Head of Computer Science

Overview

Jane Austen College is seeking to appoint an outstanding Head of Department for Computer Science. We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellence outcomes and someone who has had a clear impact at a subject level. The successful candidate will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils to ensure they succeed.

In this role, you will be able to engage with our raising achievement strategy to ensure computer science outcomes at the college are significantly better than national benchmarks. This key role will give you the opportunity to collaborate with senior leaders and the subject team on curriculum approaches, embedding effective pedagogical approaches and driving standards in computer science. Through collaboration with the wider Inspiration Trust computer science team, you will ensure the delivery of our exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

• To have a clear vision for computer science teaching across the college.
• To be a role model to the department and beyond.
• Align classroom practices with the school7s improvement plan and national standards.
• Lead initiatives that promote innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies.
• To lead on the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop pupil mastery in the subject.
• Curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment to maximise pupil progress.
• Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.
• Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to quality assure the subject area.
• Design and deliver CPD within department meetings.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision sessions which will include Saturdays and school holidays.

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Successful subject experience as a teacher and manager in education in a secondary school.
• Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve ambitious standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.
• Experience of teaching the subject in a secondary school across the 11-16 age range.

• Other relevant qualifications in the sector (e.g. NPQLT, MEd, etc.).
• Existing curriculum or pastoral leadership experience (e.g. second in department).
• Experience examining the subject for an appropriate exam board.
• Experience mentoring and coaching trainee and early-career teachers.

Jane Austen College opened in 2014 as a flagship free school of the Inspiration Trust, with a focus on English and Humanities. Since then, it has grown from serving just two-year groups to become a full school of over 1,000 pupils. In May 2024, the college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all inspection areas, including leadership, behaviour and sixth form provision.

Inspectors noted that pupils benefit from "exceptional academic education, excellent pastoral support and a character curriculum building life skills to see them succeed in progressing to some of the top universities in the country and into prosperous careers." The college prides itself on ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or disadvantage, have access to powerful knowledge and transformative extracurricular experiences, as well as strong mental health and wellbeing support.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding. The Trust offers…