Head of Design Technology

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About The Role

Inspire Creativity. Shape Futures. Lead with Purpose.

Paignton Academy is seeking an outstanding and motivated professional to lead our Design Technology and Construction department from January 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader and passionate educator to drive forward a high-performing department in a well-resourced, supportive environment.

As Head of Department, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of Design Technology and Construction across Key Stage 4. For the right candidate, there is also the potential to take on a wider leadership role as Head of Faculty, overseeing provision across both Academy sites.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading a committed team of specialist teachers and experienced technicians
• Delivering high-quality teaching, primarily at Key Stage 4
• Developing and embedding a forward-thinking, engaging curriculum
• Raising standards and ensuring outstanding outcomes for all students
• Creating a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence within the department

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has strong subject expertise in Design Technology and/or Construction
• Demonstrates proven success in teaching and curriculum development at KS4
• Is an inspiring team leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Has a clear vision for the subject and the ability to bring colleagues with them
• Is passionate about supporting young people to achieve their very best

Why Join Paignton Academy?

• A thriving and supportive school community
• A well-resourced department with excellent specialist facilities
• A team of skilled and experienced technicians to support practical teaching
• Opportunities for career progression, including leadership development
• Part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, a family of high-performing schools

We warmly welcome informal conversations or visits to the school. If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, please contact: David Carpenter - [email protected]

If you have the passion, vision, and drive for this role, we would love to hear from you!

About Us

At Paignton Academy, we focus on developing well-rounded students who excel academically and grow socially, emotionally, and morally. We inspire our students to be kind, resilient, and responsible, preparing them to face challenges and contribute positively to society.

Paignton Academy is on a significant improvement journey which was recognised in its most recent Ofsted report (December 2024):

The school has redesigned its curriculum to be broad and ambitious. The knowledge pupils will learn is organised in a logical order. The impact of these improvements is evident in key stage 3, where pupils demonstrate they know and remember more of what they have been taught.

Since the previous inspection, the quality of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved. Pupils' needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place. Teachers have a growing understanding of how to adapt their teaching successfully for the benefit of these pupils. The school ensures that pupils with SEND are included in the wider life of the school.

Pupils' behaviour has improved. Lessons are calm and purposeful. The 'speak up, speak out' campaign has led to more pupils feeling confident to report concerns.

Why Paignton Academy?

• Strong Relationships: We value respectful connections between students, staff, and parents, working together to ensure student success.
• Love of Learning: We foster a passion for lifelong learning, helping students grow into curious, well-rounded individuals.
• Community & Pride: We instill pride in both our school and the local community, empowering students to make a positive impact.

If you're passionate about shaping young lives and helping students reach their full potential, come join our team at Paignton Academy!

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England.

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That's why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?

We're proud to offer more than just a job-we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff:

• Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
• Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
• CPD: Our in-house training provision, Thinking Horizons, offers clear pathways for professional development including Chartered Teacher status, regular MAT meets to share best practice and range of external opportunities to enhance your development.
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, eye care vouchers and preferential access to Benenden Health.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
• Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
• TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.

Next Steps

If you are interested in working at our school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!

Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

We strongly encourage anyone who may be interested in working at our school to contact Sara Robotham (HR & Payroll Officer) via email [email protected] to arrange an informal conversation about the role.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process, please email [email protected]