At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the structural technologies curriculum, ensuring high teaching standards.
- Company: Join Windsor Forest Colleges Group, a top education provider in the South East.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, free parking, and health perks.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with industry leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and teaching experience in vocational courses required.
The predicted salary is between 45196 - 48286 £ per year.
Windsor Forest Colleges group is looking for a Head of Department for Structural Technologies to join our Slough and Langley College team starting in August 2026 on a permanent, full-time basis. This role offers a full-time position on Scale M at Slough and Langley College paying between £45,196.00 and £48,286.00 per year.
The role of Head of Department for Structural Technologies is a pivotal leadership role reporting to the Curriculum Director, dedicated to driving student retention, achievement, and educational innovation within structural technologies. The postholder will lead and develop the structural technologies curriculum team, directly overseeing programme managers and ensuring high standards of technical teaching across both practical workshops and classrooms.
Key responsibilities include:
- Implementing the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Framework tailored to vocational trade training.
- Monitoring at-risk students to deliver targeted support.
- Utilising the college's Quality Cycle to continuously improve learner outcomes.
- Spearheading curriculum development by building strong ties with regional employers and industry stakeholders.
Candidates must possess a degree-level qualification alongside a recognised teaching qualification, supported by recent, successful experience running vocational courses and maintaining high student success rates in trade disciplines. Essential criteria include:
- Proven expertise in managing or mentoring instructional and academic staff.
- Setting performance targets.
- Maintaining rigorous student discipline and safety awareness required for practical workshop environments.
The role requires exceptional communication and decision-making skills, physical and financial resource management capabilities to oversee specialised structural technologies equipment and materials, and proficiency in using Information Learning Technology (ILT) to enhance technical training. A deep understanding of 14-19 Further Education and contemporary structural technologies industry developments is highly advantageous.
About Us: The Windsor Forest Colleges Group (TWFCG) is a leading education provider in the South East. Our staff work across 4 main campuses at Langley, Windsor, Strodes Egham and Berkshire College of Agriculture Maidenhead. Our teams place the learner at the heart of all we do and in our state-of-the-art learning environments, we are proud to deliver education and training to a diverse group of students and businesses each year.
Our staff benefit from:
- Generous non-working day entitlement.
- Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) currently offering 28.68% employer contribution.
- Free onsite parking at all sites.
- Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family friendly policies supporting Work Life Balance.
- Onsite Coffee Shop & Cafeteria.
- Various health & wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments at The Salon at our Langley College site.
Please be advised that the vacancy will close on 2nd July 2026. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. To apply please visit our careers page and complete the online application form.
Please note: Windsor Forest Colleges Group practices blind applications. As such we do not review or accept CVs submitted as part of your application. Only information listed on the Application Form under Employment and Education History, or in your Personal Statement will be considered when shortlisting. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you pay particular attention to these areas of the online application form making sure to include details of how you meet each of the essential criteria listed on the person specification.
Applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before this closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and Barred List check along with other legally required checks which are an essential part of the safeguarding process.
Recruitment Agencies: we have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.
Head of Department for Structural Technologies in Slough employer: Windsor Forest Colleges
Windsor Forest Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment for the Head of Department for Structural Technologies role. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a Teachers Pension Scheme, and a focus on work-life balance, staff are empowered to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Located in Slough and Langley, our state-of-the-art campuses foster collaboration with local industries, ensuring that our educational offerings remain relevant and aligned with market demands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department for Structural Technologies in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Before your interview, dive into Windsor Forest Colleges Group's mission and recent projects. This will help us connect your experience with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some solid examples of your leadership skills. Think about times you've successfully managed teams or improved student outcomes. We want to hear how you can bring that experience to the Head of Department role!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the college on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Make sure to tailor your personal statement to highlight how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department for Structural Technologies in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how you meet the essential criteria, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills in your personal statement.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make it specific to the Head of Department for Structural Technologies role. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and understanding of vocational training.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the best fit for the role.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances. Head over to our careers page and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Windsor Forest Colleges
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the structural technologies curriculum and the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Framework. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these frameworks and improve student outcomes, as this will show your commitment to educational innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored staff in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where you set performance targets and achieved high student success rates, as this is crucial for the Head of Department position.
✨Connect with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with current developments in the structural technologies industry and the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). Being able to discuss how you would build relationships with regional employers will demonstrate your proactive approach to curriculum development.
✨Demonstrate Communication and Decision-Making Skills
Think of scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or communicate effectively under pressure. Prepare to share these experiences during the interview, as strong communication and decision-making skills are essential for this leadership role.
