A Director of Learning is a senior middle leadership role, typically overseeing a faculty or cluster of departments within a secondary school or academy. You are responsible for the strategic direction of teaching and learning across your faculty, driving curriculum development, monitoring standards, and line-managing Heads of Department. This role bridges the gap between middle and senior leadership.
The typical career stops on the way to this destination
Complete your Initial Teacher Training via PGCE, School Direct, or undergraduate route. Build your foundational understanding of pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment.
Complete your Early Career Teacher induction and establish yourself as an outstanding subject specialist. Develop your understanding of curriculum sequencing, effective assessment, and evidence-informed practice within your department.
Take on a responsibility within your department such as Second in Charge, Key Stage Coordinator, or subject lead. Begin leading on a specific area like curriculum development, assessment moderation, or student intervention strategies.
Lead your own department, taking full accountability for curriculum design, teaching quality, student outcomes, and staff development. Build your skills in data analysis, performance management, and strategic planning at department level.
Extend your influence beyond your single department. Lead on whole-school teaching and learning priorities, mentor other Heads of Department, contribute to school self-evaluation, and develop your faculty-wide strategic vision.
You've arrived at your destination. As Director of Learning, you oversee a faculty of departments, drive strategic improvement across multiple subject areas, line-manage Heads of Department, and play a pivotal role in whole-school teaching and learning strategy.
The personal attributes that will help you thrive in this role
Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for teaching and learning across a faculty, aligning departmental goals with whole-school priorities.
Confident in analysing assessment data, identifying trends across multiple departments, and using evidence to inform strategic decisions and interventions.
Skilled at managing and developing Heads of Department, conducting performance reviews, and holding colleagues to account while maintaining positive relationships.
Deep understanding of curriculum design, sequencing, and intent across multiple subject areas. Ability to quality-assure schemes of learning and drive curriculum innovation.
Experienced in developing colleagues through coaching conversations, lesson observations, and creating a culture of continuous professional development within the faculty.
Comfortable being held accountable for outcomes across multiple departments and confident in presenting faculty performance data to senior leadership and governors.