Head of Chemistry

For September 2025, Cranleigh School is looking to appoint a highly motivated, well-qualified and inspirational Head of Chemistry to lead our thriving Chemistry Department. At Cranleigh, there is a focus on academic standards and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning within our classrooms. This post provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced and innovative teacher with a proven track record in public examinations at A Level and GCSE.

The role will involve leading the teaching and learning of Chemistry across the School. In addition to this academic leadership position, the successful candidate will also be expected to play a full role in the life of a busy and successful boarding school.

Cranleigh is a leading fully co-educational independent boarding and day Senior School comprising around 700 girls and boys ages 13 – 18. There is also a Preparatory School in close proximity.

Cranleigh aspires to be a beacon of excellence in learning and teaching and is committed to the continuing professional development of all employees.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Chemistry department is located within a well-resourced, purpose-built block with four laboratories, a department office with workstations for all teachers, and an exceptional preparation room. The Department believes strongly in the centrality of practical work, and the three science departments work closely together

There are currently six Chemistry teachers and a full-time Chemistry technician at Cranleigh. The departmental team is friendly and open, committed to providing all pupils with the opportunity to fulfil their potential, and teachers are innovative in their approaches to pedagogy. Weekly department meetings allow colleagues to share good practice and resources and discuss pupil progress. Teachers and pupils are all issued with a school iPad and are supported in exploring how to use this resource effectively to enhance our pupils’ experience and outcomes.

Our results are excellent, often surpassing the school average. For example, 81% of our A-Level candidates in the last two years scored A*-B grades, while at IGCSE, 80% of pupils achieved grades 7-9. Pupils are encouraged to develop a passion for the subject and for Science in general, creating a sense of genuine curiosity and aspiration. Pupils are invited to take part in the Chemistry Olympiad.

At A Level, the department follows AQA Chemistry and typically has between 15 and 25 students in each Sixth Form year. At GCSE, the department follows the Edexcel IGCSE 9-1 From September 2025, pupils can choose to study two or three sciences at GCSE (Double-Award Science will no longer be offered).

The successful candidate will be expected to get involved in all aspects of this busy boarding school (which would typically include one evening duty per week), including being a Tutor to a group of students within a Boarding House. All teachers are expected to contribute to the School’s co-curricular programme and co-curricular activities alongside their academic responsibilities.

Cranleigh offers a supportive community environment and also a wide range of benefits including an attractive remuneration package.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of the post informally, please contact David Boggitt, Deputy Head (Academic) by email in the first instance: DRB@cranleigh.org

For further details and to apply, please visit our website and recruitment portal:

https://www.cranleigh.org/about-us/join-our-team/

Candidates are requested to apply via our recruitment portal and submit a brief letter of application, together with the online application and supported by a full CV as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am on Thursday 27th February 2025. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.

Interviews are likely to be held week commencing 3rd March 2025.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder will be subject to a DBS check.