Head of Biology

International Schools Today; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Responsibility Allowance

Accommodation may be available

Job summary

Eltham College invites applications for a Head of Biology to lead the biology department, delivering teaching across Years 7–11 and A-level option subjects. The role requires strategic oversight, curriculum leadership and a commitment to high academic standards.

The post carries a Responsibility Allowance, with accommodation potentially available, and starts September 2027 (or earlier). Interviews may occur before the closing date.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a secondary biology department.
• Proven track record delivering GCSE/iGCSE Biology and A-Level biology.
• Ability to manage a science department and support student achievement.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of Biology for Years 7–11 and A-level option subjects.
• Oversee department development and contribute to staff professional growth.
• Coordinate trips, clubs, and enrichment activities for biology students.

Skills

Leadership

Biology knowledge

Curriculum development

Team management

Strategic planning

Job description

Job Title: Head of Biology

Hours of Work: Full time

Reports to: Deputy Head Academic

Start Date: September 2027 or Earlier if Possible

The Headmaster and CEO of Eltham College Family of Schools is seeking to appoint an ambitious and inspirational Head of Biology. The position of Head of Biology involves responsibility for the delivery of the teaching of Biology which is currently taught throughout Years 7 to 11 as a core subject, and as an option subject at A-level.

In addition to the base salary, the post comes with a Responsibility Allowance.

Department

The department consist of five full-time teachers, and two technicians.

At GCSE, we teach Edexcel iGCSE separate award Biology and we follow the AQA specification at A-Level. Results in recent years have been very good at GCSE and A-Level. Many Biology students go on to study related subjects at university. In recent years, we have had particular success with applications to study Medicine and are seeing an increasing number of applications for pure Biology related courses.

There is a thriving Lower School Science club, as well as co-curricular provision for older students. The department runs various trips, including a Year 12 Field course and A-Level Biology Live. Our students also participate in the Biology Challenge and Biology Olympiad.

The department also runs a successful Medical Society, which helps pupils to equip themselves with the necessary skills to study medical related degrees. Activities include group discussions, talks from outside speakers and practice interview sessions.

Our bespoke Year 7 and 8 Biology curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for science, combining engaging and relevant content with a strong focus on practical investigation and the development of core scientific skills.

Eltham College is a highly successful independent day school in south-east London, educating boys and girls aged 7 to 18 across both Junior and Senior Schools. The College has grown considerably over recent years: there are now over 800 students in the Senior School and around 260 pupils in the Junior School and places are heavily oversubscribed. Since 2020, girls have been able to join Years 3 and 7, mirroring the Sixth Form which has been coeducational for over 45 years. The school places an equal emphasis on academic, pastoral and co-curricular excellence and has an outstanding reputation in all three areas as well as for the friendly, unpretentious nature of daily life.

A highly competitive salary is available, together with a clear programme of staff development and opportunities for promotion. Accommodation may also be available.

(Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Eltham College reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made).

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and culture diversity of our student intake. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e. skills, qualifications, abilities, experience).

Eltham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants undergo enhanced child protection screening relevant to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

Application closing date: 8am on Monday 16 November 2026

Interviews to take place on Thursday 19 November 2026