Department Leader

Location: Highfield Littleport Academy

Salary: Leadership Scale L6-10 (£58,569 - £64,961 per annum)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Closing Date: Thursday 19th March 2026

About the Role:

Due to continued growth, Highfield Littleport Academy is seeking to appoint a passionate and dynamic Department Leader to help drive academic excellence across the school. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and forward-thinking professional to take on a key leadership role, shaping and enhancing teaching and learning within their department.

The successful candidate will lead and inspire a dedicated team of staff, while contributing to the wider strategic development of the academy. In addition to departmental leadership responsibilities, this role includes teaching and leading your own class, offering the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact in the classroom as well as across the department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and teach well-structured lessons to assigned classes, following the academy’s plans, curriculum and schemes of work
• Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of assigned pupils, making accurate and productive use of assessment
• Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of pupils
• Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
• Contribute significantly to the development, implementation and evaluation of the academy’s policies, practices and procedures, so as to support the academy’s vision and values
• Have extensive knowledge of designated subject/curriculum areas, related pedagogy and assessment
• Provide a critical role in the life of the academy/trust

Our People-First Philosophy

At Active Learning Trust, we invest in you from day one. We love working with specialists who are united by their skills and passion for shaping the future of education. We provide tailored coaching, leadership training and clear progression pathways that turn roles into fulfilling, lifelong careers. Guided by our values of open dialogue, bold thinking and supportive teamwork, we put your growth and well-being at the heart of everything we do - so that you can focus on making a real difference in our schools and beyond.

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.

If you would like further information please contact Emma Brooke (School Business Manager) on 01353 223301 , or email emma.brooke@highfieldlittleport.org

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.