Practical Advice and Resources for Heads of Department
Being a Head of Department is one of the most challenging leadership roles in a secondary school. You are expected to lead teachers, manage curriculum and assessment, analyse student data, improve teaching and learning, and work effectively with school leadership—all while continuing to manage the day-to-day demands of your department.
This site provides practical advice and resources to help you become a more effective Head of Department. Whether you’re new to the role, looking to strengthen your leadership skills or trying to solve a particular departmental problem, you’ll find strategies and ideas you can put into practice.
New to the Head of Department Role? Start Here
If you’re new to the role, you don’t need to figure everything out on your own. Start with our practical guides covering the responsibilities of a Head of Department, essential leadership skills and the challenges of moving from classroom teacher to departmental leader.
What Do You Need Help With?
Whether you’re developing your leadership skills, managing your team or trying to improve student outcomes, start with the resources most relevant to your current challenge.
1. Lead Your Department
Develop the leadership skills you need to build an effective department, create a clear vision and lead teachers with confidence.
2. Manage Your Team
Learn practical strategies for building trust, managing staff, running effective meetings, handling difficult situations and developing your team’s capacity.
3. Improve Teaching and Student Outcomes
Explore practical approaches to curriculum development, assessment, data analysis and using evidence to improve teaching and learning.
