Deputy Director of Science

Turner Free School (TFS) is looking to recruit an exceptional Deputy Director of Science.The Deputy Director of Science at TFS will work with the Director of Science to implement the Trust vision for Science at TFS. We welcome applications from expert practitioners who are committed to our vision to create a school where all children thrive and knowledge matters.

This is an exciting time for Science at Turner Schools as this year will be TFS’s first GCSE cohort, and September 2023 will see the opening of our Trust-wide sixth form, T6, where we will offer a range of level 3 STEM qualifications. This new role will support the growth of Turner Free School’s Science department, so we particularly welcome applications from candidates with a record of improving outcomes for pupils in Science and especially disadvantaged pupils. 

The Deputy Director of Science will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning within the Science department. We believe in the power of direct instruction, micro-scripting, 'read alouds' and a knowledge-rich curriculum, and are unashamedly ambitious for what every child in our care can achieve. As such, our high standards of behaviour ensure that our teachers are free to focus on creating and delivering the very best lessons. This role provides an exciting opportunity to help shape our curriculum and provision throughout our new school.

The Turner Schools community strongly believes that its purpose is to serve the young people of the local coastal community with a powerful education. Come and join us to be a part of our journey to transform children’s futures, empower families and strengthen our community. 

We reserve the right to close the application early if an appropriate candidate is identified. 

If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact the Trust Director of Science and STEM: eleanor.stokes@turnerschools.com

The ideal candidate will…

• be dedicated to improving pupils progress and raising attainment
• possess the drive and determination to assist students in breaking down barriers inside and outside of education
• value our respectful environment, ensuring that pupils and colleagues alike respect and support each other to ensure a calm and purposeful site
• believe that a knowledge and research-led curriculum is the necessary catalyst, with the ability and determination to be part of the Academy’s community to support ambitious, confident and successful students

In return, Turner Schools can offer... 

• beautiful buildings with state of the art facilities, including specialist classrooms, fully-equipped science and engineering laboratories
• a strong ethos and culture that promotes the belief that all pupils can achieve
• calm and purposeful learning environments, with high pupil behaviour expectations
• a warm and welcoming team of teachers and associate staff
• manageable workload through sensible and efficient policies
• personalised coaching and CPD programmes alongside an investment in your career and development through financing Masters qualifications, training courses and conferences as requested
• a Trust which takes student and faculty welfare seriously
• a bonus to support relocation for the right candidate
• Private healthcare from Benenden Health medical, including a 24/7 prescription GP service, counselling, access to the BUPA hospital network and physiotherapy
• a genuine opportunity to make a difference by being part of the exciting Trust vision.

We reserve the right to close the advert early is a suitable candidate is found.

Information about the trust

Turner Schools is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) based in Folkestone on the beautiful Kent coast. The Turner Schools family includes five schools in Folkestone:-

• Folkestone Primary

• Folkestone Academy

• Morehall Primary

• Martello Primary

• Turner Free School

We provide education through pre-school, primary, secondary and on to sixth form. Each academy is individual and responds to the needs of its local community to provide the best possible opportunity for its young people. We promote high academic standards, while ensuring crucial opportunities for personal and emotional development.

Turner Schools is committed to Transforming children’s futures…Empowering children’s futures…Strengthening communities.

To help us achieve this Turner Staff ‘Walk the Turner Talk’

They will:

• Speak and act with care: always show compassion and respect for children.

• Act boldly: be ambitious for yourself and the children and young people we serve.

• Learn from adversity: be evaluative, thoughtful and reflective.

• Challenge convention: be curious, welcome difference and unfamiliar thinking.

• Connect with others: support colleagues, parents and pupils to make a great team.

• Use your voice: offer different views and ask questions.

• Do what it takes: be relentless in pursuing the best for children.

• Ask for support: be open and honest when plans go awry.

• Don’t give up: be calm, resilient and measured when managing challenges.

Turner Schools is committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. It expects all staff and volunteers to share this same commitment. Any appointment is subject to satisfactory recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Two references are required prior to commencement of employment. We are an equal opportunities employer.

For further information on Turner Schools, please visit www.turnerschools.com