Head of Business & Economics at Arden in Solihull

We are looking to appoint a passionate and highly driven Head of Business & Economics who has the vision and ambition to lead this department. The successful candidate will have excellent subject knowledge and be able to motivate pupils through inspirational, personalised teaching. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented teacher to join a thriving school and work with students who are committed to their learning and are passionate about their development.

The successful applicant will lead a department of five specialist colleagues who are committed to ensuring that each student achieves their full potential academically and personally. The opportunity for personal development and progression at Arden is enormous. An active commitment to staff development through a strong and consistent focus and dialogue around teaching & learning pedagogy makes this an ideal position for candidates committed to being the best practitioner they can be.

Middle Leader development continues to be a core focus of our school and our Trust. We run a highly regarded Middle Leader development training programme across the trust where our Middle Leaders work with Senior Leaders from across the Trust and Middle Leader colleagues in all of our schools to collaborate, consider aspects of leadership, and share best practice. Excellent line management ensures this position is well supported and that Middle Leaders are given every opportunity to develop and showcase their drive and leadership skills.

Teaching Responsibilities

GCSE Business (OCR) and Cambridge National Enterprise & Marketing are hugely popular, as are both A-Level Business and A-Level Economics (both AQA). Many students decide to continue their studies further within the department, opting for A-Level subjects that they have studied during KS4, highlighting their respect and enjoyment of the subject. There is also a significant uptake of Business A-Level and Economics A-Level from students who have not previously studied these subjects at GCSE, embracing the challenge of a new subject. The successful applicant should therefore be able to teach GCSE Business and/or OCR Enterprise & Marketing (or have experience of other vocational Business qualifications) across Key Stage 4. The ability to teach A-Level Economics is desirable but not essential. Where candidates have not yet delivered A-Level Business or Economics, but are excited by the opportunity to do so, support will be provided to develop this skill.

School Achievements

GCSEs – In summer 2025, the school's Progress 8 score was +0.63 (internally calculated), with an Attainment 8 score of 59.09. 72.8% of our students achieved a grade 5 in both English and Maths, with 87.6% achieving this at grade 4. More than 40% of the GCSE grades awarded were grade 7 and above, with 24.3% being awarded at grade 8 & 9. A Levels – In 2025 students achieved an average grade of a B. Our average points score of 39.36 demonstrates the excellent outcomes that our students achieve. 35% of grades awarded were A*/A and 67% of grades awarded were A*- B.

Benefits

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.
• Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.
• Access to high quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.
• Commitment to Middle Leader Development through:

• Middle Leader Cross Trust training
• Middle Leader progress meetings with Associate Headteacher and Executive Headteacher
• Middle Leader support through highly effective SLT Line Manager

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.