Department Leader

Highfield Ely Academy, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 1BD

31 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026 / January 2027

• Closing date

  12 June 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  7 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £58,569.00 - £64,691.00 Annually (FTE) Leadership L6-L10

Department Leader job summary

Location: Highfield Ely Academy, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Salary: Leadership Scale L6-10 (£58,569 - £64,961 per annum)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

We are looking for a Department Leader to join the leadership team at Highfield Ely Academy, bringing energy, care and a strong understanding of specialist education. This is a visible, people‑focused role, centred on developing teachers and support staff through coaching, modelling and meaningful professional dialogue so that high‑quality practice is consistent across the school. Working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, the postholder will influence teaching, culture and expectations, contributing to whole‑school improvement and a positive, collaborative environment where both adults and pupils grow and succeed.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Lead and improve the quality of teaching and learning within the department to secure strong outcomes for pupils with SEND
• Coach, mentor and line manage staff, supporting development while maintaining high expectations
• Monitor and evaluate teaching, contributing to self‑evaluation and whole‑school improvement priorities
• Provide leadership for curriculum areas, behaviour, routines and communication with families
• Contribute actively to the leadership team, shaping systems, culture and strategic direction

Why Join Our Trust?

• A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A vibrant and inclusive school community.
• Belong to a compassionate and inclusive trust that values you and the role you play.
• Gain access to our VivUp employee benefit system, Cycle to Work scheme and Teacher pensions.

Contact
If you would like further information please contact Pippa Edwards (School Business Manager) on 01353 662085, or email pedwards@highfield.cambs.sch.uk

The Active Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to actively share this commitment. All adults working in our Trust in whatever capacity will be part of a thorough safer recruitment process. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks including the taking of satisfactory references and enhanced criminal record clearance in line with the need to create and maintain a safe culture.

The Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 6 months’ probation period at the start of their employment (except for Early Career Teachers who are subject to a Statutory Induction Period). This policy aims to assess new employees' alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Flexible working will be considered for all roles deemed suitable.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Highfield Ely Academy

• School type: Academies, ages 2 to 19
• School size: 123 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Highfield Ely Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/highfield-ely-academy

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