Are you ready to take the next big step in your teaching career? For teachers specialising in particular subjects, an opportunity to become Head of Department is an exciting prospect. The role of a Head of Department (HoD) in a school is a pivotal middle leadership position, where classroom teaching responsibilities are mixed with more strategic, administrative, and managerial tasks. HoDs are responsible for leading a specific subject area (e.g., English, Science, Maths). They must ensure that student progress in that subject meets what is expected in the National Curriculum and that high-quality teaching and excellent student welfare standards are met.
Whether you are curious about a career in teaching, are an NQT wondering about career progression, or are already a subject specialist looking to take that next step, this guide can help you secure long-term growth. It will break down responsibilities, salaries, skills, and steps to get there.
What Does a Departmental Head Do?
The key responsibilities of a Departmental Head include:
Leading a specific subject department, for example, Maths, English, or Science. Heads of Department are expected to oversee the management of their subject within the school and must set and maintain expectations of the standard of teaching and learning Line managing staff within the department. The Head of Department will be the person to whom the other teaching staff report, so they will conduct performance reviews and provide feedback and support to ensure that all staff members in the department can work effectively.
Monitoring and improving teaching standards and outcomes. The Head of Department (HoD) will ensure that all teachers under their management are aware of the expected quality of teaching, as well as the expected student performance and outcomes to aim for. They will be responsible for holding themselves and other teaching staff accountable and flagging up any concerns associated with teaching standards with the Head of the school.
Overseeing curriculum planning and implementation. The Departmental Head will also be expected to be familiar with the curriculum and be able to create robust implementation plans to ensure its effective implementation.
Analysing pupil progress data and developing strategies. The expected outcomes for students will also be closely monitored against actual progress, and it will be the Head of Department's (HoD) responsibility to ensure that students (both individually and collectively) stay on track.
Learning meetings and management budgets. The Departmental Head will also be responsible for organising departmental conferences, liaising with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and managing departmental budgets and allocating resources.
What skills are required to be a successful Head of Department?
As well as years of experience and a proven track record of academic excellence in their subject, Heads of Department will be expected to be able to demonstrate strong leadership and communication, the ability to make important decisions under pressure, be diplomatic and fair, have the ability to coach and mentor others and have impressive organisation and prioritisation skills.
Being a Head of Department means being the bridge between SLT and your team – balancing strategy with everyday teaching demands.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for a Head of Department position can vary. Below is a guide to provide teachers with an indication of what they can expect to earn in this role.
England (outside London):
- Typically between £30,000 and £50,000, depending on TLR (Teaching and Learning Responsibility) bands.
- Heads of Department often earn TLR 1 or 2, which adds £3,000–£14,000 to the base salary.
Inner London:
- Base salaries are higher, starting from £36,745 to £56,959, plus TLR.
What Experience and Qualifications Do You Need to be a Head of Department?
We've talked about some of the soft skills you might need to succeed in a Head of Department Role. However, there are also essential experience and qualifications that anyone applying for this position will have to have to be considered for the job.
Essential experience:
- Proven track record of classroom success (minimum 2–5 years).
- Evidence of improving student outcomes.
- Mentoring/induction support to ECTs or trainees.
- Involvement in curriculum planning or assessment design.
- Participation in whole-school initiatives or working parties.
Desirable qualifications:
- A strong degree in your subject specialism.
- A PGCE or equivalent.
- NPQML (National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership) – increasingly valued.
- CPD related to leadership or coaching.
How to Progress into a Departmental Head Role
Any teacher aspiring to become an HoD can achieve their goals by taking the following steps:
Build classroom excellence – make it your mission to build strong relationships with pupils and to deliver upon or exceed expected outcomes.
Seek out additional responsibilities – there are plenty of opportunities for every teacher to take on extra responsibilities. If you are seriously considering applying for a HoD role, you'll need to look into how you can prove your commitment to teaching even further. This could involve applying to become a key stage coordinator, pastoral lead, or leading a working group.
Get involved in curriculum development – a big part of a Head of Department position is the ability to demonstrate strategic thinking. If you can make yourself integral in curriculum development, this will prove your ability to think beyond the classroom and contribute to whole-school improvement. Involvement in curriculum design shows that you understand how to sequence learning effectively, align objectives with national standards, and tailor content to meet the diverse needs of pupils. It also highlights your ability to plan long-term, collaborate with colleagues, and make informed decisions that drive progress across year groups.
Pursue professional development – enrol on NPQML or leadership courses. By demonstrating your ability to work proactively and advance your skills, you not only position yourself as a leader but also show your commitment to teaching and continued personal development.
Find a mentor – ideally a current Head of Department or member of SLT. Finding a mentor to help give you advice and support on your career path can be invaluable. Speak to the current Head of Department or a member of the SLT about your career ambitions and take on any advice or tips they may have.
Apply strategically – tailor your applications to show measurable impact, leadership potential and team management skills. A great job application will have demonstrable thought and effort behind it. Read the job description thoroughly and ensure you have addressed all their requirements with solid examples of why you are best placed to step into the role.
Pro tip: Keep a portfolio of achievements – including student data, leadership tasks, and testimonials.
What Makes a Great Head of Department?
According to a Teacher Tapp survey, the majority of middle leaders cite "supporting others to develop" as the most rewarding part of the job. Bear this in mind when you work on your skills and experience as a HoD: you will be expected to take on this supportive role and help your peers advance on their career paths as well. An excellent Head of Department will be a visionary - someone who can utilise big-picture thinking to plan for the department's future. They'll also be strategic, using data to inform their decisions and utilise their resilience to ensure they can take the pressures of the job in their stride.
Application Tips for Head of Department Roles
If you're stepping up to middle leadership, it's essential to position yourself as more than an excellent teacher — you need to present yourself as a strategic leader, team builder, and change driver. Below are four key areas to focus on in your application and interview:
Tailor Your CV and Application Materials
Generic applications won't cut it for leadership roles. Your CV and cover letter should clearly communicate your experience and qualifications, examples of your leadership, any specific training and career development you have undertaken and why you think you would excel in the role.
Mirror the language of the job description to highlight how your experience matches their specific needs.
Back up statements with evidence
Describing your various achievements and successes is great, but you need to back up what you are saying with evidence. Providing proof and quantifying your achievements with metrics data or feedback from your peers will strengthen your application and make it stand out.
Prepare for Scenario-Based Interview Questions
Proper preparation for your interview is imperative. HoD interviews are likely to contain questions where your interviewer will pose a specific scenario or complex challenge and expect you to answer what action or approach you would take. Some examples of interview questions like these include:
- "How would you address underperformance in your team?"
- "How would you introduce a new curriculum across multiple year groups?"
- "What would you do if departmental data showed a dip in progress?"
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and confidently.
Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Being a HoD means lifting others, not just excelling yourself. If you can showcase examples of where you have demonstrated excellent leadership, this will go a long way to strengthen your application. Leadership is about fostering collaboration, supporting others' development, delegating efficiently and mediating disagreements. Remember, leadership is relational — they're looking for someone who can unite, inspire, and lead with integrity.
Ready to apply for a Head of Department position? Horizon Teachers can help!
If you are ready to start applying for a HoD role, we are here to support you in this exciting next step in your teaching career. Our friendly team is on hand to connect you with schools actively looking to fill Head of Department roles, can help you refine your CV, recommend relevant courses and provide access to vacancies not listed on public job boards.
Thinking of making the leap? Explore our current Head of Department vacancies or speak to one of our career advisors today.
