At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Science curriculum in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: St David's RC High School, known for its caring and inclusive ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and contribute to their success.
- Qualifications: Must be GTCS registered with experience in teaching and leadership.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 61600 - 71700 £ per year.
St David’s RC High School, Dalkeith is looking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Principal Teacher Curriculum Science to join our successful and dynamic staff team. Our current roll stands at around 789 drawn from the towns and villages across Midlothian and from Musselburgh and south Edinburgh. We have a high number of placing requests every year from families who are attracted by the caring and inclusive ethos of the school, built on our ASPIRE values of Achievement, Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect and Excellence. Our students are our greatest assets and we are very proud of their successes and achievements, particularly their consistently outstanding SQA Exam attainment and our very positive recent Education Scotland Inspection.
The school management team consists of Headteacher; 3 Depute Headteachers; 9 Principal Teachers (Curriculum Leaders); 4 Principal Teachers (Guidance); Principal Teacher – Inclusion and Principal Teacher - Complex Needs. Our most recent, very successful HMIe Inspection praised the leadership of staff and pupils in delivering positive outcomes for the whole school community. The creative, flexible and imaginative ways in which we seek to meet the needs of our young people and families was also recognised as a clear strength. In normal times, our students also enjoy opportunities to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities including trips both abroad and closer to home and we are rightly renowned for the quality and standard of our musical performances, productions and achievements.
We are a Roman Catholic School and are committed to providing a welcoming learning environment through our caring and inclusive school ethos, which is underpinned by the SCES Charter for Catholic Schools. The school shares a Campus facility with Dalkeith High School; Saltersgate Special School and Woodburn Primary School.
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Donny MacDonald, Headteacher on 0131 654 4702. Interviews will be held week beginning 2nd March 2026.
Requirements
Pre Employment Checks/Requirements for Teaching Positions: If you are successful, our offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements, such as medical screening, two written references, one which must be from your most recent/current employer, verification of your original qualifications and your eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. Registration with the General Teaching Council and a satisfactory PVG check for Regulated Work with Children will also be essential.
General Teaching Council Scotland: Teachers applying for permanent posts should be fully registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS). For further information on registration please visit: www.gtcs.org.uk.
Regulated Work with Children: This post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require a PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 6 consecutive pay periods. The fee for a PVG Scheme Record Update is £18. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 2 consecutive pay periods. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
In your application we ask for information under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We ask you to disclose any unspent convictions. Disclosures should be made by writing to or emailing the Employment and Reward Manager, in confidence, giving details of the offence(s), penalty and date(s) of conviction. Applicants should note that failure to disclose a conviction which is subsequently advised through a Disclosure Scotland check may result in the withdrawal of any offer of appointment. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar an applicant from working with Midlothian. Decisions regarding suitability for positions of trust which are subject to vetting will be dependent on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of the offence(s). For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
How to Apply
Please apply on-line. Facilities are available at all public libraries in Midlothian. If you have difficulty applying for this post or in accessing the attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please call 0131 271 3063 to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026.
Principal Teacher Curriculum Science - St David\'s High School - MID07275 in Woodburn employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Teacher Curriculum Science - St David\'s High School - MID07275 in Woodburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at St David's High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Principal Teacher.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ASPIRE values. Think about how your teaching philosophy aligns with Achievement, Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, and Excellence. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their impact on student success and staff development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at St David's High School.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Teacher Curriculum Science - St David\'s High School - MID07275 in Woodburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching and science shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in students' lives and how you embody our ASPIRE values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Principal Teacher Curriculum Science role. We love seeing how your background fits with our school's ethos and goals.
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 and understand.
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. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information and resources there to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Principal Teacher Curriculum Science, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of the curriculum and how it aligns with the school's ASPIRE values. Brush up on the latest educational trends and be ready to discuss how you can enhance student engagement and achievement in science.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in fostering a positive learning environment. Think about times you've successfully led a team or implemented innovative teaching strategies that improved student outcomes.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Care
St David's High School prides itself on its caring and inclusive ethos. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to this environment and support diverse learners. Share specific strategies you've used to ensure all students feel valued and included.
✨Engage with the School's Community
Research the school’s community and its values. Be ready to talk about how you can engage with parents and local organisations to enhance the educational experience. Showing that you understand the community will demonstrate your commitment to the role.