Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is seeking a committed and knowledgeable Head of Food to lead the strategic development of Food Technology within the school. This is a key leadership role focused on delivering an ambitious, inclusive and well-sequenced curriculum that enables all students to achieve strong outcomes and develop secure subject knowledge.

The role combines high-quality classroom practice with subject leadership. The postholder will lead curriculum design and implementation, ensure high standards of teaching and assessment, and drive improvement through effective monitoring, evaluation and intervention. There is a strong emphasis on supporting all learners, including those who are not yet fluent readers, and ensuring equity of access and achievement across all student groups.

You will lead, develop and line manage the Food Technology team, building a culture of high expectations, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will also contribute to wider school and Trust priorities, working closely with senior leaders and colleagues across Maiden Erlegh Trust to share best practice and strengthen curriculum provision.

Key Responsibilities

·        Lead the development and implementation of an ambitious and inclusive Food Technology curriculum

·        Ensure consistently high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across the department

·        Monitor student progress and implement timely, effective interventions to secure strong outcomes

·        Line manage, coach and develop colleagues within the subject team

·        Oversee curriculum planning, schemes of work and enrichment opportunities

·        Ensure robust assessment systems, including standardisation and accurate reporting

·        Promote high standards of behaviour, engagement and student wellbeing

·        Support disadvantaged students, those with SEND and other priority groups to achieve their potential

·        Contribute to whole school and Trust curriculum development and improvement priorities

·        Manage the departmental budget effectively and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements

 The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will:

·        Be a qualified teacher with strong subject knowledge in Food Technology

·        Have experience of curriculum leadership or the capacity to step into a leadership role

·        Demonstrate a track record of high-quality teaching and improving student outcomes

·        Be skilled in using assessment and data to inform planning and intervention

·        Have strong leadership, organisational and communication skills

·        Be committed to inclusion, high expectations and supporting all students to succeed

·        Be able to coach and develop colleagues effectively

·        Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and Trust

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading (MER)

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11–16 secondary school in an urban context. The school is as committed to staff and student wellbeing as it is to delivering high-quality education.

Staff voice is central to shaping change and wellbeing priorities. The school benefits from excellent modern facilities and is proud of its vibrant, diverse student body who work hard and have high aspirations. A link to the school can be found here

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including :

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references