At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire Chemistry teaching, shaping the vision for a successful subject.
- Company: Sutton High School, an inclusive and academically selective independent school for girls.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, professional development, and free lunches.
- Other info: Join a warm community with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment where students are eager to learn.
- Qualifications: Significant A Level Chemistry teaching experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.
Sutton High School is seeking an engaging and passionate leader to develop and drive forward Chemistry teaching and learning, as Head of Chemistry. Additional responsibility, as Head of the Science Faculty, is also available for a suitably experienced candidate who has proven experience in middle leadership.
Science is taught as a combined subject in Years 7 and 8, with Chemistry as a separate subject from Year 9 upwards. The successful candidate will have significant experience of A Level Chemistry teaching, with an excellent record of pupil results, and will feel ready to lead in a school where pupils are motivated, well-behaved and keen to learn.
You will have the organisational skills and drive to shape the vision for Chemistry, ensuring it remains as one of our most successful and popular subjects. You will have care and love for the subject, so that you can inspire and enthuse our girls in a challenging core subject. The ability to offer a second science subject to GCSE would be an advantage but is not essential. This role would suit an experienced teacher or current Head of Department.
As a Head of Department, you will have a generous time allowance for leadership, teaching 28 out of 40 periods per week, predominantly at A Level, with a flexible afternoon or morning where working from home is enabled. At our school, girls want to learn, and care about each other’s success. Relationships with teachers are exceptional, and you can focus on teaching your subject and developing future leaders in an environment where each individual, both staff and students, is known and valued.
Applications will be considered in the order in which they are received, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should a suitable applicant be found. Please state on your application if you feel you have the right experience to be considered for the Head of Science post.
About Sutton High School: Sutton High School is an academically selective independent day school for 850 girls with an age range of 3 to 18 years. We are situated on a green and leafy site in central Sutton, close to excellent public transport links and major roads. Both Senior and Prep Schools are amongst the top schools in the country, with our A Level results placing us 69th in national rankings in 2024. Sutton High School is characterised by a warm, happy and inclusive community, where girls support each other to aspire and achieve, and individuality is celebrated.
Why Sutton High School? The school is a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) and the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA). Membership of the GDST, the largest group of independent girls’ schools in the UK, gives us unrivalled opportunities for training and sharing of good practice in teaching and learning.
Employee Benefits Include:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Membership of the GDST flexible pension scheme (up to 18% employer contribution and flexibility to generate a pay top-up of up to 10% of pensionable salary in lieu of pension)
- 35 week school year (including INSET days) across 3 terms with a two-week break in the Autumn
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Free lunches for all staff during term time (equivalent to at least £740 per year)
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Good transport links
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and to apply, please click the apply button. Closing date: Thursday 14th May (9am). We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should a suitable candidate be found, and we advise early application. Candidates will be considered in the order they are received.
Sutton High School is part of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust) - the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.
Head of Chemistry in Sutton employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Sutton High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment where both staff and students thrive. With competitive salaries, extensive professional development opportunities, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, this role as Head of Chemistry allows you to inspire young minds in a well-resourced setting. Located in central Sutton, the school benefits from excellent transport links and a vibrant community that celebrates individuality and fosters academic excellence.
Contact Detail:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Chemistry in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Sutton High School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Sutton High School’s values and achievements, and think about how your experience aligns with their vision for Chemistry. Show them you’re not just a great teacher, but also a passionate leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or colleague to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Chemistry in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chemistry:When writing your application, let your love for Chemistry shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at Sutton High School.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:If you've got experience in middle leadership, make sure to mention it! We want to see how you've successfully led teams or departments before, especially in a science context.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and needs of Sutton High School. Show us why you're the perfect fit for our community!
Apply Early!:Remember, we review applications as they come in, so don’t wait until the last minute! Apply through our website as soon as you can to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your A Level Chemistry knowledge and be ready to discuss your teaching methods. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've inspired students and improved their results.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Chemistry, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Think of instances where you've led a team or project, and be ready to explain how you can shape the vision for the Chemistry department.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Sutton High School's ethos and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their warm and inclusive community, and how you plan to motivate and support students in their learning journey.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to teaching Chemistry and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
