Job Description
Download printable version
Teacher of Food Technology
Salary Range: £32,916 to £51,048 (Main/Upper Pay Ranges)
Contract type: Full Time | Permanent
Start date: 01 September 2026
Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 20 May 2026
Interview dates: Friday 22 May 2026
Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of chefs, nutritionists, and creative thinkers? Do you have the energy and vision to bring Food Technology alive in the classroom? If so, The King Edmund School would love to hear from you!
We are a thriving, secondary school with a vibrant and supportive staff team. We are seeking a dynamic Teacher of Food Technology to join our Design & Technology department. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference, delivering engaging lessons and helping our students develop vital life skills.
We are also keen to hear from applicants with experience or interest in other DT subjects, including Product Design, Textiles, Engineering, and Graphics. If you have a passion for your subject and the drive to help our students succeed, we want to hear from you!
We are determined to become the school of choice in Essex-a place where every young person is challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive. This isn't a dream - it is a promise and you will be at the centre of delivering and creating this.
The Role
To deliver engaging and innovative lessons in Food Technology to students across KS3 and KS4 and to inspire students to develop practical skills, creativity and a passion for food and nutrition. You will contribute to the development of the Design & Technology curriculum including:
- Plan and teach creative, high-quality lessons in Food Technology that motivate and challenge students
- Assess, record, and report on the progress of students
- Create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop cross-curricular links and enrichment opportunities
- Take a proactive approach to your own professional development and share best practice with the team
- Play an active role in extra-curricular clubs, competitions, and school events related to Food Technology and DT
- Contribute to the wider life of the school, supporting our ethos and values
What We're Looking For
- A degree, or equivalent experience, with a teaching qualification
- Proven ability to teach outstanding lessons across the 11-18 range, with first class classroom management skills
- The ability to work in collaboration with other members of staff to further the department
- Exceptional personal organisation and time management skills
- A firm understanding of key national and educational policies and issues
- The ability to inspire high achievement in young people from all backgrounds
- A clear commitment to improving your own and others' performance through effective continuous professional development
Why Join King Edmund School?
This is a school with immense potential and a powerful sense of purpose. Under new leadership, we are creating something exceptional-step by step, brick by brick. You will be joining a committed, talented team at a moment of transformation, where your leadership will directly shape our school's success story.
Come and be part of something extraordinary!
The school offers an extensive support programme, including mentor/buddy system, Initial Teacher Training support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) or for those seeking Qualified Teacher Status (QTS / QTLS), a system of twilight training sessions, as well as excellent development opportunities. Staff benefits include free car parking, onsite gymnasium and swimming pool as well as staff recognition schemes.
If you are currently considering a career move, we would very much like to hear from you. Please visit the vacancies section of our website (https://kes.essex.sch.uk/join-our-community/staff-vacancies) and complete the 'Quick Apply' application form and submit a copy of your CV. For more about our school and vision please see attached welcome letter from our new Headteacher.
We also welcome and encourage telephone calls on 01702 560904 to register an interest or to find out more about the school and the role. If you wish to arrange an informal conversation or visit to the school prior to interview, we would be delighted to welcome you to KES prior to the closing date, to offer you the opportunity to get a real sense of the school first hand.
To arrange a visit, please email your request to Mrs Andrea Atkins - HR Manager at recruitment@kes.essex.sch.uk and provide your availability, as well as a contact telephone number.
The King Edmund School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.
The King Edmund School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We'll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.
Information about the School
The King Edmund School is a co-educational comprehensive school for students aged 11 to 19. KES, as it is better known to staff and students, is an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ single academy trust in Rochford, Essex, which serves a geographically and socially diverse area.
In the school's last Ofsted report in 2024, KES was awarded ‘Good’ and their values and ethos were clearly recognised in the findings. Students learn a well-designed and balanced curriculum that meets their needs and teachers have strong subject knowledge.
The school's values foster a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their Personal Best. High aspirations, academic success, and a commitment to excellence are promoted. The inclusive community celebrates diversity, ensuring all students feel valued and respected. A safe, caring space is provided for students to grow, taking pride in their achievements both inside and outside of school.
Phase one of a multi-million-pound project to renovate the school, part of the Department of Education’s Rebuilding Schools for the Future initiative, is set to open in September 2025. The new two-storey building will feature 17 general classrooms, Art and Technical rooms, as well as new office space, meeting rooms, and a modern school hall, providing state-of-the-art facilities for students to learn in. Phase two begins this year and will redevelop the remainder of the school site over the next few years.
The school provides exceptional pastoral care and SEND provision through its dedicated teams, who are committed to helping students achieve their best results. With a traditional approach to uniform, behaviour, and work, the school maintains high standards while also prioritizing strong support for students and actively involving parents in these aspects of school life.
Students are rewarded for their achievements, inside and outside of school, through a House system. Each July those students who have displayed the most effort and progress over the past year are celebrated at an Awards Evening held at the prestigious Cliffs Pavilion in Southend. The school also takes part in the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards scheme.
Sixth Form students have their own block with a common room, canteen and IT Suite. Students have the choice of studying A levels, Level 2 and 3 vocational courses, as well as a T level in Education and Early Years.
Staff strive for every student to have high aspirations and they are relentless in their drive to support students to achieve well academically. However, their deeper passion is for all students, regardless of their ability, to reach their full potential.
Students leave KES ready to embrace the next chapter of their young lives, whether that be studying a degree at a Russell Group university when they leave Sixth Form, or starting an apprenticeship when they leave at the end of Year 11.
In the next academic year, KES will have facilities amongst the finest in the country and certainly nothing comparable locally, a huge incentive for both new staff and students to join the school.
To find out more about Life@KES, please visit our Social Media pages:
www.facebook.com/thekingedmundschool
www.instagram.com/thekingedmundschool