The Opportunity

Shrewsbury is a historic market town famed as the birthplace of Charles Darwin, deeply rooted in the history of scientific observation, empirical analysis, and breakthrough discovery. We are seeking an ambitious, visionary Head of Science to lead a progressive academy. This is a pivotal middle leadership role for an experienced educator looking to command a thriving faculty, shape a cutting-edge curriculum, and inspire the next generation of scientists in a town with a legendary scientific heritage.

The Academy

The academy is an ambitious, forward-thinking secondary school dedicated to achieving exceptional academic and personal outcomes for all students across Shropshire. Characterized by its calm, purposeful atmosphere and strong community values, the school implements highly structured, consistent behavioural routines. This ensures that classrooms remain quiet and respectful spaces where teachers have the complete authority required to deliver high-impact instruction, allowing you as Head of Faculty to focus entirely on academic strategy, pedagogical excellence, and team development.

The Department & Leadership Culture

• You will lead a highly collaborative, successful, and well-resourced Science faculty where the subject is celebrated for its academic standards and practical engagement.

• The department features modern, purpose-built laboratory suites equipped with up-to-date data-logging technology, advanced chemical apparatus, and biological models.

• A highly organized, specialist technician team supports the faculty, ensuring all required practicals and complex demonstrations are set up flawlessly and safely.

• As Head of Science, you will have full strategic autonomy over curriculum design, budget allocation, internal moderation, and the professional development of your teaching staff.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Faculty Leadership: Vision and oversight for the Science department, establishing a culture of high academic standards, shared accountability, and intellectual curiosity.

2. Curriculum Design & Innovation: Reviewing and refining the Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (GCSE) Science curricula, ensuring a logical, knowledge-rich sequence that prepares students for terminal exams and future STEM pathways.

3. Data-Driven Intervention: Analysing faculty-wide assessment data to identify attainment trends, designing and implementing robust, targeted interventions to maximize GCSE progress.

4. Pedagogical Mentorship: Coaching, line-managing, and supporting teachers within the department—including early career teachers—through supportive peer-reviews, collaborative planning, and shared best practices.

5. Health & Safety Compliance: Ensuring total compliance with CLEAPSS and health and safety regulations across all laboratories, working closely with the lead technician.

The Successful Candidate We are looking for an inspiring leader and a consummate subject specialist with a proven track record of elevating student outcomes and driving professional excellence. Requirements include:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a strong honours degree in a recognized scientific discipline (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).

• Proven Leadership Experience: Demonstrated success in a middle leadership role (e.g., Second in Department or TLR holder) with a clear track record of securing excellent progress metrics at Key Stage 4.

• Expert Pedagogy: A sophisticated understanding of cognitive load theory, structured retrieval practice, and advanced practical exam specifications.

• Authoritative Communicator: An individual who can motivate a diverse team, foster a positive departmental culture, and work effectively with senior leadership and parents.

Why Lead Our Faculty?

• A competitive middle leadership salary package with an attractive TLR allocation reflecting the scale and importance of the role.

• Exceptional professional development pathways, including fully funded support to undertake a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

• The outstanding lifestyle benefits of Shrewsbury—a beautiful, historic loop-of-the-Severn town offering an exceptional quality of life, highly regarded schools, and immediate access to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

• A supportive senior leadership team that respects departmental autonomy and implements a sustainable, evidence-based approach to teacher workload and administrative duties.

How to Apply

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.