Teacher of Science – Biology Specialist (Maternity Cover)

0.8 FTE or full time

Join a leading school which prides itself on the high quality of education, enrichment and care provided to all and is committed to the wellbeing of students and staff.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint a well-qualified and inspirational Teacher of Science – biology specialist, who is committed to the highest standards of learning, teaching and achievement. The successful candidate will have very high expectations and an unwavering commitment to all students maximising their potential and achieving their personal best. This role is required from June 2026 until the return of the maternity leaver, which is likely to be March 2027. 

If you have the subject expertise, vision, commitment, and people skills to contribute to this successful department, coupled with the ability to engage and enthuse our students with a love of science, then we would like to hear from you. This maternity cover position is offered at 0.8 FTE (4 days per week),  with the option of full time employment available for an Early Career Teacher seeking the support and structure of the ECF. We welcome applications from Early Career Teachers who are entering the profession, as well as from experienced and highly successful time employment available for an Early Career Teacher seeking the support and structure of the ECF. We welcome applications from Early Career Teachers who are entering the profession, as well as from experienced and highly successful classroom practitioners.

Ilkley Grammar School is an outstanding, vibrant 11-18 comprehensive, with over a 400-year tradition of serving the local community. We are committed to Personal Best as reflected in our Vision and Values:

“Our vision at Ilkley Grammar School is to provide a world-class, inclusive education and exceptional opportunities which will enrich us both individually and collectively as a community. We will inspire, support and challenge each other to achieve our Personal Best so that we all grow in wisdom and stature. By modelling our Personal Best values and championing equality and diversity, we will make a positive difference to our own lives and the lives of others and will be empowered to lead and influence positive change on a local, regional, national and global scale.”

We are a fantastic learning community, set in one of Yorkshire’s most scenic areas, whose facilities will soon be transformed with a multi-million-pound capital investment from the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme. Our graded Ofsted inspection of December 2024 once again confirmed us Outstanding in all areas of inspection with inspectors concluding that “Ilkley Grammar School is an amazing school,” where “every pupil gets a chance to shine” and is supported “to fulfil their potential”.  Praised for the exceptional quality of education, “fully inclusive” ethos, and “rich curriculum” that ensures “excellent, sustained outcomes,” the school was also celebrated for its “shining” sixth form, “exemplary personal development,” and provision of a “calm environment” where students “flourish” through outstanding support, pastoral care, behaviour, and opportunities.

We are proud to be the founding school of Moorlands Learning Trust and a member of the Red Kite Teaching School Alliance with a firm commitment to school-to-school support and developing highly effective collaborative practices. 

We are looking for:

• a dedicated, passionate and responsive teacher who has resilience and a strong, positive work ethic
• a commitment to providing high quality lessons to engage, challenge and inspire our students
• an individual with the ability to teach biology across the full ability range at KS4 and all sciences at KS3
• a colleague who is inspirational to staff and students and committed to sharing best practice
• a strong commitment to inclusion and personal development, including extra-curricular and enrichment 

In return for your commitment, we can offer:        

• “a culture where everyone feels valued and supported to develop” (Ofsted 2024) 
• the opportunity to make a real difference 
• students who “enjoy their lessons”, “behave exceptionally well” and “show respect for each other” 
• personalised CPD with a strong commitment to professional growth 
• an inspiring and enthusiastic team of colleagues across the teaching and associate staff 
• a very calm and orderly school with high expectations and an ethos of trust and care 
• a supportive leadership team who “provide strong personal and professional care” (Ofsted 2024)
• a location on the edge of Ilkley Moor in beautiful Wharfedale which was judged by The Sunday Times as the best place to live in the North and North East in 2025.  
• excellent transport links to Leeds and Bradford 

For further details, including our specific application requirements for this post, please visit our school website https://www.ilkleygrammarschool.com/our-school1/vacancies/ 

Closing date for applications: 8am Friday 27th February 2026

Provisional interview date:      Week commencing 2nd March 2026

Ilkley Grammar School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people in our recruitment procedures and in all our work across and beyond school.  The school adheres to statutory guidelines in respect to safe recruitment.  All persons employed by the school, in any capacity, will undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and confirmation of employment is subject to a successful outcome.  All teaching staff members recruited by the school have their eligibility to teach checked with the DfE.