Head of Food Technology / Subject Leader of Food

Location: Kings Langley, Hertfordshire

Start Date: January 2027 (or later for the right candidate / notice period dependent)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Fringe Main / Upper Pay Scale (£32,987 – £45,214 per annum) + TLR Allowance

Subject Focus: Food Technology, Food Preparation & Nutrition, Hospitality & Catering (KS3 & KS4)

Choice Teachers are currently recruiting for an ambitious, innovative, and experienced Subject Leader of Food Technology to lead a successful, determined, and supportive learning area at an inclusive secondary school located in Kings Langley, starting in January 2027 (with flexibility for a later start date to accommodate the right candidate's notice period).

About the School & Department

Rebuilt under the Priority School Building Programme with state-of-the-art facilities, the Design and Technology learning area features six large purpose-built rooms—including two dedicated, fully equipped food technology rooms with attached storage, preparation facilities, and Clevertouch interactive whiteboards. The successful department is supported by dedicated technicians and boasts a strong track record of student achievement, including regional successes in the Big Bang prize and the Rotary Young Chef competition.

As a national lead school in Character Education (awarded the National Character Kitemark Plus), the school places a strong emphasis on building values, resilience, and moral fortitude so that students are equipped to "make the right choices" and flourish both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities & Leadership

• Departmental Leadership: Work alongside the Learning Area Leader of Technology to lead, manage, and develop the Food Technology curriculum, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment across KS3 and KS4.
• Curriculum & Data Strategy: Plan an ambitious, progressive curriculum covering food preparation, nutrition, food safety, and culinary techniques; lead on the analysis of student attainment data to drive progress.
• GCSE & Practical Success: Deliver engaging lessons preparing students for GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition and vocational pathways, fostering a hands-on love for cooking and nutrition.
• Health & Safety & Resource Management: Ensure rigorous health and safety compliance across culinary spaces, managing subject resources and budget procurement effectively.
• Staff Mentoring & Collaboration: Provide coaching, mentoring, and support for colleagues and trainees within the department to foster professional growth.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an educator who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent secondary teaching qualification.
• Holds a relevant degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, Home Economics, or Hospitality.
• Has proven experience teaching Food Technology and Nutrition across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 within a UK secondary school.
• Shares the school's core vision of character formation, inclusion, and academic excellence.
• Demonstrates strong leadership qualities, organisational capability, and high standards for student behaviour and practical discipline.
• Possesses up-to-date knowledge of food hygiene, kitchen health and safety, and statutory safeguarding practices.

Location & Transport Links

Situated in Kings Langley, the school is exceptionally well-located with excellent transport links via the M25, A41, and local rail networks. It is easily commutable for teachers travelling from:

• Hertfordshire: Watford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Berkhamsted, Rickmansworth, Bushey, Borehamwood, Radlett
• Buckinghamshire: Chesham, Amersham, High Wycombe
• North London: Harrow, Barnet, Stanmore, Ruislip

Why Work Here? (Staff Wellbeing & Benefits)

The school is fiercely committed to staff wellbeing, offering a healthy work-life balance and a supportive professional community. Key staff benefits include:

• Reduced Teaching Load: A main scale teaching load of 83% (compared to the national average of 85%) to give you more dedicated planning time.
• Streamlined Systems: A clear behaviour system, no requirement to take sets of books home for marking, and reduced data entry requirements (just 2 data drops per year group).
• Wellbeing & Perks: Access to a free employee assistance programme, mental health first-aid support, staff breakfast every half term, regular staff social events, an active staff forum, a cycle-to-work scheme, and ample free on-site parking.
• Professional Development: Focused personal CPD with dedicated time built into the timetable, plus robust support for career progression.

Why Work with Choice Teachers?

Choice Teachers is an established education recruitment agency specialising in placing qualified teachers and leaders across Hertfordshire and the Home Counties. As an approved supplier on the GCA (Government Commercial Agency) Supply Teachers & Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376), we offer fully compliant, vetted, and transparent recruitment solutions.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious Food Technology specialist or existing Head of Department looking to lead a thriving team in Kings Langley, click Apply Now or contact Steve at Choice Teachers for a confidential discussion about the role.

Contact information

Stephen Emery