offer any sponsorship at this time. All candidates will be subject to Randstad Education's child protection and UK eligibility vetting including a DBS check and providing satisfactory references. The preferred applicant will already have a DBS on the updated service, as this is an urgent role.
To apply, please email with your CV. We will be in touch shortly. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Department Leader - Ely employer: Randstad Staffing
At Randstad Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions educational equity and excellence. Our Ely location offers a supportive work culture where leaders are empowered to inspire their teams and make a meaningful impact on student outcomes. With clear pathways for professional growth and a commitment to collaboration, we provide a fulfilling environment for educators ready to take the next step in their leadership careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Department Leader - Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their mission around equity and excellence, and think about how your leadership style aligns with that. We want to see you shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to team management and student advocacy. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate leaders who are ready to make a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Department Leader - Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Department Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your commitment to educational equity and excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for education and how you envision fostering a supportive team culture. Be sure to mention specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have positively impacted student outcomes.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've managed and motivated teams, and how you approach challenges. We want to see how you can inspire others and drive collaborative growth!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our mission-driven team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Staffing
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for educational equity and excellence. Be ready to articulate how you plan to implement this vision in your role as a Department Leader. This will show your passion and commitment to the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership experiences. Think about times when you successfully managed a team or implemented strategies that improved student outcomes. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach curriculum design, department development, and monitoring student achievement data. This shows that you are proactive and understand what the role entails.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the school's culture, the support available for staff, and how they measure success within the department. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school aligns with your values.
