Head of Science – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Head of Science

Salary

MPS/UPS (Outer London) + £1,500 Harris Allowance + TLR 2
Full-time equivalent: £39,370 – £57,654 + TLR 2

Contract

Permanent
Full-time or Part-time

Reporting to

Senior Leadership Team

Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic leadership and management of the Science Department (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and student achievement.

The Head of Science will drive curriculum excellence, lead and develop staff, and promote a culture of high expectations, accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

  • Lead, manage and develop the Science Department to ensure outstanding teaching and learning.
  • Set clear departmental vision and strategic priorities aligned with whole-school objectives.
  • Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning and assessment within the department.
  • Use data effectively to raise attainment and ensure strong value-added outcomes.
  • Lead departmental improvement planning and manage change effectively.
  • Line manage and support teaching staff, including performance management.
  • Manage departmental budgets and resources efficiently.

Teaching and Learning

  • Model excellent classroom practice.
  • Ensure delivery of a knowledge-rich, well-sequenced curriculum across KS3–KS5.
  • Oversee assessment, feedback and intervention strategies to maximise student progress.
  • Ensure effective preparation for GCSE and A Level examinations.
  • Promote high standards of behaviour and classroom routines.

Curriculum Development

  • Keep up to date with national curriculum developments and examination specifications.
  • Ensure curriculum design meets the needs of all learners, including disadvantaged students.
  • Develop enrichment opportunities to enhance student engagement in Science.

Raising Achievement

  • Analyse performance data and implement targeted strategies to improve outcomes.
  • Lead intervention programmes for underperforming groups.
  • Ensure high expectations for all students, including those with SEND and EAL.

Communication and Community Engagement

  • Build strong professional relationships with staff, students and parents.
  • Communicate departmental priorities clearly and effectively.
  • Contribute to whole-school initiatives and cross-curricular collaboration.

Safeguarding and Professional Standards

  • Promote and safeguard the welfare of all students.
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
  • Uphold professional standards in line with Teachers’ Standards.

Person Specification

Qualifications

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
  • Relevant undergraduate degree in a Science discipline.
  • Evidence of leadership or management training (desirable).

Experience

  • Successful teaching of Science at GCSE level (A Level desirable).
  • Evidence of raising student achievement and delivering strong outcomes.
  • Experience leading initiatives or managing change.
  • Experience of line management (desirable).

Knowledge and Skills

  • Strong subject knowledge across at least one Science specialism.
  • Secure understanding of current curriculum developments.
  • Knowledge of effective teaching and learning strategies.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret performance data.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills.
  • Ability to motivate, inspire and hold others accountable.

Personal Qualities

  • High expectations of students and staff.
  • Commitment to tackling educational disadvantage.
  • Resilient, proactive and solution-focused.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and professional integrity.