Lead Practitioner - Computing and AI
Aston University Engineering Academy
Birmingham, UK
- £51,505 - £64,357 per year
- New
- Salary:
- Trainee LP Scale (£51,505-£56,843) Qualified LP Scale (£58,267 - £64,357) Salaries based on 2025/26 and subject to any Cost of living rises for 2026/27
- Job type:
- Full Time, Part Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- September 2026
- Apply by:
- 16 April 2026
Job overview
Build the future of AI education. Not just teach it.
At Aston University Engineering Academy, we are not looking for someone to deliver a curriculum.
We are looking for someone to create one.
The Opportunity
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every industry. Schools are only just catching up. This role exists to change that.
We are creating a flagship position within our Trust to lead the development of AI and computing education at scale—across curriculum, pedagogy, and whole-school practice.
You will work at the intersection of:
Education
Technology
Industry
Innovation
This is not a standard Lead Practitioner role.
This is a chance to:
Design a future-facing AI curriculum from first principles
Lead how AI is used by teachers to transform learning and reduce workload
Work with Aston University, Maths School and industry partners to align education with real-world demand
Influence teaching and learning across an entire academy—and beyond
What You’ll Actually Do
Build and evolve a cutting-edge Computing & AI curriculum
Coach teachers to deliver exceptional, modern, tech-enabled pedagogy
Lead thinking on AI in education—what works, what doesn’t, what’s next
Turn national policy and emerging trends into real classroom impact
Help position AUEA as a leader in digital and AI education in the UK
Who This Role Is For
This role will suit someone who:
Is an exceptional computing teacher who wants more influence
Is already experimenting with AI tools in education
Is frustrated by outdated curriculum models and wants to build something better
Wants to step into system-level leadership, not just departmental leadership
May even be considering a move from industry into education leadership
What Makes This Different
You won’t be maintaining a curriculum—you’ll be designing the future of one
What Makes us Different
As a valued member of AUEA we will offer:
Designated Staff Benefits, training and Health Care Package (Explore)
Personalised CPD and Career development programme including National Qualifications in LP and NPQLT
Opportunity for additional study at Aston University
Opportunity to gain a commission in the RAF as part of our RAF CCF Programme
Opportunity for international visits.
Visits are welcome to book your place or for any further details please email the Executive Principal's EA Amanda Naan via principalpa@auea.co.uk
Closing date: 16th April 2026 12 Noon.
Interviews: w/c 20th April 2026
AUEA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. Please note that we are not a Skilled Worker visa sponsor and can only consider applicants who already have the right to work in the UK.
Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) is part of the new Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust, which brings together our successful UTC (AUEA) and new Aston University Mathematics School.
Attached documents
About Aston University Engineering Academy
About us
Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) is one of the first university-sponsored technical colleges (UTC) in the country and with our sixth form, Aston University Sixth Form, it combines the very best education for academic and technical skills focused on industry needs summarised by our strap line “Knowledge for Life & Skills for the Future” and Ofsted 2022 "Students in this school enjoy a strong practical, technical and academic education."
For more about our most recent Ofsted where we were judged as Good with Outstanding Personal Development visit - Ofsted report.
Since opening in September 2012, AUEA has grown under consistent strong leadership into a vibrant learning community, oversubscribed by students from across Birmingham taught by 100% subject expert teachers.
Aston University Engineering Academy (Years 9, 10 and 11) and Aston University Sixth Form (Years 12, 13 and 14) are both housed in our £16.2 million state of the art building located in the heart of the city of Birmingham, next to the Aston University and Innovation Birmingham campuses, with a new multi-million pound extension due to start within the next few months. It is located close to the motorway links and within easy walking of three city centre train stations.
Originally designed for 600 students, AUEA now has 720 students on roll and has now been approved to expand to 800 students. We have a close-knit family of around 40 teachers, and 40 support staff, including administration staff, dedicated HLTA’s/TAs, college leaders (pastoral) and technicians to name a few. AUEA is a proud recipient of the Armed Forces Covenant, Gold Employer Recognition Scheme and has Royal Navy Affiliation.
Commitment to your development
Our staff ethos is built upon collaboration and development with AUEA being awarded the prestigious silver mark for outstanding quality and culture of professional development by the Teacher Development Trust (TDT) evidencing our commitment to staff CPD including weekly early closure for CPD and training, commitment to courses and additional professional qualifications. This is supported by additional learning opportunities via our sponsor Aston University, SSAT and NPQ programmes.
Every Monday afternoon students finish earlier to allow dedicated staff CPD as well as external courses and training. We are proud to have a proven record of accelerating careers, with many of our staff securing leadership, middle leader and wider responsibilities earlier than those in the majority of other schools. Consequently, AUEA provides an outstanding platform from which to start and progress your career whether ITT, ECT admin or senior positions supported by a comprehensive induction programme.
As a valued member of AUEA staff health & wellbeing is important therefore we offer staff benefits, training and health care packages.
For example:
- Workload considerations are the heart of all we do.
- Excellent professional development opportunities including potential options for higher study through our sponsor Aston University.
- Specialist pedagogical training and inputs from leading industry partners.
- Health care package including wellbeing, access to a GP and others.
- Staff benefits through the Aston University Staff Benefits Scheme.
- Term time family day, leave of absence and TOIL options including flexible working and working from home.
- Reduced staff membership cost to Aston University’s Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre.
- Access to Aston University’s nursery scheme.
- Childcare voucher scheme.
- Free audiology, eye tests and health clinics via Aston University.
- Hospitality and hotel accommodation discounts.
- Sports coaching, outdoor education qualifications, and military training as part of our Armed Forces Partnerships including Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
- Opportunities for international travel as part of our Austrian Technical School (HTL) European partnerships, scientific expeditions and charity work.
- A close knit, friendly and supportive working environment.
- Excellent IT facilities, Virtual Learning Environment and physical learning resources.
- An opportunity to take part in enrichment activities such as the CCF (RAF/RN), Police Cadets, Royal College of Nursing Cadets, DofE, specialist projects and competitions.
- Partnership work with local and national education establishments and local industry.
To take a virtual tour of the academy - click here
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