At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Science faculty, driving high standards and innovative curriculum development.
- Company: Join a supportive school focused on wellbeing and student success.
- 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 great team in a peaceful woodland setting.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 52000 £ per year.
Position: Head of Faculty Science
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
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.
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 (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 - Science (Heathfield)
✨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 Greater Horseshoe School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the school’s ethos and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common interview questions related to leadership and curriculum development.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for science education! Bring examples of how you've improved pupil outcomes in the past. Whether it’s innovative teaching methods or successful projects, let us see your enthusiasm and creativity.
✨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 - Science (Heathfield)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for science and education shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about making a difference in students' lives and how you can contribute to our inclusive environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Faculty role. Highlight your experience in curriculum development and leadership, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to raise standards in teaching and learning.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 amazing team at Outcomes First Group.
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 innovative ideas for curriculum development and how you can adapt it to meet the diverse needs of students.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing staff and improving pupil outcomes, as this role requires strong leadership and people management skills.
✨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 learners and how you can implement similar approaches at the school.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision, the role's expectations, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.