Teacher of Science

About the role:  The Leigh Academy is one of the best performing academies in England and one of the most over-subscribed schools in Kent.  To continue the development and success of the Science Learning Area at The Leigh Academy, we are looking to appoint a talented Teacher of Science to join us from September 2021. The successful applicant will become part of a team that is collaborative, good-spirited and dedicated to truly changing the lives of our students and positively transforming the local community.  Our successful candidate will quickly become an integral part of our Science Learning Area which has achieved great successes in recent years.

At The Leigh Academy we offer a broad and engaging curriculum, striving to cater for the needs of all of our students. Our 3 year KS3 curriculum is founded upon the Middle Years Programme (MYP) science framework, which encourages students to investigate issues through research, observation and experimentation, working independently and collaboratively. At KS4 we follow the AQA suite of specifications, including offering Separate Sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as an option block subject. We offer Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Post 16 level as well as BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science.

Our department has well-resourced science labs and a dedicated team of Science Technicians.

To complement the current Learning Area expertise, our ideal candidate will be a Chemistry specialist - previous experience teaching at KS5 will be advantageous. We do however welcome applications from all science teachers regardless of particular specialism.

We know that excellent science teachers are in high demand which is why we are offering a recruitment and retention bonus of £1,500 (payable within your first year) for the right candidate.

Are you seeking affordable accommodation? Leigh Academies Trust are now in partnership with The Billings Group; a family run business that can offer affordable rentals for teaching staff that are in the early stages of their career, or, about to embark on their NQT year. Located in Longfield, near Dartford, this fantastic scheme enables prospective staff from across the country to relocate to an area that is accessible to many of the LAT family of academies. Click here to find out more about the scheme and how we can support you.

Working with us at The Leigh Academy: The Leigh Academy is a secondary school at the heart of the community and our small school model ensures that each and every student gets the personal support and challenge they need to reach their full potential. Overall the academy is a dynamic and exciting place to work and the fantastic leadership team are committed to making it a great place to work for staff at all stages of their career. Our award winning building and facilities are modern, light and airy and the open learning terraces and classrooms built around a daylit winter garden give the academy a unique and special character.

The purpose built academy has the most up-to-date, technologically advanced facilities available. It is divided into four Colleges each containing 400 students aged 11-18 taught by their own staff. Our dedicated and energetic staff make a real difference to the lives of our students. We believe that these smaller schools within the Academy develop deeper relationships and lay stronger foundations for learning which underpin outstanding achievement.

The principles that have taken us on our exciting journey remain: namely, a passion for learning; a commitment to trying new ways to inspire and motivate young minds; and a dedication to helping each student fulfil their potential by encouraging them to explore all that life has to offer. Everyone who visits us is impressed by our students, the working atmosphere, the sheer sense of enjoyment in the learning process and the strong focus on achievement.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2020, our Trust will comprise 28 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 15 primaries and 2 special) educating over 16,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff.  We also have one further secondary academy in development phase, due to open in September 2021.  The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.  

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust.  This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together.  You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Diversity at our core: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.

All roles within the Trust are subject to an Enhanced DBS check in addition to other pre-employment checks.

Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19:  Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months.  This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments.  Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary.  If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date.  Applicants will be notified of this where possible.  Therefore, early applications are encouraged.