At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Science Department and inspire students to excel in STEM subjects.
- Company: High-performing secondary school in Gloucester with a strong academic reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership allowance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on students' futures in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Science, PGCE with QTS, and previous leadership experience preferred.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous learning and high standards.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an ambitious, knowledgeable and dynamic Head of Science to lead a thriving and well-established Science Department at a high-performing secondary school in Gloucester. This is a full-time, permanent leadership position starting January 2026, offering an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Science teacher or current middle leader to step into a key strategic role.
About the School
This Gloucester school is widely recognised for its impressive academic outcomes, strong pastoral support and aspirational culture. Students are motivated, well-behaved and eager to achieve, creating a purposeful and supportive environment for high-quality teaching. The leadership team places significant value on staff wellbeing, professional development and collaborative improvement, ensuring leaders at all levels receive the guidance and autonomy needed to excel. With modern facilities, a dedicated focus on STEM advancement and a culture of continuous learning, the school provides an excellent platform for a Head of Science to make a meaningful impact.
About the Science Department
The Science Department is one of the school’s flagship faculties, with a long-standing record of high examination performance at both GCSE and A-Level. The department benefits from:
- Fully equipped, modern laboratories
- Experienced, specialist technicians
- A team of talented teachers across Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Excellent digital teaching resources
- Strong uptake of A-Level sciences and a history of successful university entry
- A culture of collaboration, reflective practice and academic ambition
The school hopes to appoint a strategic, organised and inspiring leader who can drive forward teaching and learning, curriculum development and pupil progress.
About the Role
As Head of Science, your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and managing the Science Department, including line management of staff
- Driving high standards of teaching, assessment and curriculum implementation
- Analysing departmental data to inform planning and improvement
- Supporting staff through coaching, feedback and professional development
- Overseeing practical science provision, labs and technician coordination
- Ensuring strong results at GCSE and A-Level across the sciences
- Leading enrichment activities such as STEM clubs, competitions and trips
- Contributing to whole-school strategy and senior leadership collaboration
This role requires a leader with vision, subject expertise and the ability to inspire both staff and students.
Experience and Qualifications
- Degree in a Science-related discipline
- PGCE with QTS
- Strong track record of excellent classroom practice
- Experience teaching KS3–KS5 Science (any specialism)
- Previous leadership experience (Head of Science, 2iC Science or similar) strongly preferred
- Ability to lead staff, drive change and promote high expectations
Salary Paid to scale – TLR and leadership allowance available depending on experience.
This Head of Science position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a high-performing department within a successful and forward-thinking Gloucester school. Please forward your CV as soon as possible to apply.
Head of Science – High-Performing Secondary School in Gloucester in Cheltenham employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Science – High-Performing Secondary School in Gloucester in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in schools similar to the one you're eyeing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and recent achievements. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss your vision for the Science Department and how you plan to inspire both staff and students. Highlight your past successes and how they align with the school's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Science – High-Performing Secondary School in Gloucester in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for science shine through! We want to see how your love for the subject can inspire students and staff alike. Share any innovative teaching methods or projects you've been involved in that highlight your commitment to science education.
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Head of Science position. Highlight your leadership experience, successful teaching strategies, and any relevant achievements in your previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can drive high standards, so make it clear how you’ve done this before!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications and vision without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education, which is a big plus for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in science education and curriculum changes. Familiarise yourself with the school's achievements and values, especially in STEM. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you've driven change or improved teaching standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and supporting staff, as this is crucial for the Head of Science role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision for the Science Department and how they support staff wellbeing. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your passion for science and education shine through. Share your vision for the department and how you plan to inspire both students and staff. Highlight any innovative ideas you have for enrichment activities or curriculum development that align with the school's ethos.