Head of Faculty Technology

Downlands Community School, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8LP

26 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  23 February 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  27 January 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3
• Subject: Design and technology
• Working pattern: Full time: Full Time Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPS/UPS plus TLR1b

What skills and experience we're looking for

Downlands Community School is a thriving, inclusive and ambitious school committed to taking every pupil beyond their lived experience. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Technology to lead our Design & Technology and Food Preparation & Nutrition curriculum.

This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader to shape a forward-thinking department where creativity, technical excellence and inclusive practice are central.

At Downlands, we live our ROCKS values:

Resilience, Optimism, Community, Kindness and Self-Awareness.

The successful candidate will model and champion these values through their leadership and teaching.

The role involves:

• Leading and developing a team of D&T and Food specialists

• Driving high-quality, inclusive curriculum design and teaching

• Maintaining high expectations, safe working practices and excellent outcomes

• Working collaboratively with senior and middle leaders to support whole-school priorities, including inclusion, character development and well-being

• Using evidence-informed practice and data to continually improve provision

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge in D&T and Food

• Has the vision and ambition to lead a successful department

• Is deeply committed to inclusion and narrowing achievement gaps

• Believes in developing pupils’ character alongside academic success

• Builds purposeful, supportive relationships with pupils and colleagues

What the school offers its staff

This school and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.

Shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search. This is not part of the short-listing process itself, and you will get a chance to address any issues of concern that some up during the search, at interview.

Further details, application forms can be downloaded from our website https://www.downlands.w-sussex.sch.uk under “Vacancies” or from our Recruitment Officer at lfaith@downlands.org

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 23rd February 2026.

Informal visits are welcomed.

We offer:

• A supportive, collaborative and values-driven community
• A strong focus on staff well-being and professional development
• High-quality CPD, coaching and leadership opportunities

Join a school where every child — and every member of staff — can thrive.

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 are 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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Downlands Community School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1250 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Downlands Community School website
• Email address: lfaith@downlands.org
• Phone number: 01273 845892
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/downlands-community-school

Downlands Community School is a thriving, 11-16, mixed, Local Authority, comprehensive school, set in a beautiful location at the foot of the South Downs and only 6 miles north of Brighton with an enviable reputation for success with pupils of all abilities and from all social backgrounds.

Downlands is a very inclusive school and we are proud of the pastoral support and guidance we are able to offer our young people.

Arranging a visit to Downlands Community School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email lfaith@downlands.org.

School location

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