Teacher (Biology) (Maternity Cover)

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Free School; Norwich; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS)

Health Plan and Employee Assistance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free parking

Induction programme

Job summary

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form in Norwich invites applications for an outstanding Biology Teacher (Maternity Cover) on a full-time basis. The post is aligned with the Main Pay Scale to Upper Pay Scale, with a fixed term until 11 February 2028, and starts January 2027.

You will collaborate with the Science team to deliver a knowledge-rich Biology curriculum and monitor pupil progress. You will contribute to safeguarding, pastoral programmes, and enrichment activities while maintaining high teaching

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (or on track to achieve QTS).
• Knowledge of Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
• Knowledge of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and various teaching approaches.

Responsibilities

• Maintain professional conduct and engage in performance management and professional development.
• Collaborate with colleagues and Senior Leadership Team.
• Participate in meetings, quality assurance processes and school events outside normal hours.
• Teach Biology, prepare pupils for examinations and provide interventions and revision lessons.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students and maintain high standards of pupil work.

Skills

QTS

Education

Degree + QTS

Job description

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS)

Fixed Term: until 11th February 2028

Full Time: 32.5 hours per week

Start Date: January 2027

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is seeking to appoint an outstanding Teacher of Biology (Maternity Cover).

We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner who will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils to ensure they succeed.

This key role will give you the opportunity to collaborate with the subject team on curriculum approaches, embedding effective pedagogical approaches and driving standards in Biology. Through collaboration with the wider Inspiration Trust Science team, you will ensure the delivery of our exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

You will be part of a team that delivers a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum for pupils. You will monitor and support pupil progress and development and contribute to raising standards and attainment, whilst motivating and challenging pupils to achieve their very best.

This post is suitable for both an experienced or early years career teacher.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, external agencies, and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Participate in meetings, quality assurance processes, and school events outside normal hours.
• Promote and uphold the Trust and Academy’s ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.
• Ensure pupil safeguarding, welfare, attendance, punctuality, and behaviour are monitored and supported.
• Serve as a form tutor, delivering pastoral programmes and supervising pupils as required.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision lessons.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students, and maintain high standards of pupil work.
• Assess pupil progress, evaluate teaching approaches, and provide reports and references to support pupil development.
• Actively contribute to school life, including enrichment activities and departmental discussions on teaching methods.

About You

The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You must have strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and creativity in teaching. You must also be adaptable and passionate about your pupils' success. You will act as a positive role model, foster a supportive learning environment, and be committed to your own continuous learning and professional development.

Essential:

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS before taking up the post).
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the wider community.
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.
• Experience of teaching the subject in a secondary school across the 11-16 age range.
• Experience of the wider role of a teacher in the personal development of pupils, including the main responsibilities of a form tutor.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in the subject or in the teaching of the subject.
• Experience teaching the subject in a Sixth Form or Further Education setting.
• Experience as a form tutor, supporting the wider personal development of pupils.
• Experience examining the subject for an appropriate exam board.
• Ability to offer extra-curricular or enrichment activities and use digital platforms to create and share teaching and assessment resources.

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is a highly successful maths and science specialist sixth form for students aged 16-19, located in the heart of Norwich. Ranked sixth nationally in the Sunday Times Parent Power guide, the school has been judged Outstanding by Ofsted in all areas.

We are proud of our vibrant and supportive staff community, where satisfaction and retention are exceptionally high. In January 2025, Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form was recognised with a Staff Choice Award by Edurio, placing us in the top 10 schools nationally as a recommended place to work.

Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking, ambitious environment where your expertise is valued, your professional development is supported, and you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people aiming for excellence in STEM and beyond.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.

The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is rated Outstanding, following Ofsted inspections in 2018 and 2023. Inspectors noted: "The ambitious and inclusive vision of senior leaders, governors, and trust members has resulted in an outstanding educational experience for students. They thrive because of the very high quality of education that they receive"

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Closing date for applications: 12noon on Tuesday 6th October 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 13th October 2026