Visionary Head of Computer Science
The Downs School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD17 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
2 March 2026 at 8am
Date listed
13 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
- Head of department or curriculum
- View all Suitable for early career teachersjobs
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Subject
- Computing
Working pattern
- Full time, part time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Main scale/Upper Pay Range
Additional allowances
plus TLR
An R&R would be considered for the right candidate
What skills and experience we're looking for
The Downs School is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic Head of Computer Science to lead our thriving department. You’ll join a dedicated team in our successful secondary school, set in a beautiful rural location, serving a diverse cohort of over 1400 pupils.
We have invested significantly in cutting-edge technology to support outstanding teaching and learning. Our high-performance network infrastructure serves over 500 desktop PCs, with comprehensive wireless coverage accessible to all staff and students across the school. You'll have the resources and technology you need to deliver engaging, contemporary Computer Science education. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Computer Science teacher with a passion for innovative and inclusive education, someone with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and support staff and students and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and safeguarding
About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:
• Motivate and Inspire: Bring your enthusiasm for Computer Science into the classroom, igniting curiosity and a love for learning.
• Deliver Expertise: Showcase strong subject knowledge teaching your discipline with confidence and clarity up to and including Key Stage 5.
• Collaborate: Contribute to the success of our faculty by working closely with a dedicated team of teachers.
• Build Relationships: Create positive and trusting connections with students while making learning exciting and challenging.
• Embrace Innovation: Be open to creative and innovative teaching methods.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic environment, handling challenges with flexibility.
What the school offers its staff
What we offer: In return, you’ll enjoy:
• Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
• Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
• Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
• Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024
• Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your teaching skills.
• Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme
Further information about the job
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
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Downs School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1437 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Downs School website
- Email address
- recruitment@thedownsschool.org
The Downs School, a Foundation, 11-18 comprehensive school, is a successful, oversubscribed and popular school serving the Downs area of West Berkshire. The roll is nearly 1300 with a well-established sixth form. Results at all levels are consistently above national averages and Ofsted described our students as having ‘excellent personal and social skills’ who ‘achieve well academically’.
Arranging a visit to The Downs School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@thedownsschool.org.
School location
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