At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead science development, build partnerships, and enhance school satisfaction.
- Company: Join a reputable educational organisation committed to student success.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for impactful relationships and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education and support schools in achieving excellence.
- Qualifications: Five years of teaching experience and a strong understanding of the education landscape.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
Reports to: Head of School Support
Start date: September 2026
Contract: Fixed term contract (1 year), 37.5 hours per week; part-time or term-time applications also welcome
Location: White City, West London with one core office day (Mondays). Regular travel to schools required
Interviews to take place w/c 1st June 2026
As a Principal Development Lead (Science) you will be a senior representative of the school development team, bringing high credibility and gravitas and building strong relationships with important partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Be proactive in identifying viable opportunities to strengthen the partnership and drive high levels of satisfaction and retention
- Establish strong relationship for science in key accounts (usually Multi Academy Trusts), seeking to understand their priorities and build confidence
- Manage the external Development Lead pool, working to understand need and capacity in order to identify upcoming gaps
- Maintain a strong understanding of the Science programme in order to offer high quality training, PD and support in the programme
- Build and maintain positive relationships with partner schools to drive high levels of school retention, ensuring proactive, effective and timely communication and follow-up
Experience & Knowledge
- Understanding of the education landscape and issues affecting education
- At least five years' teaching experience across at least two key stages
- Proven record in delivering outstanding achievement in Science, particularly for pupils with low prior attainment in challenging urban schools
- Up-to-date knowledge and use of the current curriculum and assessment requirements and best practice in implementation and delivery of professional development
Qualification Criteria
- Educated to degree level
- Hold qualified teacher status (QTS)
- Subject specific qualification/further study (desirable)
- Right to work in the U.K.
Safeguarding statement
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Principal Development Lead (Secondary Science). Job in London Education & Training Jobs employer: Ark Schools
Ark is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. Located in the vibrant area of White City, West London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that fosters innovation in education, alongside flexible working options to accommodate diverse needs. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, Ark provides meaningful opportunities for educators to make a significant impact in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Development Lead (Secondary Science). Job in London Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with Multi Academy Trusts. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might not be in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in science education. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for the subject, so brush up on current curriculum changes and best practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Principal Development Lead, building relationships is key. Role-play potential interview questions with a friend to ensure you can articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Development Lead (Secondary Science). Job in London Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Development Lead. We want to see how your background in science and education can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in teaching and development. We love to see quantifiable results, especially those that demonstrate your impact on students with low prior attainment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised as we review applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
As a Principal Development Lead, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the Science programme. Brush up on the current curriculum and assessment requirements, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented best practices in your previous roles.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since this role involves establishing strong relationships with key partners, try to connect with current or former employees of the organisation before your interview. This will give you insights into their priorities and help you tailor your responses to show how you can meet their needs.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
With at least five years of teaching experience required, prepare specific examples that highlight your achievements, especially in improving outcomes for pupils with low prior attainment. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them in urban school settings.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage relationships. Think about past experiences where you've had to navigate complex situations, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
