Are you passionate about Science?
Due to promotion of the current head of science to our leadership team. We now have a vacancy for an ambitious and inspirational Director of Science to lead a committed and passionate department at The Lowry Academy. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding leader to drive excellence in teaching and learning, raise student achievement, and shape the future direction of Science within a forward-thinking and improving secondary school.
The role involves leading the Science department to secure high standards in teaching, learning and achievement. It includes developing an ambitious curriculum, using data effectively to raise attainment, and ensuring consistent, high-quality classroom practice. The postholder will drive staff development, build a strong and collaborative team, and implement effective intervention and enrichment strategies so that all students succeed and develop a love of Science.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title: Director of Science
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, permanent, term time only
Salary Grade: UL Competitive Leadership Scale
Conditions of Service: United Learning
Purpose of role
To contribute to the overall leadership of The Lowry Academy. The Director of Science will provide professional leadership and strategic direction to the Science department, securing high-quality teaching, effective use of resources, and improved standards of learning and achievement for all students.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching, Learning and Achievement
- Ensure all students are consistently supported to make excellent academic progress in Science through high-quality teaching and targeted intervention strategies.
- Establish and maintain an aspirational culture within the Science department, promoting high expectations for all students.
- Lead the development of effective assessment practices and procedures across the department.
- Promote high standards of behaviour, engagement, and achievement in Science.
- Celebrate and reward student success, fostering a love of Science.
- Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term departmental improvement plans based on robust self-evaluation.
- Monitor and evaluate progress against departmental targets, adapting strategies as required.
- Inspire and lead innovative, engaging, and effective Science teaching.
- Ensure teaching is appropriately differentiated to meet the needs of all learners, including SEND and disadvantaged students.
- Promote curiosity, challenge, and problem-solving, encouraging students to experience the awe and wonder of Science.
- Use data effectively to monitor student progress and implement timely interventions.
- Oversee and develop a high-quality, ambitious Science curriculum in collaboration with the Second in Science.
- Ensure consistency and rigour in assessment practices across the department.
Culture and Enrichment
- Create a culture where students understand their progress and are motivated to achieve their full potential in Science.
- Promote strong engagement between students, parents, carers, and staff.
- Ensure the Science curriculum highlights links to careers and the relevance of Science in the wider world.
- Provide a broad range of enrichment and extracurricular opportunities within Science.
- Support students in developing aspirations for further study and careers in STEM-related fields.
Leadership and Management of People
- Lead, manage, and develop the Science department, building a cohesive and high-performing team.
- Support recruitment and selection of high-quality staff.
- Use performance management effectively to develop staff and improve outcomes.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and CPD opportunities to develop teaching and leadership capacity within the team.
- Support and develop middle leadership within the department, particularly TLR holders.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively and hold staff accountable for outcomes.
- Maintain a visible, supportive, and professional leadership presence across the Academy.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, high expectations, and continuous improvement.
- Act as an outstanding classroom practitioner and role model.
Quality Assurance
- Implement and monitor robust quality assurance systems within the department.
- Set, monitor, and review departmental targets and performance indicators.
- Ensure consistency in teaching, learning, and assessment practices.
- Lead departmental monitoring activities, including lesson observations, work scrutiny, and learning walks.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and teaching strategies against agreed standards.
- Implement improvements to secure strong outcomes for all students.
Wider Contribution
- Contribute to whole-school self-evaluation and improvement planning.
- Build strong professional relationships within the Academy, across the trust, and externally.
- Uphold all Academy policies and procedures.
- Represent the Academy at internal and external events where appropriate.
- Actively contribute to the wider life of the school community.
Additional Information
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the level of the post as directed by The Lowry Academy.
Safeguarding Statement
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and comply with all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures.
CLOSING DATE 15/06/2026
INTERVIEWS W/C 22/06/2026
