The Opportunity

Southampton is a dynamic maritime city where a rich industrial past meets a booming modern sector driven by marine engineering, digital manufacturing, and creative product design. We are seeking an innovative, safety-conscious Design & Technology (DT) Teacher to join a pioneering studio school. In this role, you will challenge students to bridge the gap between creative concept and tangible production—utilizing the city’s thriving engineering and industrial landscape to show how exceptional design solves complex, real-world problems.

The School

Operating as a specialized studio school, we cater specifically to Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 students, delivering an innovative curriculum that integrates rigorous academic qualifications with real-world project learning. With smaller class sizes and a mature, business-like environment, our staff build strong professional relationships with students. We treat our young people as colleagues in training, focusing on developing independent thought, technical accountability, and creative problem-solving skills.

The Department & Design Culture

• You will join a forward-thinking DT team that rejects passive learning, choosing instead to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern CAD/CAM manufacturing briefs.

• The department utilizes flexible learning spaces and workshops designed to replicate modern creative and engineering workspaces, facilitating structured design pitches, material testing, and rapid prototyping.

• Our curriculum prioritizes deep engagement with design theory and materials science, exploring how ergonomics, sustainability, and shifting technological landscapes influence product design.

• We collaborate directly with local engineering firms, maritime manufacturers, and product design agencies to give students real-world platforms for their technical projects.

Core Responsibilities

1. Contextualized Technical Instruction: Designing and delivering high-challenge Design & Technology lessons at GCSE, ensuring academic and practical excellence is achieved through engaging, relevant contexts.

2. Material Workshop Leadership: Leading safe, organized, and impactful workshop sessions that train students in precise measurement, material manipulation (wood, metals, plastics), and machine safety.

3. CAD/CAM Integration: Systematically developing students' ability to produce sophisticated digital designs using industry-standard software and translating them into physical prototypes via 3D printing and laser cutting.

4. Data-Driven Success: Implementing targeted diagnostic assessments to identify learning gaps early, providing precise, actionable feedback ahead of terminal GCSE examinations and coursework components.

5. Project Mentorship: Guiding students through cross-curricular, industry-linked projects, helping them apply their technical and analytical skills to workplace-simulated design briefs.

The Successful Candidate We are looking for an adaptive, technically skilled educator who is passionate about making design vital, practical, and deeply empowering for young people. Your profile should include:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a strong honours degree in Design & Technology, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• Rigorous Safety Standards: A comprehensive understanding of workshop safety protocols and health and safety regulations (DATA certification is highly desirable).

• Versatile Workshop Management: The ability to smoothly transition between structured technical demonstrations and independent project sessions with a calm, professional classroom presence.

• Collaborative Spirit: A professional who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment, eager to co-plan projects with science, mathematics, and creative media departments.

Why Join Our Faculty?

• A distinctly refreshing teaching environment with smaller student cohorts, fewer behavioural disruptions, and a mature atmosphere centered on mutual respect.

• Tailored professional development focusing on project-based learning pedagogies, advanced CAD/CAM training, and pathways into middle leadership.

• The fantastic lifestyle benefits of Southampton—a dynamic coastal city offering a rich cultural scene, affordable urban living, and immediate proximity to both the New Forest and open water.

• A supportive, tight-knit staff framework featuring a realistic approach to marking and administration designed to keep your workload sustainable.

How to Apply

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.