Head of Biology

Are you an excellent science practitioner with a specialism in Biology?  Do have experience of leading a subject area or key stage, and are keen to develop your leadership skills further? Would you relish the opportunity to join a highly successful grammar school with a well-resourced department?  If so, we have the ideal position…

Required for September 2019, Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School has a rare and truly exciting opportunity to appoint a Head of Biology.  Our successful candidate will;

- be an exceptional classroom practitioner

- have an ability to teach science in Key Stage 3 and Biology to Key Stage 5

- be committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential

- demonstrate enthusiasm and strong subject knowledge

- be able to lead and contribute effectively within the Biology remit and wider science team.

Science is taught in Years 7, 8 and 9, with GCSE Triple Science or Double Science at Key Stage 4.  Approximately 60% of students study Triple Award.  We consistently achieve excellent results at GCSE and are driving standards and outcomes at A Level; the appointment of our Head of Biology will be pivotal to this.  We currently have three Year 12 Biology sets and a further three in Year 13.  We also have four newly refurbished science labs which make for a fantastic working environment, particularly within this subject specialism.

Our successful candidate will join a thriving community of wonderful students and staff.  We know that excellent science teachers are in high demand which is why we are offering a recruitment and retention bonus of £2,000 (payable within your first year) in addition to a TLR 1d of £7,853 to attract the very best person for the role.   

Working with us:  Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School is an 11-18 Boys’ Grammar School of 1,300 students, including 350 in our co-educational Sixth Form.  Ofsted awarded the school an outstanding grade in every category in our most recent inspection, commenting that “students thrive within its distinctive ethos, enabling them to succeed academically and to develop into confident, well-rounded individuals who are prepared extremely well for their future lives.”  In 2012, the school was designated one of the first 100 National Teaching Schools, and we are also a National Support School and regional Maths Hub lead.  These factors ensure exceptional career development opportunities.

If you are interested in working with bright, talented pupils, and alongside an exceptional group of teachers then please contact the PA to the Headteacher Mrs Jacqueline Harrison - (harrisonj@sjwms.co.uk) 01634 844008.  We encourage applicants to visit our website to learn more about our school – www.sjwms.org.uk.  Interviews will be conducted in mid-March 2019.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust:  As of 1st January 2019, our Trust is comprised of 23 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 11 primaries and 1 special) educating over 15,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff.  We also have three further academies in development phase, due to open in September 2020.  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. 

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.

We strive to offer a range of benefits that all employees can take advantage of which we regularly review and add to - click here to view what you’d receive as a member of staff with Leigh Academies Trust. 

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.  If you have any queries regarding the role or the application process, please contact the LAT Talent Team on 01634 412 245 or email us at talent@latrust.org.uk.