At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Science department, innovate curriculum, and support staff and students.
- Company: Wardle Academy, a nurturing environment for future thinkers.
- Benefits: Wellbeing-focused policies, career development pathways, and a diverse community.
- Other info: Join a vibrant, multicultural environment committed to wellbeing and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while fostering a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in raising student attainment.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 ÂŁ per year.
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026
The Role
Are you a visionary Science educator who believes that academic excellence and emotional intelligence go hand-in-hand? At Wardle Academy, we don’t just teach formulas; we nurture future thinkers. We are seeking an Assistant Director of Science who embodies our core values of Wellbeing, Ambition, Respect, Diversity, Leadership and Empathy. In this role, you will work alongside the Director of Science to lead a department where staff feel supported, and every learner is empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Values in Action
- Wellbeing – We care about physical and mental health
- Ambition – We work hard to achieve our goals
- Respect – We show manners and respect everyone, fear no-one
- Diversity – We learn through our differences.
- Leadership – We take responsibility for our actions and decisions
- Empathy – We are kind, always.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Assist in the management of the Science department, focusing on curriculum innovation and pedagogical excellence.
- Inclusive Pedagogy: Design learning pathways that cater to our diverse student body, ensuring equitable access to Triple Science and A-Levels.
- Staff Coaching: Act as a mentor to ECTs and experienced staff, using empathy to provide constructive feedback and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Student Advocacy: Monitor progress data to ensure no student is left behind, using targeted interventions fueled by ambition for every learner.
About You
You are an outstanding practitioner who leads by example. You understand that true leadership requires the respect of your peers and the empathy to understand the challenges modern students and teachers face.
Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Proven experience in raising attainment at KS3, KS4, or KS5.
- A commitment to the wellbeing of the school community.
Why Join Wardle Academy?
We are a school that walks the talk. Joining us means:
- Wellbeing Centred: A realistic marking policy, no “mockstead” pressure, and dedicated leadership time.
- Career Ambition: Access to NPQSL/NPQH pathways and professional networking across the Trust.
- Inclusive Environment: A vibrant, multicultural staff and student body that celebrates unique perspectives.
Wardle Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Assistant Director of Science employer: Watergrove Trust
Contact Detail:
Watergrove Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Science
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Wardle Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you embody the values of Wellbeing, Ambition, Respect, Diversity, Leadership, and Empathy. Have real-life examples ready to show how you've demonstrated these in your teaching career.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusive pedagogy! Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to support diverse learners and how you plan to empower every student at Wardle Academy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science: Let us see your enthusiasm for science education shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and fostered a love for learning in your previous roles.
Align with Our Values: Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with ours—Wellbeing, Ambition, Respect, Diversity, Leadership, and Empathy. We want to know how you embody these principles in your teaching and leadership style.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on concrete achievements. Whether it’s raising attainment or mentoring staff, we want to hear about the impact you’ve made and how you can bring that to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our community at Wardle Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Watergrove Trust
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Wardle Academy's core values: Wellbeing, Ambition, Respect, Diversity, Leadership, and Empathy. Think about how your own experiences and teaching philosophy align with these values, and be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Assistant Director of Science, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership skills. Prepare to discuss your approach to mentoring staff and fostering a supportive environment. Share instances where you've successfully led a team or implemented innovative strategies in the classroom that have positively impacted student learning.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Given the diverse student body at Wardle Academy, it's crucial to highlight your experience with inclusive pedagogy. Be prepared to discuss how you've designed learning pathways that cater to different learning needs and how you ensure equitable access to advanced courses like Triple Science and A-Levels.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Monitoring progress data is key to ensuring no student is left behind. Come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform your teaching practices or interventions. Discuss any targeted strategies you've implemented to support students who may be struggling, showcasing your ambition for every learner.