Head of Chemistry

The opportunity:

We are seeking an exceptional and motivated Head of Chemistry to lead and develop a high-performing department, driving outstanding student attainment and progress across all key stages, including GCSE and A Level. Reporting to the Director of Science, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in curriculum design, teaching and learning, and assessment, ensuring a broad, balanced and engaging Chemistry provision. Along with the 2nd in charge of Chemistry, you will be accountable for departmental performance, leading on monitoring and evaluation, and implementing effective strategies to continuously improve outcomes for all students.

As a key middle leader, you will line manage and develop teaching and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-expectations culture while supporting professional growth and innovation in pedagogy. This includes planning and delivering regular department/subject specific CPD sessions. The role includes overseeing departmental resources, data analysis, and health and safety, as well as contributing to whole-school priorities and enrichment opportunities. The ideal candidate will be an outstanding classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire both students and colleagues.

The intent of the Science Department is to foster a lifelong passion for science, empower students to pursue STEM with confidence, and provide a challenging, inclusive, and evidence informed curriculum that promotes academic excellence, critical thinking and real-world application, preparing all learners to succeed in further study and thrive in a rapidly evolving scientific world.

You can expect to teach general science to KS3, but your specialist subject at KS4 and KS5.

What we offer:

You will be supported by a culture of continuous learning, high expectations, and genuine care for both staff and students. Staff are supported to thrive through high-quality development, cross-Trust networks, and streamlined operations that reduce workload and stress. Students display enthusiasm for learning, show curiosity, and demonstrate excellent behaviour, contributing to a highly positive learning environment.

Our commitment to you:

Staff are our most valued asset and we place a high emphasis on staff well-being and professional development, no matter what stage of your career you are at. We pride ourselves with the supportive and inclusive nature of the school and ensure that we foster a friendly working environment. A recent staff survey stated that staff do not feel pressured to work long hours and staff are consulted about changes at work.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the department and to monitor and support student progress.

To be accountable for student progress and development within the department

To develop and enhance the teaching practice involved in the delivery of Chemistry

To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department

To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the department.

To manage and deploy teaching/support staff and physical resources within the department effectively to support the department development plan.

The successful candidate will:

• Good Honours Degree, PGCE / QTS
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the post
• Ability to identify own professional development needs
• Experience at successful teaching of Chemistry and Science across all Key Stages
• Experience of planning lessons / schemes of work in line with the demands of an examination syllabus
• Evidence of raising student attainment in subject
• Experience of assessment of students across all Key Stages
• Experience of contributing to extra-curricular activities

Key Application Dates:

• Shortlisting Date: 20 April 2026
• Interview Date: w/c 27 April 2026
  
• Start Date: September 2026
  

Safer recruitment:

The Girls’ Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

As well as verification of identity, we ask all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and aim to employ a culturally diverse workforce, which reflects the nature of our communities.

Sponsorship:

We are not able to offer sponsorship to non-settled individuals for a Skilled Worker Visa.