Philosophy

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is an expanding six form entry boys’ grammar school converter academy situated in a pleasant environment of North East Birmingham, close to Sutton Park. Boys are selected for admission to the school on the basis of grammar school tests adopted by the Grammar Schools of Birmingham Consortium. The school has 1460 students with a large co-educational sixth form of 500 students. We seek an inspirational and qualified teacher with excellent communication skills to join our ambitious and forward-looking school. An ability to teach Chemistry from GCSE is essential, the ability to teach up to A level is desirable. Candidates for teaching posts at the school are expected to show a willingness to participate in the extra-curricular activities we offer students. We warmly welcome applications from ECT’s or experienced teachers.

Teaching and Learning

Chemistry is a dynamic department which places innovation in teaching and learning at the core of its practice. It has a very strong reputation both within and outside of the school, which is supported by excellent records of exam success.

Key Stage 3 Science

At Key Stage 3, Year 7 pupils are taught in groups of approximately 32 students, in Year 8 and 9, students are in groups of approximately 26 students. All students follow the AQA specifications.

Chemistry Key Stage 4/5 and exam results

Students follow the AQA specification with the expectation that the majority of students sit the separate higher paper. In 2025, 83% of our entry achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE level.

In the Sixth Form, Chemistry is very popular. We are joined by students from other schools. Around 180 students take Chemistry at A level, including 100 in Lower Sixth on a linear A-level course. We operate four teaching sets in Upper Sixth and in Lower Sixth. The AQA specification 7404 and 7405 is followed. In 2025, 81 % of our entry achieved a grade A*/B at A level.

Other information

There are currently five Chemistry teachers, including the Head of Department who usually have teaching groups in all years. There is excellent support from a full time, well-qualified technician; this means that we can be innovative, up-to-date and practical in our teaching. The department is enthusiastic about the teaching of our subject and our students are able and want to succeed. The Chemistry Department believe strongly in providing a curriculum enriched with extra-curricular opportunities. We have strong links with Birmingham University. Each year we enter A-level students for the L63C and Chemistry Olympiad competitions. We have enjoyed recent success with our first students achieving gold awards in the last couple of years. We are looking for a willingness to support, coach and mentor Sixth Form students interested in pursuing careers in Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary and any Science related degree, particularly Chemistry.

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join one of Britain’s top state schools. Judged Outstanding in all aspects by OFSTED in May 2024. We are seeking a dynamic and inspirational Teacher of Chemistry who has the ability to engage, enthuse and motivate able pupils. You will be passionate about learning and able to demonstrate a range of behaviour management strategies and teaching skills. You will possess excellent communication skills to teach throughout the age range including A’ level.

We encourage applications from ECT’s or experienced teachers to join a department which:

•Has an outstanding record of GCSE and A Level results.

•Has a friendly, supportive, talented hard-working teaching team

•Has a strong commitment to the extra-curricular life of the school

In return we can offer:

• The opportunity to work with highly motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic students

• Commitment to continuing professional career development and support

• The opportunity to work in a caring and nurturing environment and to get involved in a broad spectrum of extra-curricular activities

• An Employee Assistance Programme

• Competitive Pension Scheme (Teacher Pension Scheme)