Head of Department - Design & Technology

St Edward’s Church of England Academy is a thriving, inclusive and values driven school that continues to grow in both size and ambition. As part of this continued development, we are seeking to appoint an innovative and passionate Head of Design Technology to lead and further develop this important subject area. Design Technology at St Edward’s is about creativity, confidence and real world application. The successful candidate will shape a curriculum that equips students with practical skills, resilience and problem solving abilities, while fostering pride in craftsmanship and design thinking.

We are a school that believes strongly in supporting our staff to do their best work. Staff wellbeing, manageable workload and respect for home life are central to our culture. Leaders work collaboratively to ensure expectations are clear, purposeful and sustainable.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide strong and inspirational leadership of the Design Technology department
• Develop and deliver an ambitious, inclusive and engaging curriculum for graphics, resistant materials and food technologies
• Champion creativity, innovation and high standards of practical work
• Support, develop and inspire colleagues within the department
• Contribute positively to whole school improvement and shared leadership
• Share our commitment to enabling students to live life in all its fullness

This role is ideal for a leader who is passionate about practical learning and believes in education as a powerful tool for transformation.

As part of the Unity Schools Partnership, we offer:

• A wide range of CPD opportunities (both in school and beyond)
• Opportunities for career progression (including the opportunity to participate in the Trust’s Leadership Development Programme)
• A supportive working environment.

We can offer you excellent career development in a supportive environment. We are situated in Romford within easy travel and road links to both London and Essex.

If you would like an informal discussion about the post, or you would like to visit the school, please contact Maria Driscoll (Headteacher’s PA) on info@steds.org.uk. We look forward to receiving your application.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks required for relevant posts.

Interviews: From Wednesday 13th May 2026. Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site. In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination. We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.

Safeguarding Havering Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The protection of our pupils from abuse is the responsibility of all staff within our schools, superseding any other considerations. Therefore Havering Schools comply with the Department for Education ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to submit, prior to their interview, a self‑declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Upon submission of this information, online checks may be carried out. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicant will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from obtaining a position with the School.

Equal Opportunities Havering Schools aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment regardless of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, responsibility for dependants, religious or political affiliation and trade union activities. All matters related to employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.