About the Role: Full time Teacher of Chemistry  1.0 FTE  

Salary: MPS / UPS (0.8 FTE may be available if required) 

Required From: September 2025

 It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to fulfil the following criteria:

 Qualifications / Ability and Experience:

• QTS and a good honours degree in a related subject
• Ability to teach Chemistry across KS3, KS4 and KS5 and Science at KS3/4
• Experience of leading extra-curricular provision
• Sufficient experience to lead others in the curriculum area

 Relationships:

• A commitment to students as individuals
• A sensitive attitude to students of all abilities and ages and the ability to differentiate teaching to meet the needs of the most able and those with Special Educational Needs
• An ability to create a stimulating and challenging learning environment for students
• A recognition of the importance of partnership with parents
• A supportive and cooperative approach to colleagues

 Personal Characteristics:

• A commitment to the AGS ethos
• A commitment to safeguarding children's well-being and to working within professional boundaries
• A willingness to continue learning and developing as a teacher
• A reflective approach to their own practice and to the overall performance of the department
• Hard working and adaptable
• Happy to work independently or in collaboration
• Able to carry initiatives through to their conclusion
• Friendly and approachable
• Emotionally and self-aware
• Well organised and able to meet deadlines
• Demonstrate a passion for the subject and an ability to enthuse students of all ages
• A commitment to playing a part in the wider life of the school

About the Department:

Science continues to go from strength to strength at AGS with 73% of chemistry GCSE students gaining 7+ grades and 65% of chemistry A-level students getting A*-B grades last year. The chemistry department has well-established schemes of work across all year groups and places a strong emphasis on teamwork. The successful applicant will be very well supported throughout their time here.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in an outstanding academic environment with innovative and experienced colleagues and keen, well-motivated students. There is the potential for a significant amount of A level teaching, however all members of the department teach across the full age range.

Year 7 students have three science lessons per week.  Chemistry, Physics and Biology topics are taught by one Science teacher across the course of the year. From year 8, science at Alcester Grammar School is taught separately as biology, chemistry and physics by specialist subject teachers. Science is a thriving department within the school. Each area has its own departmental head. There is much coordination and sharing of good practice between departments with focus on teaching and learning strategies, health and safety, investigative work, and diversity/inclusion.

There are eleven well-equipped laboratories, with associated preparation rooms ensuring that all science lessons take place within labs. Each subject has its own experienced technician whose work is vital to the effective work of the department. Our wonderful technicians were complemented by Ofsted for their efficiency and dedication and are actively involved in the Warwickshire Technician Support Group.

Currently in Years 7 and 8 students follow courses covering the Key Stage Three National Curriculum. All pupils have 3 hours of science per week. Class sizes are about thirty.  From year 9 however, we feel students are ready for the challenge of the GCSE course. This 3 year approach gives us time to cover the specification in depth as well as provide ample opportunity for practical work which we highly value. At GCSE we follow the AQA Chemistry course. Almost all pupils take 3 separate science GCSEs and each pupil receives 2 periods (2 hours) and one homework per week in Year 10 and 11. Class sizes average about twenty six.

In the sixth form science continues to be extremely popular and successful. Over half of our sixth form students join us from local schools. We follow the AQA Chemistry A level course. Many lessons feature practical work to help students learn and understand through exploration. We always strive to make chemistry relevant and exciting. We encourage pupils to keep up to date with current issues and become rounded, well-informed scientists. We organise a range of visits to local universities and welcome visiting lecturers and have an extensive outreach programme to local schools. We encourage participation in local, national and international competitions, where we have enjoyed considerable successes. We always welcome new ideas and initiatives.

In return, we will offer you:

• A high quality and bespoke CPD programme designed to enhance your skills and knowledge to support your professional development
• Two-week half-term break in October
• Enthusiastic students with a love of learning and, who want to succeed
• A culture of professional autonomy and a supportive staff - you join a real 'AGS Family' 
• Membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme 
• Free on-site parking
• On-site catering at affordable prices
• Free on-site gym
• Multi-faith prayer room
• Convenient location in South Warwickshire with superb amenities and eminently affordable housing 

You can find out more about us from our website and we would be delighted to show you around our school, if you are interested in this role, we encourage you to visit us.  Please contact r.thorpe@alcestergs.com

Alcester Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment and to undergo appropriate pre-employment vetting checks, including a satisfactory Disclosing and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check.  

Alcester Grammar School is committed to developing a culture of inclusion in our school for the benefit of all staff, pupils and governors.  We believe that all staff should thrive irrespective of race, religious beliefs, disability, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.  We recognise and respect values and differences and we work to remove any barriers which inhibit the development of people, including recruitment and retention.