At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students by teaching Chemistry and fostering a love for science.
- Company: Join St David’s RC High School, known for its caring and inclusive ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic school with a strong focus on student success and extracurricular activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a vibrant school community.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified teacher with a passion for Chemistry and education.
The predicted salary is between 35022 - 52740 £ per year.
£35,022 - £52,740
Fixed Term until June 2028
Full Time
Currently, Midlothian has 6 secondary schools, 32 primary schools (19 of which have nurseries) and 2 stand alone nursery schools. Our special school, Saltersgate, provides support for children with a range of physical, social, emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties. The schools range in size from our smallest primary school with around 20 children to our largest secondary with over 1200 pupils. We have a diverse range of school catchments, from rural to urban settings. We are fortunate to have a growing number of new build schools, with 15 of our primary schools and 2 secondary having been built within the last 10 years and several new builds planned.
St David’s RC High School is looking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Chemistry Teacher to join our successful and dynamic staff team. Our current roll stands at 759 drawn from the towns and villages across Midlothian and from Musselburgh. 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. Our students are our greatest assets and we are very proud of their successes and achievements, particularly their consistently outstanding SQA Exam attainment.
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.
Our students 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. As a Roman Catholic School, we 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. Applicants must seek Catholic Church approval when submitting their application for this post. Forms can be obtained at www.sces.uk.com/approval.html
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Catherine Jackson, Headteacher on 0131 654 4702. Interview Date - week beginning 22nd June 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
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
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 14th June 2026
Teacher of Chemistry (Maternity Cover) - St David's RC High School - MID07530 in Woodburn employer: Midlothian Council
St David’s RC High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to the ASPIRE values, the school fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development and engagement in a vibrant community. Located in the picturesque Midlothian area, employees benefit from a dynamic educational setting that encourages creativity and excellence in teaching, alongside a rich array of extracurricular activities for students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Chemistry (Maternity Cover) - St David's RC High School - MID07530 in Woodburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow teachers, school staff, or even friends who might have connections in the education sector. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and potential job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research St David’s RC High School and its ethos. Be ready to discuss how your teaching style aligns with their ASPIRE values and how you can contribute to their inclusive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for chemistry! Bring along some creative lesson ideas or examples of how you've engaged students in the past. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about student success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream teaching position.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Chemistry (Maternity Cover) - St David's RC High School - MID07530 in Woodburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chemistry:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching chemistry shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past or innovative methods you've used to make the subject engaging.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of St David’s RC High School. Highlight your commitment to inclusivity and how you align with their ASPIRE values to show you're a perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so that your passion and qualifications stand out without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St David’s.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your chemistry knowledge, especially the curriculum relevant to the age group you'll be teaching. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage students with different learning styles and how you can make chemistry fun and relatable.
✨Emphasise Your Teaching Philosophy
Think about your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the caring and inclusive ethos of St David’s RC High School. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've created an inclusive classroom environment in the past.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Extra-Curricular Activities
St David’s values extra-curricular activities, so come prepared to discuss how you can contribute beyond the classroom. Whether it's leading a science club or organising trips, show your passion for engaging students outside of regular lessons.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interview panel. This shows your interest in the school and its community. You might ask about their approach to professional development or how they support new teachers in their first year.
