Subject Leader (Head of Department)

Location: Tower Hamlets, East/Inner London

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP or January Start

An ambitious, highly progressive secondary school and Sixth Form in the heart of Tower Hamlets is seeking a vision-driven, strategic, and inspiring Subject Leader to direct and elevate their academic curriculum. Situated in one of Inner London's most dynamic educational landscapes, this is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished practitioner or experienced Key Stage Coordinator ready to step into departmental leadership, driving pedagogical excellence, curriculum innovation, and student attainment across all key stages.

About the Role

As Subject Leader, you will serve as the chief academic architect and strategic supervisor for your department. Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will shape a coherent, high-rigor curriculum, mentor a team of talented subject specialists, and establish high standards of learning, assessment, and academic achievement across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level / Vocational).

• Environment: A flagship Inner London secondary school celebrated for high academic ambition, outstanding pupil progress, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong community engagement

• Culture: A collaborative, forward-thinking leadership framework where subject discipline autonomy, evidence-informed teaching practices, and robust staff development are prioritized

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Department Leadership: Define and execute a strategic vision for the department that aligns with whole-school improvement plans, driving academic rigor, high expectations, and subject enthusiasm across all year groups.

• Curriculum Design & Quality of Education: Overhaul and refine schemes of work across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 to ensure full national curriculum alignment, logical sequencing, and rich cultural/contextual relevance.

• Pedagogical Mentorship & Team Development: Conduct regular instructional coaching, lesson observations, and work scrutinies; line-manage department staff and mentor Early Career Teachers (ECTs) to ensure consistently high-quality teaching.

• Data Analysis & Student Outcomes: Track cohort progress systematically using data-driven analytics, identifying learning gaps and implementing targeted intervention strategies to stretch high achievers and support developing learners.

• Resource & Budget Management: Oversee departmental capitation, learning resources, examination board entries (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.), and health and safety/compliance protocols across specialist learning spaces.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognized teaching credential.

• A strong academic degree in the relevant subject discipline or a closely related field.

• Proven track record of consistently outstanding teaching across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5, with evidence of driving superior student progress and examination outcomes.

• Prior middle-leadership experience (e.g., Key Stage Coordinator, Second in Department, or Lead Practitioner) with demonstrable skills in curriculum planning, staff mentorship, and data analysis.

• Deep knowledge of national curriculum standards, examination board specifications, and evidence-informed pedagogical strategies.

• Inspiring leadership presence, exceptional organizational capability, and a passionate commitment to educational equity and student achievement in an Inner London setting.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Inner London Main / Upper Pay Scale + Generous TLR 1 or TLR 2 allowance (commensurate with department size and leadership experience).

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), comprehensive leadership CPD, bespoke Senior Leadership pathways (NPQSL/NPQH), and access to staff health and wellbeing programs.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious, dynamic educator ready to lead a key department and inspire staff and students alike at a thriving secondary school in Tower Hamlets, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application and CV as soon as possible for consideration.