Head of STEM in Bristol

Head of STEM in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 32916 - 51048 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Kings Oak Academy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic STEM curriculum that inspires creativity and curiosity in students.
  • Company: Join King's Oak Academy, a vibrant community-focused school in South Gloucestershire.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth and support for all staff.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while shaping the future of STEM education.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Science teacher with experience across Key Stages 3 and 4.

The predicted salary is between 32916 - 51048 £ per year.

Actual Annual Salary: £32,916 - £51,048 (M1 to UPS3) + TLR Allowance 1B £12,521

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, 32.5 hours per week

Provisional Start Date: September 2026 (happy to accommodate a 2 November 2026 start instead if necessary)

Join us as our new Science Teacher and Head of STEM, and lead a vibrant, forward‑thinking curriculum that ignites curiosity, creativity, and ambition. You will shape an inclusive learning culture where every student is supported, challenged and celebrated. In this pivotal role, you will build strong, purposeful relationships with students, guiding them to make meaningful progress against their individual learning goals. You will deliver high‑quality engaging science lessons, champion innovative teaching practice, and work closely with colleagues to ensure all learners can fully access and enjoy the STEM curriculum. You will collaborate with teachers to identify learning needs, design effective strategies and embed impactful differentiation. Flexible, proactive and calm under pressure, you will adapt to the evolving needs of students and the Academy.

We are seeking a committed educator with strong knowledge of current pedagogy, experience teaching across Key Stages 3 and 4, and the drive to uphold high expectations for behaviour, engagement and achievement. With QTS and a passion for excellence, you will lead curriculum development, inspire colleagues and help students exceed their aspirations.

About you:

  • You will have a qualified teacher of Science or hold an equivalent teaching qualification.
  • Able to deliver the curriculum in your chosen area and consistently teach high quality lessons across relevant key stages.
  • Able to meet the needs of learners from key identified groups, including pupil premium, looked after children, SEND and High Attaining students.
  • A strong communicator with the ability to embrace change, motivate colleagues and build positive relationships with students, staff and parents.
  • Able to recognise, value and support the delivery of opportunities which extend beyond the confines of classroom delivery and seek to enrich and add value to the students' experience & learning.
  • Empowered to develop your own expert practice and support the development of others.
  • Highly competent in all elements of the Teachers’ Standards and your achievements and contribution will be substantial and sustained as an Upper Pay Scale teacher.

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.

About the Academy:

King’s Oak Academy is situated in the heart of the South Gloucestershire community and is within easy commuting distance of Bristol and Bath. The academy has been part of the Cabot Learning Federation since 2011 and enjoys the benefits from being part of a mature, successful multi-academy trust offering access to high-quality professional services and opportunities to work collaboratively with experienced colleagues across the trust. As an all-through school, King's Oak is in a privileged position to educate children aged 4-16 and support their families over time. The academy's staff structure and estates are organised into three phases (Lower School: Reception to Year 4; Middle School: Years 5-8; Upper School: Years 9-11). This structure ensures that learning is high quality and responsive to pupils' development needs, long-term relationships are fostered with families and colleagues benefit from distinctive professional development and leadership opportunities that come from working in an all-through community school.

King’s Oak was inspected in June 2025 and secured an ‘Outstanding’ judgement in both Leadership and Management and Personal Development. Inspectors noted that “pupils thrive at King’s Oak Academy. The school expects them to ‘work hard, be kind’, and pupils strive to do this. There are high expectations of what pupils can achieve academically and of who they can become.” King’s Oak Academy is therefore an ambitious, values-led community in which staff are trusted, developed and supported to do their best work and where colleagues who share our commitment to high expectations, kindness and inclusive excellence can build a rewarding and sustained career.

Why work at CLF?

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you:

  • Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
  • Comprehensive induction and ongoing support for career development and wellbeing.
  • Sector-leading professional development entitlement and opportunities.
  • Collaboration with colleagues across the trust through subject communities and specialist networks.
  • Shared CLF curriculum, written and curated by trust experts, reducing individual teacher workload.
  • Career enhancing and progression opportunities within the trust and through the CLF Institute.
  • A collaborative culture which supports workload.
  • Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
  • A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
  • Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking and many more!

Recruitment timeline:

  • Closing Date: 4 June 2026 @ 11:59pm
  • Shortlisting Date: 5 June 2026
  • Interviews: 16 June 2026

We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form. Please note we are able to offer visa sponsorship for this role. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.

Head of STEM in Bristol employer: Kings Oak Academy

At King’s Oak Academy, we pride ourselves on being an outstanding employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to professional development ensures that educators have access to sector-leading training and career progression opportunities, while our supportive environment encourages collaboration and innovation. Located in the heart of South Gloucestershire, we offer a rewarding experience for those passionate about shaping young minds and making a meaningful impact in the community.

Kings Oak Academy

Contact Details:

Kings Oak Academy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of STEM in Bristol

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work at King's Oak Academy or similar institutions. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in STEM education. Show us that you're not just passionate about teaching but also up-to-date with innovative practices that can enhance student learning.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to inclusivity and differentiation. We want to see how you plan to support all learners, so be ready to share specific strategies you've used.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our amazing team at King's Oak Academy.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of STEM in Bristol

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Curriculum Development
Teaching across Key Stages 3 and 4
Differentiation Strategies
Strong Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Motivational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for STEM:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for STEM shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at King's Oak Academy.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience with Key Stages 3 and 4, and demonstrate how your teaching methods align with the academy's values and goals.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your qualifications and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kings Oak Academy

Know Your Curriculum Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the STEM curriculum and current pedagogical practices. Familiarise yourself with innovative teaching methods and how they can be applied to engage students effectively. This will show your passion for education and your readiness to lead.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate colleagues and build strong relationships with students and parents. This is crucial for a role like Head of STEM, where collaboration is key.

Emphasise Inclusivity and Differentiation

Be ready to discuss how you plan to support diverse learners, including those from key identified groups. Share specific strategies you’ve used to ensure all students can access and enjoy the STEM curriculum, demonstrating your commitment to an inclusive learning environment.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare insightful questions about the academy’s vision for STEM education and how you can contribute to it. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the academy aligns with your educational values and goals.