At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire students in Biology across all Key Stages.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking school committed to shaping future scientists.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting new school building opening in 2028.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of Biology.
- Qualifications: Ambitious teacher with a passion for Science and leadership skills.
Assistant Subject Leader - Biology TLR 2(1) £3527 p.a. Required from September 2026.
Are you an ambitious and reflective teacher who wants to make a difference to the life chances of our young people by joining our Science team? Biology is a popular subject at A Level and the school is on the DFE Schools Rebuilding Programme, which means that the successful applicant can be part of shaping the future of Biology in our new school building which will open in 2028. You will need to be able to teach Science to students in all Key Stages 3-5.
The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 31 May 2026; however, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Interview date to be confirmed.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about the role prior to application, then please email jobapplications@gosfordhillschool.org or telephone 01865 374971.
Gosford Hill School is situated in Kidlington, on the north western edge of Oxford near to the new Oxford Parkway Station (a 50 minute journey from London). We are also fortunate to be at the gateway to the rural Cotswolds.
Our school is part of the River Learning Trust; our collective vision is to be a Trust where pupils and staff thrive in schools which demonstrate:
- all-round education, academic success, lifelong learning and strength of character
- sustainable continuous improvement; no school standing still
- all schools being good and outstanding, or improving rapidly
- collaboration that is raising standards, and reducing workload
- where pupils, staff, parents and communities value all we do to support the best possible outcomes and experiences for our children and young people
Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.
OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together.
OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils.
OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.
Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.
This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. The River Learning Trust and Gosford Hill School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
For all RLT Safer Recruitment Documentation candidates should click on the following link RLT Safer Recruitment Documents for Candidates. Please see our website for up to date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour Policies.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. For further guidance for applicants click on this link List of offences that are not filtered.
Biology Assistant Subject Leader – Shape the Future in Kidlington employer: Gosford Hill School
Gosford Hill School, part of the River Learning Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. With a commitment to continuous professional development, staff wellbeing, and a strong focus on academic success, employees are empowered to thrive and make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Located in the picturesque Kidlington near Oxford, the school offers unique opportunities to shape the future of education in a new state-of-the-art building, making it an ideal place for ambitious educators looking to grow their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biology Assistant Subject Leader – Shape the Future in Kidlington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Gosford Hill School and the River Learning Trust. Understanding their vision and how you can contribute will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about shaping the future.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the school's goals. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for Biology! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past or innovative teaching methods you've used. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Biology Assistant Subject Leader – Shape the Future in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Biology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Biology shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past or innovative teaching methods you've used. We want to see your commitment to making a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and vision of Gosford Hill School and the River Learning Trust. Highlight how your teaching philosophy aligns with our mission to provide the best possible education for our pupils.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The closing date is midnight on Sunday 31 May 2026, but we might close the vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate. Get your application in through our website as soon as you can to avoid disappointment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gosford Hill School
✨Know Your Biology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your biology knowledge, especially the curriculum for Key Stages 3-5. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage students with the subject and any innovative teaching methods you might use.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through. Share personal anecdotes about how you've made a difference in your students' lives or how you plan to inspire them in the new school building.
✨Understand the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the River Learning Trust's vision and values. Be ready to explain how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration within the community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the support available for professional development or how the school plans to implement its rebuilding programme.