Head of Science

Teaching Vacancies; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

St John Bosco College in the Catholic and Salesian tradition is seeking an excellent Science teacher who will also take a leadership role within the Science department. You will shape an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum across KS3–KS5 and drive high standards of teaching and outcomes.

As part of the Middle Leadership Team, you will set direction, coach colleagues, manage resources and budgets, and work closely with science technicians to ensure safe practical teaching and effective

Qualifications

• QTS with qualified teacher status.
• Honours degree in a science subject.
• Proven track record of excellent science teaching and raising standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a well-sequenced Science curriculum across KS3–KS5 with high-quality schemes, resources and assessment.
• Use performance data to identify gaps, target interventions and improve progress for all abilities.
• Coach, mentor and line-manage colleagues, including the Second in Charge of Science, and support Early Career Teachers.
• Collaborate with Science technicians to ensure safe practical teaching and effective management of laboratories, resources and the budget.
• Develop STEM clubs, trips, competitions and university/industry links to enrich learning and raise aspirations.

Skills

Curriculum design

Data analysis

Coaching

Leadership

Education

QTS

Science degree

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Governors of St John Bosco College are seeking an excellent Science teacher and inspiring leader to lead our Science department. This is an opportunity to shape an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 and help every student achieve their potential within our Catholic and Salesian community.

As a member of the Middle Leadership Team, you will set a clear direction for Science, lead departmental improvement and build a collaborative team with high expectations for teaching, learning and achievement. We welcome applications from experienced subject leaders and teachers ready for their next leadership step who can demonstrate the experience and skills in the person specification.

The role

• Lead a well-sequenced Science curriculum across KS3–KS5, with high-quality schemes of work, resources and assessment.
• Use performance data to identify gaps, target interventions and improve progress and attainment for students of all abilities.
• Coach, mentor and line‑manage colleagues, including the Second in Charge of Science, and support Early Career Teachers.
• Work with Science technicians to ensure safe practical teaching and effective management of laboratories, resources and the departmental budget.
• Develop STEM clubs, trips, competitions and university and industry links to enrich learning and raise aspirations.

About you

You will hold Qualified Teacher Status and a good honours degree in a relevant Science discipline, with a proven record of excellent Science teaching and raising standards. You will bring experience of curriculum development, using data to improve outcomes, coaching or managing colleagues, and managing resources and budgets. Strong organisational and communication skills, ongoing professional development and sound knowledge of safe practical science are essential.

You will enjoy working with young people, champion inclusion and equality of opportunity, and be committed to safeguarding, supporting the College’s Catholic and Salesian ethos and contributing to the wider life of the school.

We offer opportunities to develop your teaching and leadership through our CPD programme and to contribute to the wider leadership of the school.

What the school offers its staff

Our Commitment to Staff Wellbeing.

At SJBC, we’re building a school that values its staff just as much as its students.

OUR CULTURE AND ETHOS

• A proud, diverse and inclusive Catholic school making a real difference to the lives of our students
• A strong RUAH ethos (Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour) – our culture is rooted in family, belonging and mutual respect
• Part of a worldwide Salesian network of schools – sharing values, mission and support
• A clear behaviour policy built on our values and consistently upheld
• Staff voice matters – we actively consult on wellbeing, workload, curriculum, systems and student experience
• Staff are celebrated on merit – regular recognition of the difference they make
• All SLT teach – modelling shared responsibility and understanding

WORKLOAD AND SYSTEMS THAT RESPECT STAFF TIME

• We promote working smarter, not harder – focusing on purposeful systems
• A streamlined marking policy – teachers do not mark every book; we prioritise impact over quantity
• Weekly department meetings built into the timetable – no late evenings
• PPA allowance of 17% including CPD and Departmental time in school hours, enabling teachers to plan high-quality lessons
• Only 2 break duties and 1 lunch duty per week – fair, balanced and manageable
• Centralised detention system for homework and lateness – led by the pastoral team, not individual teachers

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

• A bespoke coaching programme for every staff member
• CPD rooted in the SSAT Embedding Formative Assessment model – focused, practical and high-impact
• Weekly CPD time built into the school day – no need for regular after‑school sessions
• Just 8 twilight CPD sessions scheduled across the whole year
• Accredited at Bronze by the TDT’s Building Expert Schools programme - independently verified for excellence in professional learning.
• Governors can financially support post‑graduate studies ( up to 25%) for courses directly related to improving student outcomes or experience

FLEXIBILITY AND WELLBEING

• Flexible PPA arrangements – staff can request a late start or early finish once a week to work from home
• Access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 professional counselling and advice
• On‑site gym – free for staff use
• A programme of staff social activities promoting wellbeing and a real sense of community led by an experienced staff wellbeing coordinator
• Trained Mental Health practitioners and MH first aiders available to support staff wellbeing
• Chaplaincy team that supports staff and students and dedicated spaces for quiet prayer and/or reflection for those that want it

Come and belong. Be part of a team where your time, talent and wellbeing truly matter.

Commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.