Head of Biology

Abbey College; Hartford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious sixth form college in Hartford is seeking a Head of Department for Biology. The ideal candidate will have outstanding teaching skills, be committed to student welfare, and possess exceptional subject knowledge. Responsibilities include leading a team of teachers, ensuring high academic achievement, and conducting regular appraisals. The position offers numerous benefits, including a range of employee assistance programs, discounted fees, and support for professional development. Start date is between February and September 2026.

Benefits

Free Lunch, Tea and Coffee

Family friendly policies

Small class sizes

Extended School Holidays

Employee assistance programme

Group personal pension plan, 7% employer contribution

Discounted school fees

Regular social events

Season Ticket Loans

Eye Care

Gym Scheme

Workplace Nursery Scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Access to discount schemes

Secure Bike storage

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Track record of outstanding teaching and high academic achievement.
• Demonstrated commitment to high standards of behavior.
• Awareness and upholding of safeguarding duties.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Biology Department and manage teaching quality.
• Facilitate high student academic achievement.
• Conduct appraisals and training.
• Engage in college's pastoral care for all students.

Skills

Outstanding teaching

Excellent subject knowledge

Commitment to student welfare

Ability to engage and motivate

Education

Qualified teacher status or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Abbey College Cambridge (ACC) is one of the best sixth form colleges for British and international students in the UK. We specialise in helping students from the UK and from across the world achieve the personal, social and academic growth needed to succeed at the UK's best universities. As Head of Department, you will lead the biology department at ACC. The department prides itself in delivering high quality teaching to motivated and ambitious students. The biology department is well-established, academically rigorous, and very student-centred. The team emphasise practical science, field experience, and support all students in their ambitions for high-level university progression in biological or medical sciences, all within a setting of small classes and excellent facilities. The team are highly experienced, dynamic and work extremely hard both in lessons and to deliver engaging extra-curricular content. They are supportive of one another and whilst professional also enjoy working with good humour. A leader who engages, motivates and trusts their team will get the most out of this experienced and high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Leading the Biology Department
• Facilitating the college's goal of high student academic achievement
• Leading appraisals and reviews, and taking part in training and development
• Delivering high quality lessons
• Informing parents about student progress
• Engaging in the college's pastoral care for all students in the college
• Attendance at the school's community events
• Delivery of 5 days of non-term time teaching commitment to support late arriving students, students on fast-paced 18-month courses or during our Easter revision courses. There is also an expectation for 6 Abbey Inspires evening events across the academic year.

Qualifications and Experience

You will hold qualified teacher status or equivalent, have a track record of outstanding teaching, have excellent subject knowledge and the ability to demonstrate a commitment that, to you, every child matters. You will be keenly aware of and uphold all Safeguarding & pastoral duties and will, at all times, promote high standards of positive behaviour. Although not a prerequisite, experience of leading teams and or demonstrated ability to successfully deliver on responsibilities or projects at either a department or whole school level is desired.

Benefits

• Free Lunch, Tea and Coffee
• Family friendly policies, including enhance maternity and paternity pay.
• Small class sizes (Classes average 10 students, with a maximum class size of 14)
• Extended School Holidays
• Employee assistance programme
• Group personal pension plan, 7% employer contribution
• Discounted school fees
• Regular social events
• Season Ticket Loans
• Eye Care
• Gym Scheme
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to discount schemes
• Secure Bike storage
• Free Parking

Safeguarding

ACC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as an employee of ACC you will be expected to share this commitment. The protection of our students' welfare is the responsibility of all staff and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

How to Apply

Please read our Applicant Information Pack to access full details about the position. Please include a covering statement detailing why you think you have the necessary skills to be successful in this position.

Start Date

The start date will depend on the availability of suitable candidates but will be no earlier than the 23rd February 2026 and no later than the 1st September 2026.