Director of Humanities - Cowes Enterprise College

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more.   

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change lives and build the futures of children and young people.   

At Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, and as Director of Learning for Humanities, you will play a pivotal role in making that happen. You will lead the faculty in delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning through a rich curriculum, within a vibrant, high challenge, low threat and fully inclusive environment.

You will be accountable for leading, managing and developing the faculty, raising standards of student attainment and achievement, and developing the teaching practice of colleagues across the team. Working closely with senior leaders, you will help ensure every student in Humanities achieves their best, whatever their starting point.

You will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree, with the ability to teach to GCSE and A-Level, and experience leading within a department
• Recent experience teaching KS4 and/or KS5, with a proven track record of outstanding teaching and excellent results
• Experience improving the quality of teaching and learning, and supporting the professional development of staff
• The vision and communication skills to motivate colleagues and students, and a genuine commitment to raising the aspirations of the whole school community

About the Academy

Cowes Enterprise College is a successful and happy school with strong outcomes. At Cowes Enterprise College, our mission is clear: to educate for life. We are dedicated to developing a love of learning in our students and preparing them for the future, whatever it may hold. Our students’ limitless potential drives everything we do, and our purpose is to guide, support, and inspire them to reach their goals.

At Cowes Enterprise College, we’re not just educators, we’re mentors, guides, and champions of lifelong learning. Our mission is clear: to nurture a love for learning and equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in life beyond the classroom.

We can offer you:

• A supportive community dedicated to professional development and staff wellbeing.
• Access to a wider range of resources and opportunities through our Academy Trust.
• Guidance, advice and support from both departmental and senior leadership team who all want to make a positive difference to the education of all our students.
• Automatic pay increments unlinked to targets.

 Why work for Ormiston? 

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.  

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… 

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive 

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve 

• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities 

• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

We value the contribution of every colleague and offer a range of benefits designed to support your career, wellbeing and work-life balance. Benefits include automatic pay progression, a generous pension scheme, wellbeing support, exclusive discounts, Blue Light Card access and our cycle-to-work scheme.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you share our commitment to helping every child thrive and want to join our team, we would love to hear from you.

All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Applications must be received by 5 October 2026. Early applications are welcomed, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Please note, we do not accept CVs as a form of application.

If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Dawson, HR Officer at [email protected].