Head of Food and Nutrition

As Head of Food & Nutrition, you will provide strategic and academic leadership for a committed and collaborative team, inspiring students to engage deeply with the science, creativity and real-world relevance of food. You will lead the development of a curriculum that is intellectually rigorous, practical and contemporary — equipping students with the knowledge and skills to understand nutrition, food science, sustainability and the wider social and environmental impact of food production and consumption. 

You will work closely with the Director of Faculty to ensure high standards of teaching, learning and outcomes, while also fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement within the department. The role offers genuine scope to shape curriculum direction, enrichment opportunities and the wider profile of the subject across the school. 

We are seeking an outstanding and well-qualified teacher with a strong background in Food & Nutrition, Food Science or a related discipline. The successful candidate will bring energy, vision and creativity, alongside the confidence and experience to lead and develop colleagues. You will be passionate about achieving excellent academic outcomes while nurturing curiosity, independence and practical expertise in students. 

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is one of the leading schools in the north and traces its history back to 1552. In the last five years GSAL Senior School has twice been named North Independent School of the Year, and North Independent School of the Decade in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Table. The school aims to inspire all members of our community and to instill values of responsibility, respect and resilience in all of our pupils. 

About GSAL 

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is a thriving, academically selective independent school that is socially inclusive and proudly multicultural. We are committed to helping every pupil realise their potential and develop into confident, curious and well-rounded young people. 

Awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent School of the Decade in 2021, GSAL offers a friendly, supportive environment with high expectations and a strong focus on both academic excellence and wellbeing. 

Located on a purpose-built 140-acre campus at Alwoodley Gates in north Leeds, GSAL educates around 2,100 pupils aged 2–18.

The school operates a diamond model of teaching, with co-education to age 11, single-sex teaching in Years 7–11, and mixed sixth form classes, alongside a rich co-curricular programme that extends learning beyond the classroom. The maximum class size for year 7 and 8 is 24, smaller for practical subjects and decreases at KS4 and 5. 

GSAL’s success is driven by committed, professional colleagues who are passionate about excellence in the classroom and contributing to the wider life of the school. In return, we offer a high degree of professional autonomy, excellent resources and a supportive environment, alongside a strong benefits package and opportunities for career development. 

Benefits 

We value our colleagues and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: 

• Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks).
• Significant discount on school fees.
• Enhanced, generous PPA time, with most meetings held within the school day.
• Small class sizes with Y7 average being 24 and is even smaller as pupils move through the school.
• Subsidised childcare during INSET days (ages 3–11).
• Defined Contribution pension scheme through Aviva (0% employee contribution, 21% employer contribution, plus 4x salary life insurance).
• Training and CPD, including INSET days.
• Three-course colleague lunches for £2.40, plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family via Health Hero.
• Employee Assistance Programme through Perkbox, including counselling, legal and financial advice.
• Discounts through Perkbox, teacher discounts and Extras.
• Scenic lunchtime walking routes across the 140-acre site.
• Onsite gym and swimming pool, plus fitness classes (Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps).
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme.
• Free onsite parking.
• Access to the school’s extensive library facilities.
• Generous leave of absence scheme.
• Opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, wellbeing initiatives and community events.