A Coordinator of Learning leads on a specific aspect of teaching, learning, or curriculum within a department or across a year group. Common in both primary and secondary settings, this role involves coordinating resources, supporting colleagues with planning and delivery, monitoring standards in your area, and contributing to departmental improvement priorities. It is often a first formal leadership responsibility.
The typical career stops on the way to this destination
Complete your Initial Teacher Training via PGCE, School Direct, or undergraduate route. Develop a strong understanding of pedagogy, assessment, and classroom management in your chosen phase or subject.
Complete your Early Career Teacher induction and build your confidence as a classroom teacher. Focus on developing consistently good teaching, building positive relationships with students and families, and understanding the broader workings of your department or phase.
Volunteer to lead on a specific area within your department or year group, such as developing resources, running an enrichment programme, leading a subject cluster, or coordinating an intervention group. Show initiative and build your evidence of impact.
You've arrived at your destination. As Coordinator of Learning, you lead on a defined area of the curriculum or learning, support colleagues, coordinate resources and assessment, and make a tangible difference to the quality of education in your school. This is your launchpad into further middle leadership.
The personal attributes that will help you thrive in this role
Strong understanding of your curriculum area and the ability to support colleagues with planning, resources, and pedagogical approaches that improve student learning.
Excellent organisational skills to coordinate resources, manage assessment schedules, maintain records, and ensure consistency of practice across your area of responsibility.
Ability to work effectively alongside colleagues, share best practice, and build a culture of teamwork and mutual support within your department or phase.
Clear communicator who can share expectations, lead meetings, present to colleagues, and liaise with parents and other stakeholders about your area of the curriculum.
Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to identify areas for improvement, propose solutions, and take ownership of projects without needing constant supervision.
Basic skills in tracking student progress, evaluating the impact of initiatives, and using data to inform decisions about teaching and learning in your coordinated area.