Director of Science

TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust); Welling; On-site; EUR 107,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional Development & Leadership

24/7 Confidential Counselling

Family-Friendly Policies

Blue Light Card Access

Cycle to Work Scheme

Generous Pension

Job summary

Welling School is seeking an ambitious Director of Science to drive the strategic direction of the Science Faculty and empower students to achieve exceptional progress across Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

The role requires a proven classroom practitioner with strong subject expertise, and the ability to line-manage staff, foster CPD, and implement data-driven improvement plans within a supportive, inclusive school culture.

Qualifications

• Bold, ambitious vision for the future strategic direction of Science Faculty.
• Proven track record as an excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject expertise (Science across KS3/KS4/KS5).
• Leads and inspires departmental staff, manages performance and CPD.

Responsibilities

• Line-manage experienced staff and drive a high-performance culture.
• Lead, monitor, and improve student outcomes using data to identify gaps and implement actions.
• Foster innovative teaching practices and cross-curricular links across Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic vision

Data-driven

Tools

ICT in teaching

Job description

We are looking for an ambitious and inspirational Director of Science who brings vision, expertise, and leadership to our team at Welling School. We need a leader ready to drive the strategic direction of our Science Faculty and empower students to succeed every single day.

In our Trust, a Director of Science is far more than a department head; you are a key architect in shaping an ambitious curriculum, raising educational standards, and fostering a strong culture of curiosity, achievement, and belonging. We are seeking a proactive, collaborative leader who can line-manage experienced staff, foster innovative teaching practices, and build an environment where every student makes exceptional progress across Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.

Whether you are an established middle leader looking for your next strategic step or a senior leader seeking to make a transformative impact, your talent will be deeply valued here. In our community, leaders are vital partners in driving continuous improvement and ensuring all students receive a high-quality, inclusive education.

Together, let’s unlock scientific potential and ensure every student gets their chance to shine.

The Ideal Director of Science Will Be Someone Who:

• Establishes a bold, ambitious vision for the future strategic direction of the Science Faculty.
• Brings a proven track record as an excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject expertise (and the ability to teach Science across key stages).
• Leads, inspires, and enthuses departmental staff, managing performance and supporting high-quality CPD.
• Uses data effectively to monitor student outcomes, identify underachievement, and implement targeted action plans.
• Drives innovative teaching and learning approaches, including the effective use of ICT to ensure full accessibility and differentiation for all students.
• Fosters a positive climate for learning, developing cross-curricular links, extra-curricular opportunities, and high standards of literacy and numeracy in Science.
• Is resilient, adaptable, and deeply committed to inclusion, equity, and achieving the best outcomes for all pupils.

Great Leadership Starts with a Great Community:Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it’s our priority. As part of the Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

Exceptional Development & Leadership Pathways:Access tailored CPD programmes, middle/senior leadership development, and opportunities to collaborate across the Trust.

24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.

Family-Friendly Policies:Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.

Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance and personal growth.

Blue Light Card Access:Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.

Generous Pension:Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Welling School

Welling School is an ambitious 11–16 academy located in Welling, committed to delivering a high-quality, rich education that opens doors for every student. As part of the Kemnal Academies Trust family, Welling School focuses on high standards of teaching, pupil progress, and creating a supportive environment where both staff and students can thrive.

To discover what makes Welling School special, visit our website or get in touch to arrange a visit to the school.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission.

At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Be Who You Are at TKAT:This job description represents the role in its entirety. We do not expect candidates to have in-depth experience of every single element on application, but we do expect to provide you with the support and flexibility you need to get there and to enable you to do it your way.

Flexible Working

Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Interview & Workplace Adjustments

Should you be selected and invited to interview, please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate fully. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments within both the recruitment process and the workplace to support every candidate.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.