Applied for HoD but got offered ‘teacher’

[Laura2121]

Hello all
I recently applied for a HoD role, but got offered ‘teacher’. They’ve given HoD to another candidate.
I’ve not yet accepted the offer and wish to sleep on it, since it was obviously not what I had wanted. The job also involves a relocation - something I was more than willing to do for a HoD role but it’s less appealing to move all the way and sort out a flat and all just for a standard role. I’d also be on the same salary which I am now. However, it is at a much better school to where I currently am and I am desperate to get out of this school.
I am thinking to ask the new school as to whether I can be second in dept. Would this be a good move, or not?
Many thanks

I would avoid that school personally and look for an alternative role. There is no point moving to another school and relocating (for the sake of the job) for the same salary. It is unlikely that they would offer you the 2nd in department position - how do you know that there isn’t someone performing that job already? Or they got someone internally already doing it? You’ve got until October 31st till the next resignation deadline so plenty of time to be looking for that next HoD role.

I would just reply that you're unwilling to accept a classroom teacher role, as you're looking for responsibility. But add that if any opportunities for responsibility arise, you would be very keen to discuss this further. Then if they have anything, or if they're so desperate for a classroom teacher that they'll magic up a TLR (which is not that uncommon for some subjects in some parts of the country), they can let you know. I wouldn't move now if what you actually want is responsibility, I'd stay where you are until something crops up. The way teaching recruitment going, something is likely to come up before too long. And a @good96 said, you've got until October to find something anyway.

Are you the poster who asked about being interviewed early for a January role? Is this the vacancy you were talking about?

No, I wouldn’t relocate for a classroom teacher role with a January start in June. There will be more vacancies in autumn 1.

Hello,
Yes I had asked about that too, this role though is for a September start. They have now gone so far as to offer me teacher + subject area lead of ks3 , but I’ve gently counter-suggested back to them that it would need to be ks4 or ks5 that I’d please need the extra responsibility in.
Desperate to leave my school no matter what though, so am resigning regardless and just hoping they can accommodate my request at this new job

I know a number of people who have progressed straight from KS3 lead in Science to Head of Science (which is a TLR above HoD, HoD would be e.g. Head of Chemistry only in my school), and even Assistant Head, so I wouldn't discount the KS3 lead role. Depending on how developed the KS3 curriculum is too, it could well be less work and stress than KS4, and most definitely less than KS5! I'd take the job in those circumstances, if you don't mind relocating, and it seems like a good school and a nice place to work. A good school can make the world of difference.

You could push for KS5 but no sane HOD is going to give up KS4.

Hello all,

Thanks for your replies so far. I’m not sure what to make of this but I’ve been told by the HoF of those departments that I’ll be getting a Head of Dept timetable?

I’m wondering whether there’s been some miscommunication between the Head and HoF, since the HoF seems to think I am the new HoD (the original role which I applied for)…wouldn’t she have met the actual one if there was someone else who’s been appointed HoD?

Thanks again for your advice!

I would get some clarity first. It could be an admin error on their behalf… or the person they offered the job to originally no longer wants to take up the position so defaulted to you. Don’t get your hopes up just yet.