Head of Science

Surrounded by ancient forest and only thirty minutes from central London, Forest School is an outstanding independent day school located on the edge of Epping Forest. Forest is a large, diverse, and vibrant school, with approximately 1,500 pupils from 4 to 18. Forest is an open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high. It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral. There is boldness in the school’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity. Foresters are ‘known, liked and valued’ and this is central to our educational philosophy.

As one of the largest day schools in HMC, Forest abounds with opportunities for professional and career development. Teachers at Forest are rarely just confined to their subject area and all staff are encouraged to play an active role in Forest’s enviable super-curricular and co-curricular programme, with opportunities to lead in clubs and activities as diverse as Model United Nations, Extended Project Qualification, Jedi Warrior Lightsabre Fencing, Chapel Choir, Music Technology and Cricket, to give but a few examples. The ambition, richness, and distinct nature of the integrated curriculum at Forest offers our staff with an unparalleled experience of a modern and holistic education in our beautiful London setting. As our Good Schools Guide Review (2023) suggests Forest is a ‘flourishing, successful and well-led school in a glorious, green setting with consistently strong results that don’t require pupils to sacrifice happiness or wellbeing on the way to achieving them… an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it.’

The Co-Curriculum is a crucial part of the life and learning at Forest. While expecting our pupils to demonstrate a strong work ethic in their timetabled lessons, we also recognise how important it is for both staff and pupils to develop learning outside of the classroom. We ask our pupils to try new things, explore new places, learn new skills and experience real challenge. Visiting a new country, joining a new club or team, or being part of an ensemble or society, is a great way to get the most out of life at Forest. This relies on our staff being involved in Forest in its fullest sense by running all the clubs, activities, trips and other opportunities that allow the personal development that is the hallmark of Forest. All staff are therefore expected to contribute to pupil development beyond the classroom.

Forest invests heavily in the development of pedagogy, teaching and learning, with all teachers expected to engage in an ambitious Professional Learning Programme which includes seminars and contact with leading minds in the teaching and learning space; most recently, Forest welcomed Tom Sherrington who presented on curriculum strategy and design. In addition, we are immensely proud of our culture of formative and developmental peer observation and instructional coaching through our Teaching and Learning Communities and StepLab. As one of the few Independent Schools Induction Panel (ISTIP) regional hubs and training centres in the country, Forest is proud of its success, expertise, and excellence in supporting Early Careers’ Teachers and those new to the profession. We have a rich tradition of developing outstanding teachers and a genuinely supportive approach centred on coaching and mentoring.

We welcome and encourage applications from teachers who are new to the profession and are currently undertaking their PGCE or are looking to progress through the ECT Framework.

Location

Forest is a city school surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at a well-resourced School such as Forest. Our staff are our single most important asset and create the happy, collegiate atmosphere that exists at Forest. Our staff work hard, investing time and energy in our pupils, deriving satisfaction and fulfilment from their successes and development.

Key benefits include:

• A large, cheerful and collegiate staff body
• Well-resourced departments
• Opportunities to pursue hobbies and interests in support of pupil development outside of the classroom
• Our own competitive salary scale
• Free hot lunch in our lovely staff diner (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day
• Generous CPD budget and a culture fully committed to staff development
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system
• Opportunities  to contribute to the wider community via our Outreach Programme
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest      which is applicable Y3-Y13
• Membership of a pension scheme
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees

Forest School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.  All appointments require an enhanced DBS disclosure.