At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving Chemistry department and inspire students through innovative teaching.
- Company: Charterhouse, a prestigious co-educational boarding school with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, professional development, and potential subsidised accommodation.
- Other info: Join a collaborative community dedicated to academic excellence and student well-being.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Chemistry education in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for inspiring students in science.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 € per year.
Charterhouse is seeking to appoint an outstanding and ambitious leader as Head of Chemistry from January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the School’s most successful and well-resourced academic departments within a vibrant, forward-thinking and fully co-educational boarding school environment.
Chemistry at Charterhouse is thriving. Housed in a purpose-built, award-winning Chemistry building completed in 2018, the department combines academic excellence with innovation, intellectual curiosity and a strong culture of practical science. With exceptional facilities, highly skilled technicians and a talented team of specialist teachers, the department is exceptionally well placed for further development.
The successful candidate will be an inspiring classroom practitioner with the vision and leadership skills to guide the next phase of the department’s development. They will be passionate about delivering outstanding teaching across the age and ability range and enthusiastic about extending pupils beyond the curriculum through enrichment, academic societies, competitions and outreach.
Chemistry is taught as a discrete science throughout the Under School following the Edexcel IGCSE specification, with many pupils continuing to study either A Level Chemistry or the IB Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form. Pupils achieve excellent outcomes and are encouraged to develop a genuine love of the subject both within and beyond the classroom.
Charterhouse offers a distinctive educational experience. Set within a stunning 250-acre campus on the edge of Godalming, the School combines deep-rooted tradition with an ambitious and innovative outlook. Staff are part of a warm, intellectually engaged and collaborative community where professional development is genuinely valued and supported.
In addition to a competitive salary, Charterhouse offers a generous benefits package including:
- Choice of TPS or competitive contributory pension scheme
- Private medical insurance and cash health plan (subject to eligibility)
- School fee remission (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the School Sports Centre
- Excellent professional development opportunities
- Subsidised accommodation may be available
We warmly welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds who share our commitment to academic excellence, kindness and community.
Closing date for applications: Monday 8 June 2026
How to Apply: Applications should be submitted via the Charterhouse website (Employment Opportunities). Early applications are warmly encouraged, and we may invite candidates to interview in advance of the closing date. For an informal conversation about the role, David Dickinson, Head of Science, would be very happy to speak with prospective candidates.
Charterhouse is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate pre-employment checks.
Head of Chemistry in Westcott employer: Charterhouse
Charterhouse is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for educators to thrive. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to professional development, staff are encouraged to innovate and inspire students in their academic pursuits. The school's picturesque 250-acre campus fosters a collaborative community where kindness and academic excellence are at the forefront, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Chemistry in Westcott
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Charterhouse. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Charterhouse's values and culture. Show us how your vision aligns with their commitment to academic excellence and community spirit. We love candidates who resonate with our ethos!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your teaching skills; highlight your leadership experience too! We want to see how you can inspire and guide a team of talented teachers while fostering a love for chemistry among students.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait until the last minute to show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Chemistry in Westcott
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Chemistry shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about teaching and inspiring students in this subject. Share specific examples of how you've engaged students beyond the curriculum.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of Charterhouse. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our commitment to academic excellence and community spirit, so highlight experiences that resonate with these themes.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications and may even start interviewing before the closing date. Get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charterhouse
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your chemistry knowledge, especially the Edexcel IGCSE specification and A Level content. Be prepared to discuss innovative teaching methods and how you can inspire students to develop a love for the subject.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Chemistry, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or implemented new initiatives in a school setting. Be ready to share your vision for the department's future.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Charterhouse's ethos and values. During the interview, highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to academic excellence, kindness, and community. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the school's culture.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the department's current projects, professional development opportunities, and how they support teachers in delivering outstanding education. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
