At Robert May's School, Science is the engine room of our academic success. We are looking for a visionary Head of Science to lead a formidable team of twelve teaching staff and dedicated technicians. This is not a "fix-it" job; it is a "take-us-to-the-next-level" role. We want a practitioner who is restless in their pursuit of pedagogical excellence and eager to shape the teaching and learning conversation not just in Science, but across the entire school.

Why Lead Science at Robert May's?

• A Powerhouse Team: Lead a stable, expert, and highly motivated team of teachers and technicians.

• Strategic Influence: As a key middle leader, you will collaborate with the Arete Partnership, HIAS networks, and our local partner schools.

• Curriculum Innovation: You will have the autonomy to lead significant curriculum change in light of the national curriculum review, ensuring our students remain at the cutting edge of scientific inquiry.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a "teacher first" leader—an excellent classroom practitioner capable of teaching all three sciences to GCSE across the full ability range. You will bring:

• Pedagogical Mastery: A deep understanding of science-specific strategies, from building fluency in key concepts to mastering students' extended scientific writing.

• Forensic Insight: The ability to use data with precision to identify gaps and implement high-impact interventions.

• Leadership Gravitas: The confidence to manage a large, diverse team (including part-time staff) and the interpersonal skills to engage parents and external partners.

• Ambition: A desire to contribute to the wider school culture and the "Teaching & Learning" discourse within our Senior Leadership framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Science department, ensuring high standards of achievement at all Key Stages.

• Lead the evolution of the Science curriculum, focusing on problem-solving and cognitive science principles.

• Foster a culture of professional growth and collaborative planning within the department.

• Actively participate in the Arete Partnership and maintain strong links with primary partners to ensure seamless transition.

What We Can Offer

• Excellent support from an experienced, committed and welcoming subject specialist team and fantastic opportunities for continued professional development: we have a comprehensive CPD programme for teachers at all career stages including preparation for middle and senior leadership.

• Fantastic students who are well behaved and who want to learn and supportive families who value education. Consistently excellent student attainment and progress. 

• Continual collaboration and sharing of resources to reduce workload and improve provision for students. PDL (also known as PSHE) is delivered by a specialist team leaving tutors to focus on character and pastoral development. 

• Effective systems and processes to support teacher workload and wellbeing such as centralised detentions, streamlined reporting and assessment systems and online parents' evenings. Very effective systems and resources are in place to support learning and manage behaviour in the classroom. 

• Excellent facilities and resources: all teaching staff are provided with a high spec laptop and touch screens in classrooms. Digital learning is fully embedded using a Google platform in Years 7-9 and is being rolled out to all years with laptops for students. Significant investment has been made in facilities including recent upgrades to lighting, heating and windows and all subject areas have their own office and facilities.

• A wellbeing day per academic year and an active Staff Wellbeing Committee with numerous enrichment activities on offer.

• A full programme of trips and visits, giving you the chance to share in making positive memories with students. 

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and 24 hour virtual GP service for you and family members.

We pride ourselves on our ethos and culture which promotes positive relationships and behaviour. In our most recent Ofsted report (Nov 2022), inspectors observed that ‘“Lessons are calm and purposeful and led by knowledgeable, passionate teachers. Pupils show dedication to learning and pay close attention to their teacher’s instruction”’.

Robert May’s School, which dates from 1694, is a high attaining and oversubscribed 11-16 Single Academy Trust with a distinctive ethos based on the charitable principles of our founder. We would welcome the opportunity for an informal discussion or visit. Please contact Lisa Shackleton, HR Manager on 01256 702700 or lisa.shackleton@rmays.com for further information or to arrange a visit.

Interviews will take place as soon as possible following the closing date. Please note that the school reserves the right to interview on receipt of applications, and to appoint prior to the deadline, so early application is recommended.

An online search will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates to identify any past or current incidents or issues that might affect your suitability to work with children and undertake this role. This is in line with guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Robert May’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant pre-employment checks.