Teacher of Design Technology in Tewkesbury

Your opportunity to deliver inspiring Design & Technology teaching and shape confident, creative problem solvers of the future. We are seeking an inspiring and dynamic Teacher of Design & Technology to join Tewkesbury Academy, with the ability to teach GCSE D&T, specialising in timbers and metals. Experience in Engineering is desirable, but equally important is a passion for developing students’ practical skills and creativity. This role is ideal for both Early Career Teachers and experienced practitioners looking to thrive in a supportive, well-resourced department.

You will deliver a high-quality, engaging curriculum across Key Stages 3–5, enabling students to become confident designers and makers with strong technical knowledge.

About the Department: The Design & Technology department at Tewkesbury Academy is successful, well-equipped and forward-thinking, supported by a £1.3 million refurbishment completed in 2018. We offer five specialist teaching spaces, including timbers and metals workshops, alongside facilities for food, textiles and an IT suite. Students benefit from CAD/CAM technologies such as laser cutters, 3D printers and SolidWorks, supporting design and manufacture using industry-standard processes. The department is supported by two dedicated technicians and has a collaborative, welcoming culture where staff are encouraged to develop and contribute to an ambitious curriculum.

Tewkesbury has a strong engineering and design heritage, with established links to local companies. These partnerships provide enrichment opportunities and real-world insight, with many students progressing to competitive apprenticeships. We offer a rich programme of trips, STEM activities and industry-linked experiences. At Key Stage 4, students can study Design Technology, Engineering, Textiles and Food. Our mission is to develop students’ understanding of our fast-moving technological world. Through D&T, we promote problem solving, independence and creativity, while exploring sustainable and inclusive design. We equip students with the skills to design, manufacture and innovate for the future.

About you: We are looking for someone who:

• Brings passion and strong subject knowledge in Design & Technology, alongside a recognised teaching qualification.
• Has the ability to teach timbers and metals; experience in—or an ability to teach engineering is desirable but not essential.
• Can deliver engaging, high-quality lessons that inspire creativity, build technical confidence and develop strong practical workshop skills.
• Has the ability to guide students through the full design and make process, from initial ideas to high-quality, functional outcomes.
• Champions a strong health and safety culture, ensuring that all students develop safe working practices and a clear understanding of risk management within practical environments.
• Is committed to ensuring every student can succeed, with the ability to support and challenge learners of all abilities, including those from priority groups.
• Is a positive and proactive team player, who builds strong relationships with students, colleagues and the wider school community.
• Is excited by opportunities beyond the classroom, contributing to enrichment such as STEM clubs, design challenges, engineering projects and industry-linked experiences.
• Is motivated to grow as a practitioner, contributing to a collaborative team where innovation and professional development are actively encouraged.
• Demonstrates strong practice in line with the Teachers’ Standards, with the ability to make a sustained impact (particularly for those applying at Upper Pay Scale).

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.

About Tewkesbury Academy: Tewkesbury Academy is an exciting place to learn and work within Gloucestershire with just over 1,000 pupils and 160 colleagues. We serve the distinctive town of Tewkesbury and surrounding villages, with its renowned historical, musical and ecological festivals each year. The sense of community and connectedness is strong at the academy, as is support from the wider business community, and this is reflected in the plethora of personal development opportunities at the school. Being ready, respectful and responsible is a key tenet of life at Tewkesbury Academy, where we provide a calm and supportive environment and expect commitment and hard work from students and staff alike to ensure that they feel supported and challenged to produce their best.

Why CLF? We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you:

• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing support for career development and wellbeing.
• Sector-leading professional development entitlement and opportunities.
• Collaboration with colleagues across the trust through subject communities and specialist networks.
• Shared CLF curriculum, written and curated by trust experts, reducing individual teacher workload.
• Career enhancing and progression opportunities within the trust and through the CLF Institute.
• A collaborative culture which supports workload.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking and many more!

Recruitment timeline: Closing Date: 08 July 2026 @11.59pm. Shortlisting: 09 July 2026. Interviews: 16 July 2026. We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.