About the School - Downsend - Main:
Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world.
At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we never hold back.
We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent School Inspectorate.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced
Lead Teacher of Food and Nutrition to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.
We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.
About the Role:
As Lead Teacher of Food and Nutrition, you will lead and develop a thriving curriculum area, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment that promotes excellence in teaching and learning. Working closely with the Head of Art and Design Technology, you will deliver a stimulating and engaging Food and Nutrition curriculum across Years 3 to 11, ensuring pupils are challenged, make excellent progress, and develop a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. The role includes leading and supporting departmental colleagues, fostering a collaborative and ambitious team culture, delivering enrichment and scholarship opportunities, and contributing to the professional development of both specialist and non-specialist teachers. You will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the subject and maintaining the highest standards of pupil achievement and engagement.
This is a permanent, full-time role with a start date of January 2027.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for an outstanding and dynamic teacher with strong leadership skills, a proven track record of success at GCSE level, and a passion for inspiring young people through Food and Nutrition. The successful candidate will be a good honours graduate with Qualified Teacher Status, who combines high expectations of pupil attainment, progress, and behaviour with the calmness, resilience, and efficiency to perform effectively in a busy school environment. They will be a confident communicator and ambassador for the School, capable of inspiring confidence in colleagues, pupils, and parents through excellent interpersonal, presentation, written, and ICT skills. Highly organised and professional, they will demonstrate a strong understanding of the independent education sector and its high expectations, together with an awareness of health and safety requirements within a practical teaching environment. Above all, they will be enthusiastic, personable, and committed to the importance of co-curricular opportunities in providing an exceptional educational experience, while making a positive contribution to the wider life of the School.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date:
23:59 BST (UTC+1), Sunday 9th August 2026.
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
