Head of Design Technology

Cottenham Village College
Salary: £33,235 – £52,064 + TLR2a £3,527
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 8th February 2026

Do you have a clear vision for how Design Technology can inspire creativity, problem‑solving and practical excellence across all year groups?

Do you empower colleagues through coaching, collaboration and high expectations, enabling your team to grow and thrive?

The Role

Cottenham Village College is seeking an inspiring Head of Design Technology to lead a committed team and drive forward an already successful and creative subject area. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and innovative teacher who is passionate about empowering students with practical skills, problem‑solving ability and design thinking.

About Cottenham Village College

Cottenham Village College is a highly successful 11–16 mixed academy located in the village of Cottenham, just outside the beautiful city of Cambridge. As part of the Astrea Academy Trust, the college is known for its inclusive ethos, hardworking students, and dedicated staff team who champion Scholarship, Curiosity, and Tenacity. The college prides itself on offering an ambitious curriculum, strong pastoral support, and a culture where every student is encouraged to thrive academically and personally.
It serves a wide local community, offering both secondary education and, as part of Cambridgeshire’s village college model, rich adult learning and leisure opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the Design Technology department, ensuring high-quality teaching across KS3 and KS4.
• Oversee curriculum development, assessment and progress monitoring within the department.
• Promote a culture of creativity, safety and excellence within workshops and classrooms.
• Ensure effective use of resources and high standards of health and safety.
• Support whole‑school initiatives and contribute to the broader life of the college.
• Line manage departmental staff, providing coaching, support and performance management.

What We’re Looking For

• A skilled and enthusiastic DT specialist with strong pedagogical knowledge.
• Proven experience of raising achievement and leading improvement within a team.
• A creative thinker with a commitment to practical, ambitious, and engaging learning.
• Someone who models the values of the school and builds positive relationships with students and colleagues.
• A reflective practitioner who embraces professional development and innovation.
• A leader with the ability to inspire confidence, motivate others, and contribute to the continued success of Cottenham Village College.

Interested in Applying?

If you are passionate about education, looking for a fresh opportunity, or simply want to make a positive impact, we would love to hear from you. Take a look at the job description and candidate pack to find out more about the role and how to apply or contact our recruitment team at recruitment@astreaacademytrust.org.

Closing Date:

The closing date for applications is 8th February 2026. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and enhanced DBS checks. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our workforce. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to promoting a culture that ensures there are no barriers to the recruitment, development, and progression of disabled staff across the trust. We provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window. Apply today to avoid disappointment and become a part of our mission to create a positive impact!

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!