At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and teach Technology across KS3-KS5, shaping future innovators.
- Company: Whickham School, a supportive environment with a strong focus on teaching and learning.
- Benefits: Reduced teaching load, salary sacrifice schemes, leadership development, and fitness facilities access.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to work/life balance.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on students' aspirations and skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching various Technology disciplines; flexibility in skill sets welcomed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 € per year.
Post: Lead Practitioner Technology
Salary Grade: L1-L5
Contract: Full time permanent
Start Date: January 2026 (or sooner)
Responsible to: Deputy Headteacher - Staff Development
Whickham School is seeking to recruit an engaging and inspirational Lead Practitioner with a specialism in Technology. You must have the ability to teach across the age ranges from KS3-KS5.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside our team of five lead practitioners, who have shaped the strong T & L practice at Whickham School. You will be joining a successful IT, Business and Technology Faculty team of 13 staff. Our Technology subjects are consistently some of the top performing in the school and led by an experienced team who make the very most of our outstanding technology facilities.
Our Vision
Our vision for all our pupils is that they are valued and inspired to be the best that they can be. We seek to develop the following 4 qualities in our pupils:
- Aspiration - Whickham students set aspirational goals that are ambitious and without limitation.
- Respect - Without compromise, Whickham students demonstrate respect for themselves, others and their environment.
- Resilience - Whickham students persevere with challenges especially when faced with setbacks.
- Empathy - Whickham students strive to be kind, caring and understanding of each other\'s feelings and needs.
Benefits
One of our unique strengths and selling points is our commitment to staff which includes:
- Reduced teaching allocation to allow for each faculty to meet collaboratively for an hour each fortnight in specialist subject teams to support subject specific pedagogy and development
- Access to a range of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. bicycle & electric vehicles leasing)
- Leadership and Teaching & Learning development opportunities
- A supportive environment where work/life balance issues are considered carefully
- A highly regarded ECT programme which receives very positive feedback
- Access to school fitness facilities out of school hours
- Higher priority for admission of children of staff into the school
Specific details regarding the role and skills and qualities that the successful candidate will need to demonstrate are in the attached job description and person. Please indicate the Technology disciplines you have experience of teaching in your letter of application.
We are flexible in terms of required technology skill sets any applicant can offer, and encourage applications from Engineering, Food and/or Product Design specialisms. We welcome visits by prospective applicants to the school. Please contact Simon Alexander (salexander@whickhamschool.org) if you wish to arrange a time to see the school.
Application forms are available on the Whickham School website. Applications should be submitted by 9am on Sunday the 19/10/25 via email to recruitment@whickhamschool.org. We expect to hold interviews on Thursday 23rd October.
Whickham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have a robust Safeguarding Policy and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment with the school. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.
Whickham School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Lead Practitioner Technology employer: Whickham School
Whickham School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, reduced teaching allocations for meaningful collaboration, and a commitment to work/life balance, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The school's outstanding facilities and high-performing Technology Faculty provide a unique opportunity for educators to inspire students while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner Technology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Whickham School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Whickham School’s values and teaching methods. Show us how your experience aligns with their vision of aspiration, respect, resilience, and empathy. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Visit the school if you can, meet the team, and get a feel for the environment. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your application.
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply, make sure to highlight your specific technology skills and experiences. We want to see how you can contribute to the already strong T & L practice at Whickham. Use our website to submit your application and make it shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner Technology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Technology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for technology shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at Whickham School.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in the specific technology disciplines mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via the Whickham School website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whickham School
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the specific technology disciplines you've taught. Whether it's Engineering, Food, or Product Design, be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with Whickham School's curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy
Prepare to articulate your teaching philosophy and how it supports the school's vision of aspiration, respect, resilience, and empathy. Think of examples where you've inspired students or adapted your teaching methods to meet diverse needs.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since you'll be working alongside a team of lead practitioners, demonstrate your collaborative spirit. Share experiences where you've worked in teams to enhance teaching and learning practices, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to technology education and staff development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
