About This Role
Are you a visionary educator ready to lead a subject department, providing clear, cohesive direction and inspiring high achievement? Join us as a Head of Department, where you will communicate a clear purpose and vision, motivate colleagues, and implement whole-Academy initiatives to ensure your department meets ambitious academic targets. This role is designed for someone who models the Academy's values, promotes innovative teaching strategies, and is dedicated to securing continuous improvement and quality outcomes for all students.
The Head of Department is responsible for communicating a clear purpose and vision while providing cohesive leadership and direction to the Department/Faculty. This leader models the Academy's values, promotes high standards through effective teaching, and is accountable for implementing the Department Development Plan/Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) to secure continuous improvement.
They develop and sustain DEEP LEADERSHIP through line management of staff, overseeing department resources and budget, reviewing syllabuses, and conducting Performance Management Reviews.
Key Responsibilities
- Communicate a clear purpose and vision.
- Provide cohesive leadership and direction.
- Model the Academy's values.
- Promote high standards through effective teaching.
- Implement the Department Development Plan/Self-Evaluation Form (SEF).
- Oversee department resources and budget.
- Conduct Performance Management Reviews.
Qualifications
- Degree in the relevant subject.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Good understanding of the secondary curriculum (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5).
- Knowledge of current departmental issues.
- Understanding of school improvement and Ofsted inspection programmes.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead and inspire a dedicated team.
- Supportive environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Commitment to professional development.
- Collaborative culture that values innovation.
To view the job description Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform.
To view the person specification Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform.
Welcome from the Principal
Thank you for your interest in the vacancy at Outwood Academy Kirkby.
Situated near Nottingham and Mansfield, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. As one of the newest academies in the Trust, we have already achieved significant progress: our outcomes are in the top 1% nationally for school transformations, with a progress score uplift of over 1.5 in just two years. We have also seen a 5.5% year-on-year rise in student attendance and are looking forward to moving into a brand-new state-of-the-art building.
Our incredible team is dedicated and passionate, motivated by the transformative power of education and a deep commitment to the community. We value collaboration, innovation, and a growth mindset to provide the best learning experience for every child.
As part of the Outwood Family, committed to transforming lives and raising standards, we would be delighted to welcome you to our team if you share our passion for making a real difference.
I look forward to meeting you.
To view the Teaching Staff recruitment booklet for Maths: Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform.
If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact Elizabeth Norton at e.norton@outwood.com.
For more information and to apply online, please click the apply button.
Closing date: Midday on 9 April 2026.
Interview date: 16 April 2026.
We reserve the right to close advertisements early. Advertisements will therefore close the day the decision has been taken to close the advertisement early.
Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.