A Head of Learning leads a subject department or learning area within a school, taking full ownership of curriculum design, teaching quality, and student outcomes. You manage a team of teachers, oversee schemes of learning, analyse performance data, and ensure your department delivers an ambitious, inclusive curriculum that drives student progress.
The typical career stops on the way to this destination
Complete your Initial Teacher Training via PGCE, School Direct, or undergraduate route. Develop strong subject knowledge and a passion for your curriculum area that will underpin your future leadership.
Complete your Early Career Teacher induction and establish yourself as a strong classroom practitioner. Focus on refining your teaching craft, building excellent student relationships, and achieving consistently strong outcomes in your subject.
Take on a responsibility such as Key Stage Coordinator, Second in Department, or subject lead for a specific area. Begin developing curriculum resources, supporting colleagues, and contributing to departmental improvement priorities.
Begin (or complete) the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development. Build evidence of your impact on teaching quality, student outcomes, and staff development. Develop your understanding of data analysis and quality assurance.
You've arrived at your destination. As Head of Learning, you lead the strategic direction of your department, manage a team of teachers, own the curriculum, monitor standards, and are accountable for the academic outcomes of every student in your subject area.
The personal attributes that will help you thrive in this role
Deep knowledge of curriculum intent, implementation, and impact. Ability to design and quality-assure ambitious schemes of learning that build knowledge and skills progressively.
Confident in interpreting assessment data, identifying underperformance, and using evidence to plan targeted interventions that close gaps and raise attainment.
Ability to build, motivate, and develop a high-performing department team. Skilled at delegating, supporting, and holding colleagues to account for teaching quality.
Clear and confident communicator who can articulate the department vision, present to senior leaders, engage with parents, and have difficult conversations constructively.
Experienced in monitoring teaching and learning through lesson observations, book scrutinies, learning walks, and student voice to drive continuous improvement.
Ability to manage the demands of departmental leadership, stay positive under pressure, and maintain high standards while supporting your own wellbeing and that of your team.