Head of Computing
West Kirby Grammar School, Wirral, Merseyside, CH48 5DPThis job expired on 19 May 2025 – see similar jobs
Job start date
1 September 2025
Closing date
19 May 2025 at 9am
Date listed
1 May 2025
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
- Head of department or curriculum
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Subject
- Computing
Working pattern
- Full time: 32.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- M1 to UPS3
Additional allowances
TLR 2b £5,644
What skills and experience we're looking for
The Governors of this exceptional Grammar School wish to appoint a well-qualified and enthusiastic Head of Computing for September 2025. This is a permanent post and will be considered on a full-time or part-time basis. The ability to teach Computing at both GCSE and A-level is essential. A strong degree in Computer Science or a closely related discipline is sought.
The Computing department at WKGS is a small and experienced team comprising the Head of Department and one part-time member of staff. We are seeking an inspiring individual to lead with energy and creativity, fostering a passion for computing, digital literacy, and technology across all key stages. The successful candidate will be excited by the opportunity to grow the department and ensure it supports the digital needs of all students. They will also be committed to encouraging girls into the tech sector and building an inclusive, diverse computing culture.
At GCSE, students follow the OCR Computer Science specification, delivered over a two-year KS4 programme. A-level students also follow the OCR specification and benefit from twelve 50-minute lessons per fortnight. Python is the primary programming language used across the department and WKGS is primarily a Microsoft school. In addition to excellent academic outcomes, the department leads a range of extracurricular initiatives designed to develop student interest in computing beyond the classroom, including a coding club, a Digital Leaders programme, contributions to the Robotics Club (run in collaboration with DT), and a popular annual House Bebras Computational Thinking competition.
West Kirby Grammar School is a very successful selective girls’ school with a coeducational Sixth Form.
There are approximately 1200 students on roll, and results are exceptional. In 2024, the Progress 8
score was +0.42, with 51% of results at grades 9–7 and 15% at grade 9. At A-level, 61% of grades were
A* – B, with the average grade being a B.
Further information and an application form are available to download on the school’s website
(https://wkgs.org) or by contacting the School on 0151 632 3449. A completed application form and
letter addressing the content of the person specification, which should be no longer than two sides of
A4, should be submitted to office@wkgs.net for the attention of Mr S. Clarke, Headteacher.
We are looking to attract candidates with the qualifications, skills and experience detailed below:
E: Essential D: Desirable
1. Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Computer Science or a closely related subject (E)
- QTS (secondary phase) (E)
- Further degree or related qualification (D)
2. Experience
- Successful delivery of Computing at Advanced Level (E)
- Experience in organising and leading extracurricular activities such as coding clubs or competitions (E)
- Experience with interdisciplinary projects (D)
- Experience of managing others’ continued professional development (D)
3. Knowledge and Skills
- Detailed knowledge of curriculum design and implementation (E)
- Strong understanding of programming (Python in particular), AI, and cybersecurity (E)
- Detailed knowledge and fluency of using Microsoft systems (E)
- Ways to assess work over time and monitor this at a department level (E)
- Excellent understanding of best pedagogical practice to ensure ambition and challenge for all (E)
- Awareness of digital inclusion and strategies to engage girls in computing (E)
- Knowledge of current trends and research in computing education (D)
4. Special Requirements
- A belief in the potential of all students to perform at the highest level (E)
- Empathy with students and colleagues (E)
- Enhanced DBS clearance and identity checks (E)
- Willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school (E)
- Excellent references (E)
- Professional approach to conduct, attendance, and dress (E)
What the school offers its staff
- Greater PPA time than national recommendation
- Deadlines well publicised and staff consulted on the annual calendar
- Reduced data collections to ensure no collections for data’s sake
- Considerate approach to lesson observations, drop-ins and learning walks
- Headteacher ‘Open Door’ Policy at all times
- Opportunities for professional development always considered
- Dedicated classroom wherever possible for teaching staff
- Access for all staff to self-referral Health & Wellbeing Support package
- In-house Wellbeing Manager available to all staff, and Staff Wellbeing Committee that monitors and responds to staff needs.
- A flexible and generous approach to family appointments and child events
- On site car parking available
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Regular social events organised by the Social Committee
Flexible working opportunities
- PPA time may be taken off the school site, subject to following the school policy
- A flexible and generous approach to family appointments and child events
Further details about the role
CV's or approaches from agencies are not accepted
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.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About West Kirby Grammar School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 1225 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- West Kirby Grammar School website
- Email address
- office@wkgs.net
- Phone number
- 0151 632 3449
A selective, all-girls grammar school with co-educational sixth form, providing Wirral and the wider region with an outstanding education since 1913.
Every student arrives at West Kirby Grammar School with a unique combination of talents, skills and aspirations – it’s our job to help each of our students to discover and nurture theirs.
We do this by providing pupils with a wealth of opportunities and choices, enabling everyone to find out what they enjoy and are good at. We create a caring and supportive environment, whilst at the same time allowing students to solve problems for themselves, ensuring that we develop resilient and enterprising learners.
We don’t believe that anyone is born with fixed abilities and intelligence. With the right teaching, support and motivation, children can grow and thrive in subjects they never considered themselves to be cut out for. And whilst our academic record speaks for itself, we know that students learn and develop both in and out of the classroom. That’s why we offer such a broad range of extra-curricular opportunities, through which pupils develop vital life skills and forge lasting friendships.
Because of all of this, our students leave us equipped to thrive in a complex world, ready to make a positive contribution locally and globally as tomorrow’s leaders.
Arranging a visit to West Kirby Grammar School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email office@wkgs.net.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in Wirral and Merseyside