At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Science faculty and inspire future scientists in a historic town.
- Company: Progressive academy focused on exceptional academic outcomes and community values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a beautiful lifestyle in Shrewsbury.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on teacher wellbeing and autonomy.
- Why this job: Shape cutting-edge curricula and make a real impact on students' futures.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience in education.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 € per year.
The Opportunity
Shrewsbury is a historic market town famed as the birthplace of Charles Darwin, deeply rooted in the history of scientific observation, empirical analysis, and breakthrough discovery. We are seeking an ambitious, visionary Head of Science to lead a progressive academy. This is a pivotal middle leadership role for an experienced educator looking to command a thriving faculty, shape a cutting-edge curriculum, and inspire the next generation of scientists in a town with a legendary scientific heritage.
The Academy
The academy is an ambitious, forward-thinking secondary school dedicated to achieving exceptional academic and personal outcomes for all students across Shropshire. Characterized by its calm, purposeful atmosphere and strong community values, the school implements highly structured, consistent behavioural routines. This ensures that classrooms remain quiet and respectful spaces where teachers have the complete authority required to deliver high-impact instruction, allowing you as Head of Faculty to focus entirely on academic strategy, pedagogical excellence, and team development.
The Department & Leadership Culture
You will lead a highly collaborative, successful, and well-resourced Science faculty where the subject is celebrated for its academic standards and practical engagement. The department features modern, purpose-built laboratory suites equipped with up-to-date data-logging technology, advanced chemical apparatus, and biological models. A highly organized, specialist technician team supports the faculty, ensuring all required practicals and complex demonstrations are set up flawlessly and safely. As Head of Science, you will have full strategic autonomy over curriculum design, budget allocation, internal moderation, and the professional development of your teaching staff.
Core Responsibilities
- Strategic Faculty Leadership: Vision and oversight for the Science department, establishing a culture of high academic standards, shared accountability, and intellectual curiosity.
- Curriculum Design & Innovation: Reviewing and refining the Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE) Science curricula, ensuring a logical, knowledge-rich sequence that prepares students for terminal exams and future STEM pathways.
- Data-Driven Intervention: Analysing faculty-wide assessment data to identify attainment trends, designing and implementing robust, targeted interventions to maximize GCSE progress.
- Pedagogical Mentorship: Coaching, line-managing, and supporting teachers within the department—including early career teachers—through supportive peer-reviews, collaborative planning, and shared best practices.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Ensuring total compliance with CLEAPSS and health and safety regulations across all laboratories, working closely with the lead technician.
The Successful Candidate
We are looking for an inspiring leader and a consummate subject specialist with a proven track record of elevating student outcomes and driving professional excellence. Requirements include:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a strong honours degree in a recognized scientific discipline (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).
- Proven Leadership Experience: Demonstrated success in a middle leadership role (e.g., Second in Department or TLR holder) with a clear track record of securing excellent progress metrics at Key Stage 4.
- Expert Pedagogy: A sophisticated understanding of cognitive load theory, structured retrieval practice, and advanced practical exam specifications.
- Authoritative Communicator: An individual who can motivate a diverse team, foster a positive departmental culture, and work effectively with senior leadership and parents.
Why Lead Our Faculty?
- A competitive middle leadership salary package with an attractive TLR allocation reflecting the scale and importance of the role.
- Exceptional professional development pathways, including fully funded support to undertake a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
- The outstanding lifestyle benefits of Shrewsbury—a beautiful, historic loop-of-the-Severn town offering an exceptional quality of life, highly regarded schools, and immediate access to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- A supportive senior leadership team that respects departmental autonomy and implements a sustainable, evidence-based approach to teacher workload and administrative duties.
How to Apply
Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.
Head of Science | Academy | Shrewsbury employer: Marchant Recruitment
Join our progressive academy in the historic town of Shrewsbury, where you will lead a dynamic Science faculty dedicated to academic excellence and innovation. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, with opportunities for leadership training and a competitive salary package. Experience the exceptional quality of life in Shrewsbury, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a strong community ethos, making it an ideal place for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Science | Academy | Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at the academy. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the academy's values and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals, especially in fostering a culture of high academic standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in middle leadership roles and how you've driven student outcomes. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact on curriculum design and team development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Science | Academy | Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for science shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students or led innovative projects in your previous roles. We want to see your love for the subject and how you can bring that energy to our academy.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Science role. Highlight your leadership experience, curriculum design skills, and any data-driven interventions you've implemented. We’re looking for someone who can elevate our faculty, so make it clear how you fit that bill!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your qualifications without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our academy there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
As a candidate for Head of Science, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of the scientific disciplines you'll be overseeing. Brush up on the latest developments in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and be ready to discuss how you can integrate these into a cutting-edge curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the academy's values. Think about specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved student outcomes, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves analysing assessment data, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to inform teaching strategies or interventions in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to drive academic progress effectively.
✨Engage with the Community
Shrewsbury has a rich scientific heritage, so show your enthusiasm for engaging with the local community. Think about how you can inspire students by connecting science lessons to local history or current scientific initiatives in the area.
