Curriculum Leader of Science

We are looking for an inspirational and highly effective Curriculum Leader of Science to join our very successful team.  In summer 2022 Sacred Heart Catholic School achieved our best set of GCSE results in five years!  At our school a high proportion of pupils study triple science and go on to study science at A level.   

Moreover, Sacred Heart Secondary School is proud to be a ‘Good’ school as confirmed by our recent Ofsted and Diocesan inspections.

‘Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary is a school where all staff have high expectations of their pupils. Leaders have an ambitious vision for all pupils to achieve well.’ Ofsted, July 2022.  

‘In science, topics build on what pupils already know from key stage 2. Leaders have also thought about what pupils need to know if they go on to study science after Year 11.’Ofsted, July 2022.  

‘Strong Senior leadership is rapidly moving the school forward, ensuring the Catholic ethos is central to all aspects of school life.’ Diocesan Inspection Report, July 2022. 

A sense of community is evident in the school with a highly dedicated staff who care deeply about the pupils. Diocesan Inspection Report, July 2022. 

As the Curriculum Team Leader for Science at Sacred Heart Secondary School, there has never been a better time to join our school.  

Sacred Heart Secondary School is part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, a family of 37 schools, and a vibrant Sixth Form College. With more than 14,000 students and 2,000 staff, NPCAT is now one of the largest multi-academy trusts in the UK.  

Our school is committed to striving for excellence in all aspects of school life and nurturing links with the parish and the wider community.  The Governors would like to employ a person who has a passion to make a difference to the lives of our children and their families, who is a good communicator with a real ability to inspire and motivate.  

Sacred Heart Secondary School is at the heart of the community and it is the positive, caring attitude of all members of our school community that creates the unique nature of the college.  The quality of the education we provide reflects an ethos that affords equal opportunities to all, regardless of faith, race or gender.  We are a school with high expectations and aspirations for all pupils and we celebrate our commitment to inclusion.  

This is an exciting time to lead a curriculum area  and a great opportunity to contribute to the success of science across the trust. There will be many opportunities to gain further experience as well as the opportunity to contribute to the development of our new science curriculum.  You will be supported by the senior leadership team within Sacred Heart Secondary School, the trust standards team and you will work closely with the Trust Director of Science and the Curriculum Team Leaders from our other secondary schools. We believe this collaborative approach, utilising the full range of experience and knowledge from all our scientists across the trust, will be invaluable in the NPCAT’s uncompromising journey to excellence.

Ongoing professional development from within the Trust provides our Teachers and Leaders with great opportunities for development and progression. These opportunities will be offered to the successful candidate.

The successful candidate must:   

• Be fully committed to upholding and promoting the Catholic ethos of the school and trust.   
• Be an outstanding teacher with the motivation and capacity to become an outstanding leader. 
• Be able to lead and motivate young people and colleagues. 
• Be able to work with and take direction from the school's Senior Leadership Team and Trust Standards Officers and Directors. 
• Be resilient, hard-working, committed to finding solutions and someone who is wholeheartedly focussed on transforming student outcomes.
• Show a commitment to innovation, creativity and inclusion.   
• Be able to make a significant contribution to the wider school context.
• Be fully committed to promoting the vision of and working cooperatively with The Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust. 

The school offers:   

• A strong, supportive ethos.   
• A Headteacher and ambitious leadership team with exceptionally high expectations and a clear vision for the school.
• Happy, enthusiastic and friendly pupils, with a thirst for learning and success. 
• Hard working and talented colleagues.   
• A range of professional development opportunities. 
• Supportive governors and parents.   

Candidates are warmly encouraged to visit by prior arrangement or if you would like an informal discussion, please contact Mrs Vikki Dea, Trust Business Manager on 01642 487100 to arrange an appointment.

Closing date: Monday 10th October 2022 12 noon

Interview: Tuesday 18th October 2022

Application form and further information is available from: npcat.org.uk/current-vacancies

Please refer to the back page of the attached applicant pack for how to apply

Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust is committed to equality of opportunity, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks. The successful candidate will be required to sign a Catholic Education Service contract.