Head of Technology

Head of Technology

Lift Unity City

Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS3 8RE
United Kingdom

Salary: L1-5 + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Full Time
Contract type: Permanent
Start date: Between September 2026 and January 2027
Closing date: 29th June
Interview date: TBC

Think you know Lift Unity City? It might surprise you

At Lift Unity City Academy, we believe education should equip young people not just for today's world, but for tomorrow's. We are seeking an tenacious and visionary leader to join our leadership team as Head of Design Technology.

Lift Unity City is fast becoming the local school of choice as we are driven by an unwavering commitment to transforming futures, breaking social stereotypes, and ensuring every student secures excellent life opportunities - highlighted by our recent national recognition with the Excellence in Pupil Development Award. This is an exciting time for an ambitious leader to join our team and play a key role in our journey of transformation.

Why this role matters

The world our students will enter is changing rapidly. Advances in technology, engineering, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, digital media and the creative industries are transforming the skills that employers need and the opportunities available to young people.

At Lift Unity City, we believe every student deserves access to an ambitious, relevant and inspiring curriculum that prepares them for that future.

This role sits at the heart of that mission.

As Head of Technology, you will do more than lead a collection of subjects. You will help shape the experiences that develop creativity, problem-solving, resilience, technical expertise and entrepreneurial thinking in our students. You will create pathways that open doors to careers, apprenticeships and further study, particularly for young people who may never have considered these opportunities possible.

You will have the unique opportunity to build on our strengths in Design Technology, Food Technology and Hospitality, while helping us explore new disciplines that reflect the future world of work. Whether that means developing engineering pathways, introducing emerging technologies, strengthening industry partnerships or creating innovative enrichment opportunities, your vision will help define what technical and creative education looks like at Lift Unity City for years to come.

What we are looking for:

• An outstanding classroom practitioner with QTS
• An experienced middle leader/ head of department with a proven track record of improving outcomes
• Skilled in developing teams and supporting colleagues to excel
• Passionate about innovation, creativity and technical education
• Ambitious for young people and determined to provide opportunities that broaden horizons
• Ready to step into a role with wider influence and strategic responsibility
• Above all, you will be driven by moral purpose, intellectually curious, resilient, and committed to transforming life chances through education.

We warmly welcome visits to the school, to arrange a visit please contact:

About our school:

Lift Unity City is a thriving and diverse school in Middlesbrough, known for its sharp focus on student success. Awarded a 'Good' rating by Ofsted, we are proud of our supportive community and collaborative culture. We are recent (May 2026) winners of the national Excellence in Pupil Development award too, which we are very proud of.

Our school vision is simple, yet powerful- 'everyone has a determination to succeed, a love of learning, pride in their school and a strength of character.' Alongside excellent leadership and teaching, we will help children to go on to lead successful and happy lives.

Our dynamic leadership team and dedicated staff work together to create an environment where every student is championed, and every staff member is empowered. Our focused CPD programme ensures that you have the time and space to focus on what matters most; educating and inspiring young minds. People choose to join Lift Unity City because we offer a culture of high support and high expectations, where professional growth is encouraged and valued. Here, you'll be part of a passionate team committed to making a real difference, with the opportunity to contribute to an exciting school improvement journey and see your impact firsthand. With a clear vision and strong community behind us, Lift Unity City is a place where success is the expectation.

At Lift Unity City, we whole-heartedly believe all young people deserve a well-rounded, culturally rich education that fully prepares them to be confident in their ability to prosper in tomorrow's world. To be a part of their life changing journey is a privilege and a pleasure.

In your school

You'll have our constant support, as well as access to our world-class expertise in curriculum and assessment. We offer bespoke support to each of our schools and we'll always be ready with additional help and advice when you face specific challenges. With our expert operational support, you can get on with what matters most - your students and staff.

In your career

We know what it means to be on a career path. With us, you can forge your own leadership path and your own success. Our experience in education means that wherever you are on your journey, you can access exceptional advice and support, and develop your skills every day.

In your community

We believe in the ripple effect of great education because positive growth for children means the same for you, your peers, and everyone involved in a Lift School. And we look beyond the classroom walls; making a positive impact in communities, families and beyond.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
• Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.