Assistant Head of Department: Science

Coombe House School; Longton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking an Assistant Head of Department: Science to shape culture, curriculum, and classroom practice at an early stage of the academy. You will lead with impact to influence outcomes and student lives, while developing staff and embedding high expectations across the science department.

The role offers opportunities to work within a Trust-wide network, supporting a curriculum built for depth and rigor, and to contribute to a culture where

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status essential
• Strong A Levels or equivalent essential
• Degree in a relevant subject essential
• Leadership qualification desirable

Responsibilities

• Shape culture, curriculum, and classroom practice in your subject area.
• Lead with impact to improve teaching, learning, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with Trust-wide subject directors to ensure academic depth.
• Develop and lead an extended learning programme and enrichment.

Skills

Leadership experience

Curriculum development

Staff development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree in a relevant subject

Strong A Levels or equivalent

Leadership qualification (desirable)

Job description

Assistant Head of Department: Science - Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams

Thank you for your interest in the role of Assistant Head of Department: Scienceat Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing Free School in Stoke-on-Trent,an academy with bold ambitions, a clear moral purpose, and a relentless commitment to excellence for every child.

Since opening in September 2024, Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams has moved rapidly from vision to reality. What began with a founding cohort of 120 Year 7 students has grown into a thriving, purposeful learning community. In September 2025, the academy proudly transitioned into its permanent, state-of-the-art building, a learning environment designed to inspire, challenge, and support pride, ambition, care and excellence. The academy will continue to grow year on year, expanding to full capacity of 1,150 students by 2030.

As Assistant Head of Department, you will be instrumental in shaping the culture, curriculum, and classroom practice of your subject area at a formative stage of the academy's journey. This is a role for a leader who wants to leave a lasting legacy, someone ready to influence not just outcomes, but lives.

Why Choose Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams

An uncompromising commitment to professional growth

At Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams, we believe that exceptional schools are built by exceptional professionals. We invest heavily in our people, offering double the standard number of training days and a rich programme of development designed to stretch, challenge, and accelerate your leadership journey.

Strength through collective excellence

As part of Co-op Academies Trust, you will join a powerful network of professionals united by shared values and high expectations.

Support and challenge

Our organisational structures are intentionally designed to remove unnecessary barriers and allow leaders to focus on what truly matters, improving teaching, learning, and outcomes. You will be supported, trusted, and empowered to lead with clarity and confidence.

A curriculum built for depth, rigor, and aspiration

Our curriculum is developed in partnership with Trust-wide subject directors to ensure ambition, coherence, and academic depth. It is designed to open doors, cultivate curiosity, and prepare students for success in education and beyond.

A culture where people matter

We are proud of our strong culture, one rooted in high expectations, shared ways of being, and our PACE values. We care deeply about our staff and students, and we are intentional about creating a community where people feel known, valued, and inspired to be their best.

Extended Learning That Transforms Lives

Our extended academy day provides students with enriched opportunities beyond the classroom, building cultural capital, resilience, and confidence. Through a carefully designed enrichment programme, students discover new passions and develop skills that will shape their futures.

This innovative model also enables an additional two weeks of holiday across the academic year, ensuring shorter, more restorative term times for both staff and students.

If you are an ambitious educator with the vision, expertise, and moral purpose to lead with impact, we would be delighted to hear from you. Join us at Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams and be part of something extraordinary,an academy that is not just growing, but redefining what is possible for young people in Stoke-on-Trent.

If you have what we are looking for, we would love for you to take the initiative and apply to be part of a team that is not just building a school but shaping the future of education in Stoke-on-Trent.

Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status essential

Strong A Levels or equivalent essential

Degree in a relevant subject essential

Hold a leadership qualification desirable

Contact Information

Katie Harrison-Revill, [e-mail]

Weston Road, Meir Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6AP
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST3 6AP

Co-op Academies Trust as an aware employer is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults as its number one priority. This commitment to robust recruitment, selection and induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust on its behalf.

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all its employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS and satisfactory references. All our colleagues are expected to demonstrate a commitment to co-operative values and principles.