Head of PE

WORKING WITH US

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is a mixed Academy for 1,300 students aged 11-18, with a large sixth form of nearly 400 students. The Academy has four consecutive Outstanding judgments by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in 2025 finding the Academy to be Outstanding in every category. We are a consistently high performing school. Our motto, 'All Can Achieve' encapsulates our vision that all members of the Academy community are supported and encouraged to achieve their absolute potential. We believe that a well-supported and valued staff body is the key to our success. Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is part of the Harris Federation and this enables us to offer you a comprehensive induction programme and training and development opportunities to support your career development including Masters and other qualifications.

To learn more about working in our academy and what we can offer you, view our academy page via the "why work at" button.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Are you a passionate teacher looking for your next step? We are looking for a qualified, experienced teacher to join Harris City Academy Crystal Palace as Head of PE.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with the Director of Performing Arts and PE and the Faculty Director of Science and PE to ensure effective leadership of the department
• Assisting and deputising for the Director of Performing Arts and PE when necessary
• Managing and overseeing the day-to-day running of the PE department
• Promoting an inclusive environment that provides development opportunities for all students
• Assisting in developing and delivering the PE curriculum
• Implementing and reviewing Key Stage 3 and 4 core curriculum to ensure breadth, balance and relevance for all students
• Ensuring the development of Physical Education aligns with the national curriculum
• Ensuring appropriate schemes of work for all courses taught and updating them regularly in line with national developments
• Determining, implementing and monitoring systems for improving student attainment and progress in Physical Education
• Liaising with the SENCO and staff with Special Educational Needs expertise to ensure curriculum accessibility for all students
• Communicating weekly through the Academy Bulletin
• Delivering an outstanding extra-curricular programme for students
• Maintaining team rooms, resources and equipment in good order with regard to health and safety, security and display
• Assisting in running the Academy's Sixth Form Rugby Academy
• Organising fixtures, training and competitions for the Academy's lower school rugby programme
• Overseeing inter-faculty competitions within the Academy
• Delivering outstanding provision for gifted and talented athletes within the Academy

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you:

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and, ideally, management training
• Demonstrate successful teaching of GCSE at good or better level
• Have experience of initiation and effective management of change
• Show evidence of raising achievement in present post and showing good value added for groups
• Have knowledge of current curriculum developments in subject and their implications
• Have good knowledge and understanding of current educational thinking
• Show good understanding of how children learn and how to raise standards of achievement
• Have good communication skills in speech and writing
• Display excellent organisational skills
• Are able to build and sustain professional standards and relationships with students
• Are able to contribute towards creating a safe and protective environment

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Teacher Development

At Harris, we have curated professional development pathways that will guide you towards achieving your career ambitions. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. With a strong network of passionate educators, expert development initiatives and a multitude of opportunities for career progression, your journey with Harris could be the most rewarding one yet.

We offer a wide range of high quality teacher professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership. Find out more here.

Flexible Working

We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual's circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

Benefits

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance (usually £2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London), a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

Thank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be help you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.