Department Leader

Location: Highfield Ely Academy

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

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Closing Date: Friday 13th February 2026

About the Role:

Highfield Ely Academy is seeking a passionate and dynamic Department Leader to join our team and drive academic excellence across the school. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional to take on a leadership role, shaping and developing teaching and learning within their department. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team of staff and contribute to the strategic development of the academy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works as part of a close leadership team with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher
• Is highly visible in classrooms and learning spaces
• Coaches, mentors and develops teachers and support staff
• Models excellent practice for pupils with complex SEND
• Creates a culture of open classrooms, professional dialogue and shared practice
• Leads by example through positivity, energy and care for both pupils and adults
• Contributes directly to school development priorities and whole-school improvement
• Supports staff to feel valued, confident and continually improving
• Ensures that pupils experience engaging, purposeful and well-structured learning every day

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 Pippa Edwards (School Business Manager) on 01353 662085, or email pedwards@highfield.cambs.sch.uk

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.