Application Pack for the Role of Head of Design and Technology January 2027 Start Date
CHEAM | Head of Design and Technology
Role Overview
Cheam School is seeking a candidate to lead the Design and Technology Department for January 2027. This role is a full time post and a permanent role.
An outstanding and inspiring practitioner, the successful applicant will have expert curriculum knowledge and an insatiable appetite for learning. We are looking for someone who is able to build our pupils’ confidence and curiosity, enjoying the opportunity to develop their practice in this ambitious and successful school.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a desire to ensure that the Design and Technology curriculum is engaging and exciting, taking responsibility for the delivery of the subject in Years 3-8. They will also display a willingness to utilise the outstanding facilities, building on the popularity and success of the subject. Applicants will be expected to show that they have relevant educational leadership and management experience. There are no set criteria for this and potential is important.
About Cheam School
Cheam was founded in 1645 and is one of the oldest prep schools in the world. Cheam is an IAPS boarding and day school with boys and girls from age 3-13 years. Cheam prides itself on its excellent all-round record academically, musically, artistically and on the sports field and is especially highly regarded for its Character education. The facilities are outstanding. On completing their education at Cheam, children move on to the top Public Schools in England, including but not limited to: Bradfield, Downe House, Eton, Marlborough, Radley, Sherborne, Wellington and Winchester. The school is non-selective yet achieves consistently high standards academically, through an inspirational and dedicated team of teachers.
Cheam School is situated in a stunning rural location ten minutes from Newbury and fifteen minutes from Basingstoke, just off the A339. It is surrounded by smaller towns and villages from which it draws many of its pupils.
CHEAM | Head of Design and Technology
Role Specification
Key duties:
Leading the Design and Technology Department across the prep school
● Teaching of Years 3-8 Design and Technology
● Line managing the Creative Arts Technician
Overseeing the preparation of pupils for senior school scholarship applications
Designing and implementing schemes of work which are innovative and rigorous
Monitoring and tracking the progress of pupils of all abilities within the subject
Chairing and organising all aspects of the Design and Technology Department meetings
Holding and managing a budget for Design and Technology, ensuring teachers are resourced effectively
Conducting appraisal, ensuring any required INSET and Continuing Professional Development is provided for Design and Technology Teachers
C Promoting Design and Technology to current and prospective parents
Maintaining a culture of safe practice, as a member of the Health and Safety Committee, holding responsibility for the upkeep of the machinery and associated risk assessments
• Coaching of Years 3-8 Sport, depending upon experience and expertise
Possible responsibility for the pastoral care of a Form Group
Teachers at Cheam are expected to:
Teach subjects, specialising if necessary, as required to a class of pupils, and ensure that planning, preparation, recording, assessment and reporting meet their varying academic and pastoral needs
Administer both formative and summative assessments and monitor the progress of pupils
● Ensure individual reports are written for each child in accordance with reporting guidelines and ensuring relevant deadlines are met
Contribute to exciting and imaginative schemes of work to ensure that pupils are appropriately challenged, make strong progress and are inspired by their lessons
Report pastoral concerns and follow the school’s Behaviour Management Policy
Liaise with the Heads of Departments over standards expected and achieved in lessons
Attend Departmental Meetings when required and help to develop subject specific documentation when required by the Heads of Departments
Provide teaching cover as required throughout the school
Complete appropriate levels of Continuing Professional Development
Fulfil duties and take part in the co-curricular programme as per a full-time member of staff
Support any trips including any residential visits as appropriate
Undertake any reasonable additional task in respect of the needs of the school at the request of the Head
CHEAM | Head of Design and Technology
Candidate Specification
Characteristics:
● Being a flexible teacher with a good team ethic, prepared to be involved with the many opportunities available to the pupils
Being up to date on teaching practices and approaches
Respecting that all staff share the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and must adhere to, and comply with, the school’s Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
● Promoting their subjects throughout the school in the organisation of suitable trips and excursions and through other initiatives
Upholding Cheam School’s values and ethos
Willing to be fully involved in the life of a busy prep school
Skills:
● Coaching a variety of sports to different age groups
Being creative and innovative across our broad curriculum
Communicating effectively with parents, pupils and colleagues
Maintaining high levels of organisation and motivation
• Demonstrating proficient use of technology
Qualifications:
University degree or equivalent from a recognised educational institution
Teaching qualification and QTS
Character Education at Cheam
At Cheam, we believe education goes beyond academic success. Central to our approach is Character Education, which nurtures well‑rounded, compassionate, and robust young people. We aim to develop values such as respect, responsibility, reflectiveness, resilience, and resourcefulness, empowering pupils to become confident, capable, and kind individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society.
Character development is embedded throughout school life – in the classroom, boarding, and co‑curricular activities. Supported by the Cheam community, pupils are encouraged to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens.
CHEAM | Head of Design and Technology
Hours and Salary
The salary will be competitive, according to experience and qualifications. The school welcomes applications from ECTs seeking their first employment. Cheam operates from Monday to Saturday and our teachers work across all six days with one day being a half day.
Holidays, Days Off and Benefits
School holidays are usually three weeks at Christmas, three weeks at Easter, eight weeks in the summer, one week for February and May half terms and two weeks for October half term. There are regular staff meetings and INSET days before the start of each term and all staff are expected to attend these.
Benefits include:
● Generous pension scheme
Professional development and a variety of training opportunities
School lunches, snacks and refreshments provided during term time
Use of the school gym and Cheam’s wonderful facilities
Wellbeing focus with access to physio, counsellors, and regular team socials
● Free onsite parking
CHEAM | Head of Design and Technology
Working at Cheam
Our staff are Cheam’s greatest asset. From the inspiring and experienced teachers to the efficient and friendly support teams, everyone contributes to the special environment at Cheam. It is the perfect place for staff to thrive and grow.
“It’s a privilege to work in such a beautiful setting, with a brilliant group of colleagues who make coming to work worthwhile.”
“Having worked in a number of schools, when I found Cheam, it felt the most like home. The team, the amazing site and the positive, can-do attitudes are what makes it a great place to work and live.”
“The feeling of camaraderie amongst the staff and being part of the Cheam team. It’s a very special community.”
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CHEAM | Head of Design and Technology
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities form found on our website at www.cheamschool.co.uk and please include a covering letter. Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications without a completed application form.
Covering letters and application forms should be submitted via email to Mrs Siobhan Branch, branchs@cheamschool.co.uk - alternatively you can post your application to the address below.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications: Thursday 11 June 2026 at 17:00th
• Interviews will be held from: Monday 15 Juneth
● Start date: January 2027
The school reserves the right to call someone to interview before the application closing date
Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Cheam School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We are also committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. If you believe your personal values would fit with the Cheam values and ethos we would love to hear from you. Whatever your background, if you lead by example, show resilience, kindness and seek always to integrate and share, please get in touch.