Head of Computer Science
We are looking to appoint a well-qualified and enthusiastic Head of Computer Science for this academically selective school. The person must be able to teach to A Level. This is a full-time, permanent position to commence in September 2025, though part-time applications will be considered.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and no experience of working in the independent sector is required. A willingness to participate in the wider life of the school with pastoral care duties and help with co-curricular activities is expected.We welcome applications from those looking for their first middle leadership role as well as those with several years’ experience as a head of department.
Early applications are most welcome; depending on the number of applications received, we reserve the right to bring the closing date and interviews forward.
The Computer Science Department
This is an exciting time to join the Computer Science Department at KEHS: our first cohort of GCSE candidates achieved excellent outcomes in summer 2024 and Computer Science A Level was introduced this year. Computer Science lessons take place in two purpose-built computer suites in our newly built Design Centre.We use Windows 11 PCs; all staff and students have Microsoft 365 accounts.
All Key Stage 3 pupils have weekly Computing lessons. They follow a curriculum that encourages problem solving and computational thinking alongside the development of programming and digital literacy skills. From Year 9, all pupils are taught how to program using Python; this is the language they continue to study if they opt for GCSE and A Level Computer Science.
Computer Science is a popular GCSE option: we have two sets in both Year 10 and Year 11, studying the OCR J277 Computer Science specification. Our first sets of results were excellent: 70% achieved grade 9 and a further 20% achieved a grade 8.Our first A Level course is now underway; we follow the AQA 7517 Computer Science specification. We expect excellent outcomes next summer; several pupils wish to apply for Computer Science courses at university.
Members of the department play an active role in the broader life of the school, contributing to extra-curricular activities linked to the subject area and beyond. Our pupils participate in national competitions, including the annual Bebras Challenge and CyberFirst Girls Competition.Sixth Formers lead a weekly Computing Club in which Lower School pupils undertake activities including using Microbits and undertaking coding and logic challenges. We are keen to continue to develop our extra-curricular and enrichment provision: the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to this.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please forward a completed application form, equal opportunities monitoring form (both available for download at https://kehs.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/) and a covering letter addressed to the Head of School by email to: kesrecruitment@keschools.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 25th February 2025 at 0800, with interviews provisionally scheduled for the week beginning Monday 3rd March 2025. However, applications will be reviewed on receipt and early applications are encouraged: we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date and interview date if sufficient applications have been received.
If you have any queries about the role or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact the current postholder, Liz Brown, by email: E.Brown@keschools.org.uk.