Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Paid to scale

The Role

A highly regarded Secondary Academy in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a professional, highly organised, and culinary-minded Food & Nutrition Specialist to join their thriving Design & Technology faculty. This is a brilliant opportunity to work within a well-structured and supportive school environment where food science, macro-nutritional analysis, and culinary engineering are heavily championed across all key stages.

The successful candidate will provide day-to-day instructional leadership across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. The timetable will involve delivering the theoretical and practical frameworks required for GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition and Level 3 Food Science—including food chemistry, microbiological safety, heat transfer principles, and menu curation. Beyond classroom delivery, responsibilities include constructing student progress portfolios, managing kitchen material budgets, executing rigorous food safety tracking, and maintaining commercial-grade catering appliances.

You will act as the principal link with parents, examination boards, and local hospitality networks, requiring absolute professionalism and safety accuracy at all times. Strong organisational skills are a prerequisite, as you will balance the heavy grading and marking requirements of theoretical papers alongside the fast-paced, complex diagnostic tracking and moderation demands of practical cookery exams.

The academy is looking for a proactive, reliable professional who can break down complex biochemical reactions (such as gelatinisation, enzymic browning, and coagulation) into crisp, engaging, and high-impact lessons. Strong communication, deep data literacy, and a steadfast approach to kitchen health and safety operations (Food Standards Agency frameworks) are essential.

School Information

This is an 11 to 18 well-established Academy in Newcastle with a powerful commitment to technical innovation, vocational excellence, and student wellbeing. The school serves an ambitious regional community and is known for its modern, state-of-the-art catering kitchens and high-spec design studios.

Students are respectful, highly motivated, and analytical, treating the practical environments with care and creating a calm, purposeful atmosphere. Staff benefit from an open, collaborative professional culture, highly visible leadership, a manageable administrative load, and an excellent framework for targeted career progression and continuous safety training (such as Food Safety Level 2/3 certifications).

Requirements

• A recognized teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS, or equivalent) with a degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, Home Economics, or a related field

• Proven experience teaching Food Tech / Nutrition specs up to GCSE and Vocational Level 3

• Exceptional knowledge of kitchen health and safety legislation and food hygiene regulations

• Good IT and data tracking capabilities, with confidence using digital learning tracking systems

• Ability to work effectively and cleanly within a fast-paced practical environment

Application

To apply, please send your comprehensive CV as soon as possible.