Lead Practitioner of Science

King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes

The Great Schools Trust is seeking a passionate and highly skilled Lead Practitioner of Science to join King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional classroom practitioner and subject specialist who is committed to academic excellence, thrives on improving student outcomes, and wants to play a pivotal role in developing outstanding science teaching across the department. Working closely with the Head of Science and additional leaders in science, the successful candidate will help drive excellence across Biology, Chemistry and Physics whilst supporting a culture of ambitious, evidence-informed practice.

The science department is entering an exciting phase of growth, with this additional role created in response to increasing curriculum demand and the need for further leadership capacity within the team.

About Us

King’s Hawthornes is proud to be part of the Great Schools Trust, ranked No. 2 nationally for most improved multi-academy trust in 2025. Our schools do more than deliver academic excellence – they transform lives. We are relentless in our focus on people and wellbeing, ensuring that staff are supported, developed, and valued.

With dedicated weekly CPD time, access to leading leadership programmes, and a trust-wide commitment to work-life balance, this is a place where both students and staff flourish.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving Science department, working alongside a dynamic leadership team committed to academic excellence and character development. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Science to support the strategic development of teaching and learning across the department and help ensure consistently high standards across all key stages.

We are seeking a strong and experienced practitioner who will become the expert teacher of science within the academy, modelling outstanding classroom practice and supporting high-quality curriculum delivery across the full science offer.

The successful candidate will be:

• An experienced and excellent teacher and subject specialist with secure expertise across Biology, Chemistry and Physics at both combined and triple science level.

• Passionate about delivering exceptional science education and improving life chances for all students.

• Skilled in diagnosing learning gaps, using assessment effectively, and implementing impactful intervention strategies that improve student outcomes.

• Committed to maintaining exceptionally high expectations for academic achievement, behaviour, and professional standards.

• Confident in coaching and developing colleagues through evidence-informed practice, curriculum refinement, and collaborative professional development.

Our ASPIRE values – Achievement, Aspiration, Self-awareness, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Endeavour – underpin everything we do.

Why Join Us?

At King’s Hawthornes, we are proud of our culture and community. In our latest anonymous Edurio Staff Survey, colleagues consistently praised the school:

“Amazing, supportive staff who truly act with integrity and have the best interests of the school at heart.”

“An open-door, kind culture.”

“A trust that is at the cutting edge of research.”

“I can go to my line manager with any problem, and she always offers immediate advice.”

We also offer:

Collaborative & Ambitious Team - Join a dedicated and innovative Science department committed to delivering an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that inspires curiosity, challenge, and academic success.

Real Impact Through Education - Play a leading role in shaping exceptional science teaching and ensuring students develop the knowledge, confidence, and aspirations to succeed in further education and beyond.

Professional Development - Access high-quality CPD, leadership development pathways, instructional coaching, and Trust-wide partnerships to further develop your expertise and leadership capacity.

Career Progression & Stability - This role has been created due to increased curriculum demand and added departmental capacity, reflecting the academy’s continued growth and investment in Science.

Competitive Benefits Package - Including a strong salary, pension scheme, BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, and flexible working options.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an inspirational and highly effective practitioner who will bring expertise, ambition, and strong leadership to the department. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Outstanding subject knowledge across all three science disciplines.
• A proven track record of improving student outcomes and securing strong progress.
• The ability to lead, motivate, and inspire students and colleagues alike.
• Expertise in evidence-informed teaching, curriculum design, assessment, and intervention.
• Experience coaching or developing colleagues to improve classroom practice.
• High expectations for academic achievement, professional standards, and student conduct.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative working.

Visits & Interviews

We appreciate the application deadline is fast approaching and are keen to accommodate candidates who may require notice to attend interview.

We would therefore be happy to offer:

Academy tours and visits on Monday 18th May

Interviews on Thursday 21st or Friday 22nd May, where required

If you would like to visit our wonderful academy, meet the Science department and Principal, please contact Michael Aitken.

Safeguarding Commitment

King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.