At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Science faculty, driving high standards and innovative curriculum development.
- Company: Join a supportive school focused on wellbeing and inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week with full pay, plus health and wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status and experience in supporting diverse learning needs.
- Other info: Be part of a certified 'Great Place to Work' with excellent career growth.
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary: From £44,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
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
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS and a relevant honours degree
- Experienced: 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: You’ll need to adapt and innovate to meet individual needs
About Us
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 are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
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.
Benefits include:
- 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
- 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay**Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 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. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Head of Faculty - Science 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 - Science
✨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 or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to teaching science and how they support pupils with complex needs. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for curriculum development! Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for the Science faculty that align with the school's mission. Bring examples of how you've improved outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining #teamOFG and contributing to a fantastic working environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Faculty - Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Head of Faculty - Science role. We want to see how you can drive high standards in teaching and learning, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for science education shine through! Share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in supporting pupils with complex needs. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about improving outcomes.
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 well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
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 on joining #teamOFG right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Head of Faculty for Science, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the curriculum. Brush up on the latest developments in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and be ready to discuss how you would implement an inclusive and high-quality curriculum that meets diverse learner needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing staff, improving pupil outcomes, and using data to drive decisions. This will show that you’re not just a great teacher, but also a capable leader who can inspire others.
✨Emphasise Your Compassion and Resilience
Given the unique challenges faced by pupils with complex needs, it’s crucial to convey your ability to build trusting relationships. Share specific instances where your compassion and resilience made a difference in a student’s learning journey.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s approach to supporting pupils with SEMH needs and how they envision the role of Head of Faculty evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.