Science Teacher - Thames British School Madrid

JOB OVERVIEW

About Thames British School

Thames British School is an international school offering a high-quality British education to pupils aged 3–18.
We are proud members of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) and COBIS (Council of British International Schools), and follow the National Curriculum for England, ensuring our students receive a rigorous, inclusive and well-rounded education.

Our school community is dynamic, supportive, and deeply committed to nurturing confident, creative, and independent learners.

We are seeking for a dedicated and enthusiatic Secondary Physics Teacher to join our team in August 2026. The successful candidate will deliver engaging lessons, foster a positive classroom environment, and contribute to the wider life of the school.

KS3 & KS4 & KS5 Science Teacher – Role Overview

The Secondary Physics Teacher is responsible for securing high-quality teaching and learning across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, promoting the academic progress, achievement, and well-being of all pupils, ensuring equality of opportunity and the highest standards of work and conduct within an international school offering both Cambridge and IB programmes.

The post holder will plan, deliver, and evaluate Physics lessons in line with the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum at KS3, and with examination specifications at KS4 and KS5, including Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Level, and the IB Diploma Programme in Physics. The teacher will ensure that schemes of work are coherent, appropriately sequenced, and designed to develop deep conceptual understanding, strong practical competence, and advanced analytical and mathematical skills, in line with the philosophy and expectations of both Cambridge and IB frameworks.

The teacher will maintain consistently high expectations for pupil behaviour, engagement, and attainment, fostering a disciplined yet intellectually stimulating classroom environment in which scientific inquiry, independent thinking, and resilience are actively encouraged. They will use formative and summative assessment effectively, including coursework, practical investigations, and external examination criteria from Cambridge and IB, to inform planning, provide precise feedback, and implement timely intervention to secure strong examination outcomes.

The post holder will contribute to the effective delivery of practical science, ensuring full compliance with health and safety regulations, proper management of laboratory resources, and adherence to the practical assessment requirements of both Cambridge and IB, promoting safe and rigorous scientific practice at all times.

The teacher will work proactively and collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and pupils, contributing to curriculum development and the broader academic strategy of an international Cambridge and IB school. They will play a full role in the pastoral system, uphold safeguarding responsibilities in line with statutory guidance and school policy, and contribute actively to the wider life of the school, including enrichment activities, academic mentoring, and university preparation aligned with international pathways. Experience and/or interest in Theory of Knowledge would be an advantage.

Main Purpose of Job

●       Be responsible for the learning and achievement of all pupils whilst ensuring equality and opportunity for all

●       Be responsible and accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct

●       Treat pupils with dignity, build relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observe proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position

●       Work proactively and effectively in collaboration and partnership with learners, parents/carers, governors, other staff and external agencies in the best interest of pupils

●       Act within the statutory frameworks, which set out their professional duties and responsibilities

●       Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within the school

Key Relationships

Head of School, Head of Secondary, Head of Department, Secondary students and parents/carers.

Key Responsibilities

●       Prepare and deliver lessons to classes of different ages and abilities

●       Mark work, give appropriate and timely feedback and maintain records of pupils' progress and development.

●       Maintain up-to-date subject knowledge through continued CPD (directed and self-driven), devise and write new curriculum materials as and when required.

●       Select and use a range of different learning resources and equipment.

●       Prepare pupils for qualifications and external examinations

●       Manage pupil behaviour in the classroom and on school premises, and apply appropriate and effective measures in cases of misbehaviour by following the Consequence System, giving House Points and nominating students for Student of the Week.

●       Undertake pastoral duties, such as taking on the role of form tutor, and supporting pupils on an individual basis through academic or personal difficulties

●       Communicate with parents and carers over pupils’ progress and participate in departmental meetings, parents' evenings and whole school training events

●       Liaise with professionals, such as learning mentors, career advisors and others.

●       Provide and support the work of teaching assistants, Technicians, trainee teachers and newly qualified teachers.

●       Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress

●       Organise and participate in extracurricular activities, such as trips, social activities and sporting events

●       Undergo observations and learning walks.

●       Attend key events in school, such as (but not limited to) the Family BBQ, Sixth Form Graduation and Open Days (if required).

●       Allow students to grow and express themselves freely without fear of discrimination or harm.

Behaviour and Safety

●        Develop a safe, purposeful and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect and establish a framework for discipline within a range of strategies, using praise, sanctions and rewards consistently and fairly

●        Manage class effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to pupils' needs to inspire, motivate and challenge pupils

●        Maintain good relationships with pupils, exercise appropriate authority, and act decisively when necessary

●        Be a positive role model and demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour, which are expected of pupils

●        Have high expectations of behaviour, promoting self-control and independence of all learners

●        Carry out duties as directed by the Head of Secondary, be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within the school, raising any concerns following the school protocol and procedures

Team working and collaboration

●       Participate in any relevant meetings/professional development opportunities at the school, which relate to the learners, and curriculum organisation of the school, including pastoral arrangements and assemblies

●       Work as a team member and identify opportunities for working with colleagues, sharing development and effective practice with them

●       Support new and existing staff, including the induction and assessment of new teachers, teachers serving induction periods and where appropriate, threshold assessments

●       Ensure that the colleagues working with you are appropriately involved in supporting learning and understand the roles they are expected to fulfil

●       Take part as required in the review, development and management of the activities relating to the curriculum, organisation and pastoral functions of the school

●       Cover for absent colleagues

Parent, Student and Community Relationships

●       Be responsible for the safety and well-being of all students through positive recognition and high expectations for behaviour and conduct.

●       Inform the Head of Secondary of any serious student incidents or parent concerns and work collaboratively with ESLT, SLT and the Safeguarding Team to resolve issues in a timely and respectful manner.

●       Build and maintain relationships with Secondary School parents and the community by establishing regular and appropriate communications with all members of the school community

●       Engage Secondary School parents as active partners in their children’s learning

Person Specification

Qualifications:

●       A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS, or iPGCE)

●       Degree in Education or a related subject

●       Experience teaching in a British or international setting is an advantage

Skills and Attributes:

●       Enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning

●       Strong classroom management and organisational skills

●       Reflective, flexible, and collaborative approach

●       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

●       Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Thames British School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All applicants will undergo appropriate checks, including DBS / ICPC (or international equivalent) and references from the three most recent employers, with at least two from Headteachers/Principals. Telephone verification of references will also be carried out.
Our recruitment follows the principles of safer recruitment outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Data Protection (GDPR)

By applying, you consent to Thames British School processing your personal data for recruitment purposes in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the school’s Privacy Policy.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.

Right to Work

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Spain or be able to obtain the necessary visa or residency permit.