Design & Technology Teacher | Secondary School in Waltham...

Teacher of Design & Technology – Product Design & Engineering (January 2027 Start)

Location: Waltham Forest, East/Outer London

School Type: Outstanding Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational, Ages 11–18)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent or Fixed-Term

Start Date: January 2027 (Winter Term Start)

An Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' secondary school and Sixth Form in the East London Borough of Waltham Forest is seeking an articulate, creative, and safety-conscious Teacher of Design & Technology to join their innovative D&T & Engineering faculty this January . Set within a borough renowned for its rich heritage of craft, architecture, and contemporary design, this mid-year appointment offers an exceptional opportunity for a D&T specialist (Product Design, Graphics, Resistant Materials, or Engineering)—whether an experienced teacher or an ambitious Early Career Teacher (ECT)—to inspire the next generation of designers, architects, and engineers.

About the Role

Stepping into the workshops and design studios for the January term, you will guide students through the complete iterative design lifecycle—from initial concept sketching and 3D CAD modeling to rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing. Joining a collaborative and highly resourced department, you will deliver compelling practical and theoretical lessons across Key Stage 3 D&T, Key Stage 4 (GCSE Design & Technology / Product Design), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level Design & Technology: Product Design), equipping scholars with the material knowledge, spatial reasoning, and technical expertise demanded by top university design schools and engineering degree apprenticeships.

• Environment: A modern Outer London campus featuring high-specification workshops, dedicated CAD/CAM suites (laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC machinery), traditional wood/metal machinery, and full technician support

• Culture: An academically ambitious, safety-focused, and creative learning environment centered on problem-solving, sustainable design principles, high workshop standards, and outstanding examination outcomes

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver academically rich, safe, and engaging D&T lessons across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 covering iterative design, material properties (timbers, metals, polymers, smart materials), electronics, and CAD/CAM software.

• Guide GCSE and A-Level candidates through Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) design portfolios and practical prototypes, ensuring high-quality research, client testing, and explicit modeling for written examination papers.

• Maintain rigorous health and safety standards in workshops and prep rooms in full compliance with DATA (Design and Technology Association) guidelines, CLEAPSS regulations, and COSHH standards.

• Track, evaluate, and monitor student progress systematically, tailoring feedback to stretch ambitious young designers targeting Architecture, Industrial Design, or Mechanical Engineering pathways while scaffolding technical skills for developing learners.

• Contribute actively to departmental enrichment, including STEM design challenges, national engineering competitions (e.g., F1 in Schools), architecture clubs, and local maker-space exhibitions.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognized teaching credential.

• A strong academic degree or specialized qualification in Design & Technology, Product Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related discipline.

• Valid DATA / CLEAPSS health and safety certifications for secondary workshop machinery (e.g., wood/metal machinery, hot metal processing).

• Proven track record or demonstrated capability of delivering outstanding D&T instruction across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (KS5/A-Level Product Design teaching capability is highly desirable).

• Exceptional workshop management skills, strong command of 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, 2D Design), and an infectious enthusiasm for innovation, craftsmanship, and modern engineering.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Main / Upper Pay Scale (MPS/UPS Outer London, commensurate with experience), with potential TLR opportunities available for Key Stage 4 D&T Coordinator, STEM Lead, or Workshop Health & Safety Lead.

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD), structured middle leadership mentoring, dedicated technician support, and staff health and wellbeing benefits.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious Design & Technology specialist ready to make an immediate impact this January at an Outstanding school in Waltham Forest, we encourage you to apply promptly. Please submit your application form and CV as soon as possible for consideration.