Secondary Teacher of Physics- August 2026 (Female Only)

Downehouseriyadh; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious international school located in Riyadh is looking for a passionate Secondary Physics Teacher to join their team starting August 2026. This role involves teaching Physics across Key Stages 3, 4, and delivering A Level courses at Key Stage 5, aiming to inspire students and assist in their academic growth. The ideal candidate is expected to have strong subject knowledge in Physics, proven teaching experience, and a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. The school offers excellent professional development opportunities and a vibrant community.

Benefits

Attractive tax-free salary

Excellent professional development opportunities

Supportive leadership team

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience teaching Physics as a qualified teacher.
• Excellent working knowledge of the UK National Curriculum.
• Experience working within a UK independent or international school environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach Physics across KS3 and KS4.
• Deliver high‑quality A Level Physics lessons.
• Plan and deliver engaging lessons tailored to all learners.

Skills

Strong subject knowledge in Physics

Classroom management

Ability to inspire students

Effective communication

Commitment to student wellbeing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or closely related subject

UK PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Tools

Teaching resources

Online teaching platforms

Job description

Downe House Riyadh is seeking a passionate and highly skilled Secondary Physics Teacher to join our growing team from August 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to teach across Key Stages 3 and 4 and to deliver A Level Physics at Key Stage 5 within a high‑performing, supportive international school environment.

The successful candidate will inspire, challenge and support students to achieve their full potential while contributing positively to the academic and pastoral life of the school.

We welcome applications from reflective, innovative practitioners who are eager to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and ambitious learning environment.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries – in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

About Downe House Riyadh

Opened in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh delivers a world‑class British curriculum in partnership with one of the UK’s most celebrated girls‑only private schools. With over a century of excellence, Downe House UK consistently ranks among the country’s top five all‑girls’ schools.

Located in the prestigious Aqeeq neighbourhood in northern Riyadh, the school offers a British curriculum enriched with Downe House UK’s tradition and expertise. The programme is carefully adapted for Saudi Arabia, ensuring girls achieve excellence in Arabic and Islamic Studies alongside core subjects.

The close partnership between the Riyadh and UK schools is evident in both philosophy and practice. At the heart of the Downe House ethos is the individual: every girl’s strength, challenges, and interests are recognised, with bespoke pathways that foster confidence and success.

Downe House Riyadh offers

• A first‑class British education leading to IGCSEs and A Levels
• Academic excellence in girls’ education
• Exceptional pastoral care and opportunities for personal growth
• A wide range of co‑curricular activities

The school nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and respect for others through strong pastoral systems, personalised tutoring, and a spotlight on every student.

School Structure

• Pre‑Prep: Nursery to Year 2 (ages 2–7)
• Prep: Year 3 to Year 8 (ages 7–13)
• Senior: Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13–18)

Boys and girls are admitted from pre‑school to year 4.

The state‑of‑the‑art campus features dedicated libraries, central atriums, science and design labs, art studios, a 450‑seat theatre, music, dance and drama facilities, IT labs, and both senior and learner swimming pools.

Job Purpose

To deliver high‑quality teaching and learning in Science across KS3 and KS4, and to teach Physics to A Level at KS5. The role will foster curiosity, resilience and academic excellence in a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Teach Physics across KS3 and KS4.
• Deliver high‑quality A Level Physics lessons at KS5, demonstrating strong subject knowledge and current best practice.
• Plan and deliver engaging lessons that meet the needs of all learners, including SEND and high‑attaining students.
• Use assessment for learning strategies to monitor progress and provide timely, targeted feedback.
• Maintain high expectations of behaviour, achievement and engagement.
• Differentiate lessons and resources to ensure accessibility and appropriate challenge.
• Prepare students for internal and external assessments, including GCSE and A Level examinations.

Curriculum

• Contribute to the development and review of the Science curriculum at KS3–4 and the Physics curriculum at KS5.
• Write and contribute to schemes of work, teaching programmes and assessment materials.
• Deliver a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.
• Demonstrate excellent subject knowledge in all relevant areas of Physics and Science.
• Set challenging learning goals and use a wide range of strategies, resources and technologies to support achievement.
• Follow school procedures for assessment, recording and reporting.
• Provide regular, high‑quality written and oral feedback to pupils.
• Participate in the wider extra‑curricular and enrichment programme.

School Values & Ethos

• Actively promote the school’s unique vision and the Downe House Potential.
• Support the school’s commitment to providing an outstanding, all‑round education.
• Set high expectations that inspire, motivate and challenge pupils.
• Maintain the highest aspirations for pupils’ academic and personal development.
• Offer excellent pastoral care and guidance.

Pastoral Responsibilities

• Act as a form tutor when required.
• Promote equality, safeguarding and a positive school ethos.
• Build strong professional relationships with students, colleagues and parents.

Management

• Follow and implement school policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe, purposeful and well‑managed learning environment.
• Work effectively with teaching assistants.
• Contribute to strong home–school partnerships.

Professional Standards

• Work in line with Teachers’ Standards (DfE).
• Engage actively in CPD and whole‑school initiatives.
• Contribute to extracurricular activities such as STEM clubs, trips or revision sessions.
• Attend meetings, assemblies and school events.
• Demonstrate high standards of professionalism, punctuality and presentation.
• Reflect on teaching practice and commit to continuous improvement.
• Maintain productive, professional relationships with colleagues.

Safeguarding

• Fully comply with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Report concerns in line with school policy.
• Demonstrate a personal commitment to student wellbeing and safety.
• Engage fully in safeguarding training.

Person Specification

(E = Essential, D = Desired)

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or a closely related subject from a recognised university. (E)
• UK PGCE (or equivalent teaching qualification). (E)
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). (E)
• Minimum of three years’ experience teaching Physics as a qualified teacher. (E)
• Excellent working knowledge of the UK National Curriculum and exam board specifications. (E)
• Strong subject knowledge in Physics and General Science. (E)
• A strong academic background and professional credibility. (E)
• Commitment to academic progress, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing. (E)
• Experience of curriculum development in Science. (E)
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of educational developments and best practice. (E)
• Experience working within a UK independent or international school environment. (D)
• Experience teaching students with English as an Additional Language (EAL). (D)

Personal Qualities

• Ability to challenge and support learners of all abilities.
• Passion for inspiring a love of science and learning.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Confident use of ICT to enhance learning.
• Energy, resilience and enthusiasm.
• Professional, positive and solution‑focused mindset.
• A sense of humour and strong work ethic.

We offer a supportive leadership team, excellent professional development opportunities, and the chance to be part of a vibrant and committed school community.

Why Join Downe House Riyadh?

• Be part of a prestigious, globally connected school with a reputation for excellence.
• Work within a supportive and professional team that values collaboration and innovation.
• Gain experience in a dynamic international school setting while contributing to a meaningful short‑term project.

Our Offer

The successful candidate will benefit from an attractive tax‑free salary. In addition, there will be a significant commitment to supporting the development and career goals of the successful candidates.

Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form, only fully completed application will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up‑to‑date CV.

Interviews will take place online/ in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Thank you for your interest in Downe House Riyadh. Due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre‑employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last ten years.