Assistant Director of Learning for Science

SMALL HEATH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY; Hay Mills; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent secondary school in Birmingham is looking for an Assistant Director of Learning for Science to lead and improve educational standards. The successful candidate will have a strong teaching background, a degree-level qualification, and Qualified Teacher Status. Key responsibilities include developing exciting curricula, coaching colleagues, and ensuring outstanding pupil attainment. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive environment with competitive salaries and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension schemes

Generous holiday entitlements

Healthcare cash plans

Qualifications

• Proven track record of success in improving standards.
• Ability to teach to GCSE standard.
• Experience in delivering outstanding attainment.

Responsibilities

• Develop an exciting curriculum that suits every type of learner.
• Lead a successful faculty using extensive teaching experience.
• Make a real difference to the lives of young people.

Skills

Coaching and motivating colleagues

Developing exciting curricula

Organisational skills

Motivational skills

Experience in sustained delivery of outstanding attainment

Experience of innovation and creativity

Education

Degree-level qualification

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Do you have what it takes to nurture today's young people and inspire tomorrow's leaders? Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to lead and deliver outstanding learning and teaching to young people in a disadvantaged community? If so, becoming a Star leader might just be the best career move you ever make.

About Small Heath Leadership Academy

Small Heath Leadership Academy is a secondary school in Birmingham. We joined Star Academies in 2018 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism. The school was rated 'good' in all four areas of the inspection framework during its inspection in May 2022. We are an ambitious school with high expectations for all of our pupils. We provide a knowledge‑based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high‑performing multi‑academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values‑based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future – our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Role Overview

We're looking for an Assistant Director of Learning for Science with a proven track record of success in improving standards and raising pupil outcomes. We want to hear from talented middle leaders looking to extend their experience, and outstanding, ambitious teachers seeking their first middle leadership post. As an experienced teacher, you will develop an exciting curriculum that suits every type of learner and have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of our young people. The successful candidate will be a committed team player with excellent organisational and motivational skills. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to lead a successful faculty drawing on your extensive teaching and leadership experience. As a Star middle leader, you'll join the Star Academies family, a high‑performing and supportive network of primary and secondary schools with some of the best leaders in education.

Key Requirements

• A degree‑level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.
• The ability to teach to GCSE standard.
• The ability to coach and motivate colleagues to achieve individual and collective targets.
• Experience of sustained delivery of outstanding attainment and achievement.
• Experience of innovation and creativity to engage, enthuse and progress learners.

Benefits & Rewards

Competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the ‘Apply for job’ link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Our commitment to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils is paramount. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Monday, 5 January 2026 at midnight.
Interview Date: To be confirmed.
Proposed Start Date: Friday, 1 May 2026.

Contact & Additional Information

Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please call us on 0121 464 7997.