Head of Biology (Maternity Cover)

NOTTING HILL; Ealing; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier independent girls' day school in Ealing is searching for an ambitious Head of Biology to lead and develop a thriving Biology department. The role offers the chance to influence curriculum design and teaching, ensuring high standards and innovation. Applicants should be well-qualified, exhibit strong leadership skills, and have a successful track record at GCSE and A-Level. Competitive salary and benefits alongside extensive professional development opportunities are provided, reflecting the school's commitment to academic excellence.

Benefits

Competitive salary and pay progression

Membership of the GDST flexible pension scheme

Access to professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Discount on fees for children

Free lunches during term time

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Well-qualified Teacher of Biology.
• Proven track record of successful teaching at GCSE and A-Level.
• Experience of running extra-curricular activities.
• Enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and strong leadership skills to strengthen and promote Biology.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership of the Biology Department and oversee curriculum design.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning are delivered.
• Develop departmental strategy and drive academic excellence.
• Lead and inspire teaching staff, promote professional development.

Skills

Well-qualified Teacher of Biology

Successful teaching at GCSE and A-Level

Running extra-curricular activities

Strong leadership skills

Job description

Role

The role is a rare and exciting opportunity for an ambitious Teacher of Biology to step into a leadership role at one of London's leading independent girls' day schools. As Head of Biology you will have the opportunity to shape, lead and develop a thriving Biology department at the heart of the school's academic life. The role is ideally suited to a teacher who is ready to develop their experience beyond the classroom, take ownership of departmental strategy and play a key role in driving academic excellence across the school.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, confident leadership of the Biology Department, overseeing curriculum design and teaching students throughout the school, up to A-Level and Oxbridge entrance.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning are delivered, resources are used efficiently and effectively, and curriculum is managed and developed in accordance with school policy across the department.
• Develop departmental strategy and play a key role in driving academic excellence across the school.
• Lead and inspire teaching staff, promote professional development, and foster collaboration across sciences.

Qualifications

• Well‑qualified Teacher of Biology.
• Proven track record of successful teaching at GCSE and A-Level.
• Experience of running extra‑curricular activities.
• Enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and strong leadership skills to strengthen and promote Biology across the school.
• Eligibility to work in the UK, with the right to provide proof of right to work and to undergo child protection screening and DBS checks.

Benefits

• Competitive terms and conditions of employment, and competitive salaries and pay progression.
• Membership of the GDST flexible pension scheme (18% employer contribution and flexibility to generate a pay top‑up of up to 10% of pensionable salary in lieu of pension).
• 36‑week school year (including INSET days) across 3 terms, with a 2‑week half term in the Autumn.
• Normal teaching hours between 08:20 and 15:35 (depending on timetable for part‑time staff).
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities and training grants for qualifications.
• Free life assurance benefit.
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured, offering free 24‑hour counselling, wellbeing support and advice services.
• Discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools.
• Free lunches for all staff during term time (equivalent to at least £900 per year).
• In‑school staff wellbeing activities such as yoga, fitness classes, wellbeing walks.
• Interest‑free loans for training, computer purchase and travel season ticket loans.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Good transport links and free parking.

Department

The Science department works to academically challenge the girls. We have a dedicated team of 12 teachers across all three sciences, including the Heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and three science technicians. Our focus is to provide the best educational experience for those studying the subjects from the moment they join the school until they leave us.

About the School

NHEHS is a leading academic day school. Our girls are ambitious, bright, enthusiastic and eager to learn and we offer a warm and supportive community. We occupy a site in suburban, leafy, west Ealing with excellent transport links.

Application Information

Application deadline: 15th January 2026 at 12pm. Interviews will take place on 19th January 2026. Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close applications and interviews at any point in the process. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK and will need to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.