At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Science department to drive high standards and improve pupil outcomes.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at The Greater Horseshoe School, dedicated to special education.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, mental health support, and flexible perks tailored for you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Qualifications: UK QTS, relevant degree, and experience with SEMH needs required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to implement innovative teaching strategies in a supportive setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Hours: 40.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Rota: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:40pm | Tuesday 8:30am-5:00pm (training)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
The Head of Faculty (Science) plays a pivotal leadership role in driving high standards of teaching, learning and achievement across the Science department. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the strategic development and delivery of an ambitious, inclusive and high-quality Science curriculum that meets the needs of all learners and supports the wider priorities of the school.
This role combines curriculum leadership, people management and quality assurance, with a clear focus on improving outcomes for pupils across all key stages.
- Raise standards of pupil attainment and achievement across the Science faculty
- Take overall accountability for pupil progress, outcomes and performance within the department
- Monitor and support pupil progress through effective use of data and close collaboration with staff
- Lead the design, delivery and continuous development of a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated Science curriculum across all key stages and sites
- Regularly review subjects and qualifications to reflect national developments and the evolving needs of students and the school
- Work with the Senior Leadership Team and Curriculum/Inclusion leads to develop, implement and evaluate whole-school faculty strategies
- Manage and deploy financial, physical and staffing resources effectively to support faculty and school development plans
This role is ideal for an ambitious and reflective Science leader who is passionate about curriculum excellence, staff development and improving outcomes for every learner.
Qualified: UK QTS and a relevant honours degree
Strong understanding of SEMH needs, with experience supporting pupils who may also present with ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
Knowledgeable: Comfortable teaching all three areas of science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
Creative & Flexible: The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school near Newton Abbot in Devon, providing education for young people with complex needs. Set in a peaceful woodland environment and supported by a nearby care farm, we combine academic and vocational programmes with outdoor learning and therapeutic approaches tailored to each pupil's individual strengths and needs. Our experienced staff work closely with every young person to remove barriers to learning, foster personal and social development, and create a caring, inclusive environment that enables pupils to achieve positive outcomes and build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for their future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.
- Life Assurance & Pension scheme
- Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
Subject to successful probation. 4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff so there's never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Locations
Head of Faculty - Sciences in Devon, Heathfield employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Faculty - Sciences in Devon, Heathfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in special needs or leadership roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Tailor your answers to show how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around curriculum excellence and supporting diverse learners.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved teaching standards or supported staff development in previous roles. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining #teamOFG.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Faculty - Sciences in Devon, Heathfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Faculty - Sciences. We want to see how you can drive high standards and improve outcomes for pupils, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for science education shine through! We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about curriculum excellence and supporting students with complex needs. Share your vision for inspiring learners in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join #teamOFG and be part of our exciting journey in education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Science curriculum and how it aligns with the school's goals. Be ready to discuss how you would design and implement a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing staff, improving pupil outcomes, and using data to drive decisions. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you demonstrate your capability.
✨Understand SEMH Needs
Familiarise yourself with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, especially in relation to pupils with complex challenges. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've used to support these students and how you can foster a caring, inclusive environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s vision, the role of the Senior Leadership Team, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.