At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing Science team while driving curriculum quality.
- Company: Join St John Bosco College, a 'Good' rated Catholic school in Battersea.
- Benefits: Full CPD programme and career development opportunities in a state-of-the-art environment.
- Other info: Welcoming applications from all Science specialisms, especially Biology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' scientific foundations and aspirations.
- Qualifications: Strong subject knowledge in Science, with a passion for teaching and curriculum development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 49000 £ per year.
The Governors are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and skilled Second in Charge of Science to join this Catholic 11 – 18 comprehensive school judged “Good” by Ofsted in October 2022 and “Outstanding” by the Archdiocese of Southwark in 2025. It is an exciting time to join St John Bosco College as we continue our journey towards being an outstanding school now that we are fully settled into our state‑of‑the‑art building in the heart of Battersea. Our success can be credited to our committed and dedicated staff who strive for excellence and promote high aspirations throughout the school. The successful candidate will receive a full programme of CPD and have opportunities for career development within the school.
We are seeking a talented Second in Charge of Science, with strong subject knowledge and a passion for bringing their subject to life for our students. The successful candidate will support the Head of Department in leading a high‑performing Science team, the Second in Charge will have a clear focus on securing excellence at Key Stage 3, ensuring students develop strong scientific foundations for GCSE, A Level and beyond. The post holder will play a key role in driving curriculum quality, teaching standards and student outcomes, with opportunities to extend leadership across other key stages in line with departmental and whole‑school priorities.
We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with a Biology specialism, although we warmly encourage applications from teachers across all Science disciplines and will consider candidates from any specialism.
The successful candidate will:
- Be a model of good practice in the teaching of Science from KS3-5
- Have the skills and experience to support curriculum development and to promote high standards within the Science department.
- Be actively supportive of the Catholic values and beliefs of St John Bosco College and make a positive contribution to the wider life of the school.
Second in Charge (2iC) - Science in London employer: Saint John Bosco College
St John Bosco College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Battersea. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on high aspirations, staff are encouraged to grow their careers while contributing to a vibrant school community that values Catholic principles. The state-of-the-art facilities and strong leadership make it an exciting time to join our dedicated team as we strive for excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Second in Charge (2iC) - Science in London
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Saint John Bosco College, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Saint John Bosco College, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Saint John Bosco College.
We think you need these skills to ace Second in Charge (2iC) - Science in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Saint John Bosco College.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Second in Charge (2iC) - Science at Saint John Bosco College.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Saint John Bosco College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saint John Bosco College
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Saint John Bosco College.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at Saint John Bosco College are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
