Careers
How to Become a Head of Department
A practical route to HoD: evidence to gather, interview themes, and the realities of the job beyond the TLR.
HoD appointments reward evidence of curriculum thinking, team influence and calm operational competence. Start collecting that evidence before the advert appears.
- Lead a scheme or assessment change and evaluate impact
- Mentor a colleague or ECT
- Own a data / outcomes conversation without blame theatre
- Show you can manage resources and communication
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TeacherGuide publishes practical guides, buying advice and tools for UK teachers. We prioritise usefulness, independence and clear sourcing — especially on pay, pensions and statutory entitlements. Named contributor bylines will appear here only when real writers are credited.
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