At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Science department, innovate curriculum, and support staff and students.
- Company: Wardle Academy, a school focused on wellbeing and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Wellbeing-centred policies, career development pathways, and a diverse community.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Empower future thinkers and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in raising attainment.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 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 in Rochdale employer: Watergrove Trust
Contact Detail:
Watergrove Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Science in Rochdale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Wardle Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you embody the values of Wellbeing, Ambition, Respect, Diversity, Leadership, and Empathy. We want to hear real examples of 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 noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Science in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for science education shine through. 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 see how you embody these principles in your teaching and leadership style.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Detail your experience in raising attainment and mentoring staff. Use concrete examples to illustrate your impact on student outcomes and how you've supported colleagues in their professional growth.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Wardle Academy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watergrove Trust
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to really understand 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. Think of instances where you've successfully led a team or implemented innovative teaching strategies that benefited both students and teachers.
✨Prepare for Inclusive Pedagogy Questions
Given the emphasis on inclusive pedagogy in the role, be ready to talk about how you design learning pathways for diverse student groups. Have examples ready that illustrate how you've ensured equitable access to advanced science courses and how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet varied learning needs.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
The role involves monitoring progress data to support student advocacy. Brush up on how you've used data to inform your teaching practices and interventions in the past. Be prepared to discuss specific metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your decisions to ensure no student is left behind.