Head of Food & Nutrition

Full-time, Permanent. Required from September 2026 – TLR 2a

The Governors of this exceptional Grammar School wish to appoint an excellent and committed Head of Food & Nutrition to lead our provision across Key Stages 3 and 4. This is a full-time, permanent leadership post with a TLR 2a, commencing in September 2026.

Food and Nutrition is a valued and popular strand within our thriving Design and Technology Faculty. The successful candidate will provide strong subject leadership, ensuring that teaching and learning is ambitious, inclusive and engaging at every stage. They will lead on curriculum planning, assessment and quality assurance within Food and Nutrition, working closely with the Head of Faculty and other subject leaders to promote a collaborative and forward-looking departmental culture.

We are seeking a reflective and ambitious practitioner with excellent classroom practice, strong subject knowledge and the ability to inspire both students and colleagues. The successful candidate will be committed to maintaining high standards of progress and outcomes, while also developing enrichment opportunities that bring Food and Nutrition learning to life.

West Kirby Grammar School is a highly successful selective girls’ school with a coeducational Sixth Form. There are approximately 1,200 students on roll, and academic outcomes are exceptional. In 2025, 22% of GCSE grades were awarded at Grade 9 and 44% at Grades 9–8. Students achieved an average grade of 7.15, with 66% of all grades at 9–7. At A level, results were equally strong, with 65% of grades awarded at A*–B and an average grade of B.

The school was ranked 23rd nationally out of more than 4,000 state schools in The Telegraph’s annual school rankings, placing us 1st among all state schools in Wirral, Merseyside and Chester and 5th in the North West of England. These outcomes reflect the exceptional standards of achievement, progress and student destinations.

Further information and an application form are available to download from the School’s website (www.wkgs.org) or by contacting the School on 0151 632 3449. A completed application form and a letter addressing the content of the person specification (no longer than two sides of A4) should be submitted to office@wkgs.net for the attention of Mr S. Clarke, Headteacher.

Closing Date 9am on Friday 1st May 2026

Anticipated interview date Wednesday 6th May 2026

Key Responsibilities

• To lead the design, sequencing, and delivery of the Food and Nutrition curriculum across KS3–4, ensuring provision is academically ambitious, inclusive, and engaging.
• To embed rigorous and purposeful assessment strategies, including formative assessment, exam-style tasks, NEA guidance, and structured pupil response activities.
• To implement and monitor quality assurance processes at KS3 and KS4, ensuring consistent marking, feedback, and teaching aligned with departmental and whole-school expectations.
• To oversee administration and internal verification of KS4 NEA work and liaise with Exam Boards as required.
• To monitor student progress and use data to inform targeted interventions and support strategies, ensuring aspirational outcomes for all learners.
• To support staff in addressing gaps in student knowledge and skills, planning effective classroom strategies, and delivering additional interventions as needed.
• To coordinate extracurricular and enrichment opportunities related to Food and Nutrition, including visits, workshops, and other subject-specific activities.
• To contribute to departmental development planning, ensuring progression and consistency across both key stages.
• To work closely with other TLR holders and the Head of Faculty to promote collaboration and consistency across the Design and Technology Department.
• General Expectations
• To act as a role model of professional conduct and high-quality teaching.
• To stay informed about subject-specific developments in Food and Nutrition education, including curriculum and assessment changes.
• To participate fully in department meetings, training, and whole-school initiatives.
• To contribute to the wider life of the school and support the school’s vision and values.

This person specification is related to the requirements of the post as determined by the job description. Short listing is carried out on the basis of how well you meet the requirements of the person specification. You should refer to these requirements when completing your application.

E: Essential D: Desirable

1. Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Food, Nutrition, or a closely related subject (E)
• QTS (Secondary Phase) (E)
• Further degree or leadership qualification (e.g. NPQ, MA/MEd) (D)

2. Experience

• Successful teaching of Food and Nutrition at KS3 and KS4 (E)
• Evidence of strong outcomes for students at GCSE (E)
• Experience of contributing to curriculum development and quality assurance at KS3–4 (E)
• Experience of supporting or leading aspects of departmental work (D)
• Experience of leading or coordinating extracurricular or enrichment opportunities in Food and Nutrition (D)
• Experience of using student progress data to inform planning and intervention (D)

3. Knowledge and Skills

• Strong subject knowledge in Food and Nutrition across KS3–4 (E)
• Understanding of curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment at KS3–4 (E)
• Knowledge of NEA processes, exam board requirements, and internal verification (E)
• Ability to analyse student progress data and implement effective interventions (E)
• Understanding of how to support stretch and challenge for all learners, including high prior attainers (E)
• Awareness of current research and developments in Food and Nutrition education (D)
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and/or digital tools for curriculum and assessment work (D)

4. Special Requirements

• A belief in the potential of all students to achieve at the highest-level (E)
• High expectations of self and others, with a commitment to continuous improvement (E)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with students, colleagues and parents (E)
• Willingness to contribute to the wider life of the department and school (E)
• Enhanced DBS clearance and identity checks (E)
• Professional approach to conduct, attendance and dress (E)

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Source: UK Teaching Vacancies Service (teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.