Head of Science

Head of Science Teacher – Southwark

A high-performing 11–18 secondary school in Southwark is appointing a Head of Science Teacher to lead an established department from January 2027. This is a permanent leadership post in an Outstanding school where strong behaviour and high expectations create a calm environment for teaching. Science outcomes are already impressive: in 2026, 100% of GCSE Chemistry and Physics entries achieved grades 9–7, while 92% of Biology entries reached the same standard. At A Level, more than half of Biology and Physics grades were A*–A. The successful Head of Science Teacher will therefore inherit considerable strengths while having the scope to shape the department's next stage of development.

The school is looking for an experienced Science teacher who is ready to take substantial responsibility for curriculum, teaching quality and outcomes from KS3 through to KS5. As Head of Science Teacher, you will work with skilled subject specialists and lead a curriculum that includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics through to A Level, within an expanding Sixth Form. The wider school recorded a Progress 8 score of +1.45 in 2024, reflecting an established culture of academic ambition. This is a role for a credible classroom practitioner who can combine strategic thinking with thoughtful staff development and consistently strong teaching.

Key highlights:

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Position: Head of Science Teacher, leading Science across KS3, GCSE and Sixth Form

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Salary: Inner London MPS1–6 £41,729–£54,131 or UPS1–3 £59,650–£64,684, plus TLR1D £16,689

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Location: Southwark, South East London

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Ofsted: Outstanding in all areas at the most recent inspection in November 2024

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Contract: Permanent, full-time leadership position

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Commencement: January 2027

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Results: 100% grades 9–7 in GCSE Chemistry and Physics and 92% in Biology in 2026

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Deadline: Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 6 October 2026; the school may appoint earlier

What you'll be doing:

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Lead the strategic direction of Science, setting clear priorities for curriculum, teaching and pupil achievement

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Shape a coherent KS3–KS5 curriculum across Biology, Chemistry and Physics

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Monitor academic progress closely, using assessment information to identify priorities and maintain strong outcomes

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Develop Science teachers through purposeful coaching, observation, feedback and subject-specific professional development

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Oversee standards of classroom practice while retaining a meaningful teaching commitment of your own

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Strengthen provision at GCSE and A Level as the school's Sixth Form continues to grow

Ideal candidate for this Southwark school:

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Holds UK QTS with substantial successful experience teaching Science in a secondary setting

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Brings previous middle-leadership responsibility, such as Head of Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Second in Science or Key Stage leadership

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Demonstrates consistently Good or Outstanding classroom practice alongside secure subject and curriculum knowledge

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Understands how to lead improvement without introducing unnecessary systems or workload

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Shows evidence of improving pupil outcomes and developing the practice of other teachers

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Offers credible KS5 experience, with the ability to support high standards across A Level Science

Why join this Southwark school?

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Inherit a Science department producing notably strong 2026 GCSE and A Level outcomes across all three sciences

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Work within an 11–18 setting whose 2024 Progress 8 score of +1.45 placed it among the highest-performing schools nationally

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Teach pupils in a calm environment built around clear routines and high expectations for learning

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Influence an expanding Sixth Form where Biology, Chemistry and Physics are all established A Level subjects

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Join a school confirmed as Outstanding across all areas in its November 2024 Ofsted inspection

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Take on a substantial TLR1D responsibility payment of £16,689 alongside the Inner London Main or Upper Pay Range

How to apply:

Applications for this Head of Science Teacher vacancy are being considered ahead of the Tuesday 6 October deadline, and an appointment may be made early. Submit your CV through this listing to JobsinED to be considered for the January 2027 start.

For an experienced Science teacher who wants genuine departmental ownership, this role offers an unusual combination: established results, strong pupil behaviour and a substantial leadership remit. The next Head of Science Teacher will take responsibility for a department that is already performing strongly and have the platform to develop it further
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed