Head of Science

Halliford School Ltd; Shepperton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Halliford School invites applications for a senior role leading the Science Department. The successful candidate will oversee the Physics, Biology and Chemistry teams, shaping a creative and inspiring science curriculum across GCSE and A-levels.

They will drive strategic leadership, staff development and safeguarding compliance, ensuring excellent student outcomes and productive collaboration with other departments. Eligibility to work in the UK and enhanced DBS disclosure are required.

Qualifications

• Ambitious middle leader or experienced teacher seeking strategic oversight of the Science Department.
• Provide strategic leadership for Science at Halliford School and responsibility for specialist scientific discipline.
• Evaluate the wider Science Department and develop a strong, creative vision.
• Inspire students and lead staff within the Science team to achieve excellent outcomes.
• Head of Science collaborates with Heads of other departments to ensure inspirational teaching.
• Meet safeguarding requirements including enhanced DBS and references; eligible to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Science Department and its GCSE and A‑Level pathways.
• Set vision for Science and drive creative approaches to teaching and practical work.
• Coordinate with Heads of Physics, Biology and Chemistry to ensure cohesive department goals.
• Ensure staffing development, resource sharing, and high-quality outcomes for students.

Job description

Posted on: 16-10-2026 | Deadline:02-11-2026

This position offers an ambitious middle leader or experienced teacher the exciting opportunity to lead and offer strategic oversight of the Science Department at Halliford School as well as taking responsibility for his/her specialist scientific discipline.

Candidates will be expected to evaluate the wider Science Department and provide a strong, creative vision and offer strategic leadership of Science at Halliford School. The successful candidate will offer skill, enthusiasm and a passion for their subject which will inspire our students. He/she should also be inspirational leaders of the staff within their team.

The Science Department is staffed currently by three Physics teachers, three Biology teachers and three Chemistry teachers, all of whom work closely together as a team. The Science Department is ably supported by two full-time Science Technicians. The Science Department shares an office, which allows for a free exchange of resources and ideas. Each teacher has his/her own, well-equipped teaching laboratory with interactive LCD screen and the space to complete practical work owing to our small class sizes (maximum of 24 at GCSE, but in most cases 20). There is also a space for the Head of Science to work separately if required.

In Year 7 students at Halliford are taught ‘Science’ by one teacher (across 4 x 40 minute lessons per week) before the subject is split into separate disciplines in Year 8 (2 x 40 minutes per discipline, per week). We are true to our mission and are academically ambitious for all our students. As such, in Year 9, all students embark on the AQA GCSE separate Science courses (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), each subject receiving 2 x 40 minute lessons per week. At the start of Year 10, however, students decide, with parental and staff input, whether to continue with the separate Science courses or to switch to the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy course. Regardless of their chosen qualification pathway, each student then receives 3 x40 minute lesson per discipline per week until the GCSE examinations.

At A Level, students study the AQA Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications and are endorsed in line with CPAC requirements for their required practical work. A level classes benefit from 8 x 40 minute lessons per week.

The Head of Science would assume responsibility for one of the three scientific departments and work alongside the Heads of the remaining two departments to ensure students at Halliford receive inspirational and caring teaching leading to excellent outcomes, enabling them to access the best and most appropriate higher-education courses.

Halliford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share our commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and the successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS disclosure and employment reference checks. You must be eligible to work in the UK.

Offers of employment are subject to the receipt of a minimum of two references which are satisfactory to the School. Please refer to our Recruitment Selection and Disclosure Policy which can be found on the school website.