Head of Science

Closing date: 24thth April 2023

Interview: Week beginning 17th April 2023

Start date: 1st September 2023

Salary: Ark main pay scale - Upper pay scale (£35,368 - £55,626) & TLR1C £12,720

Are you passionate about your subject and developing the next generation of scientists?

Are you already or do you have the potential to be a great team leader who will continue to develop our committed team of science teachers to do their best work?

Do you have high expectations, a big heart and an attention to detail?

About the role:

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Head of Science to join our team and lead our science department. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced or aspiring Head of Department to join a large and successful team of science teachers and technicians.

Our pupils study Science at KS3, KS4 and KS5. We offer both triple and combined science at GCSE. At KS5 we offer a highly successful and accessible route to top universities and apprenticeships through our Professional Pathways programs of study. For hard working, ambitious pupils who want to go to do great things but don’t think A Levels are right for them, Professional Pathways are a fantastic alternative and our BTEC Level 3 Applied Science programme is our most popular option and is providing a great preparation for future studies and careers in science. You can find out more about lur 6th form here https://arkelvinacademy.org/admissions/ark-elvin-sixth-form-unique-our-pupils and read more about the Ark professional pathway programme  here.

We are proud to be part of the Ark network and the successful candidate will join a team of Science leaders across the network in developing and implementing the Ark Science Mastery curriculum click here for more information: https://www.arkcurriculumplus.org.uk/our-programmes/secondary/science-mastery-secondary

In recruiting our next Head of Science, we are seeking the following from applicants: 

• A commitment to serving our diverse community in Brent. 
• A passion for their subject, curriculum development and teaching and learning
• High expectations for themselves and our pupils
• A keenness to learn and develop in your role and as a leader.
• A team player with high standards of professionalism and courteousness.  
• Our science curriculum from Year 7 through to our professional pathway applied

science programme in 6th form lies at the heart of this mission. Our school has been on a transformational journey and we are looking for a new Head of Science to be part of our Academy Leadership Team that will lead the next leap forward as we challenge educational disadvantage by defining an ambitious, replicable and sustainable school model that supports children from communities like ours to top third universities and highly competitive apprenticeships.

View the full job description and person specification below

Why join our school?

At Ark Elvin Academy we are proud of the excellent education we offer each of our pupils. Our team of enthusiastic, high expectations staff have transformed our school and we are just as excited about the next step in our school improvement journey as we work together to deliver the outstanding education our community need and deserve. We are deeply committed to our mission:

“To ensure that every pupil leaves Elvin confident, articulate, and culturally aware; able to pursue careers they are passionate about, contribute to society and live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives.”

In our last OFSTED inspection (October 2019) it was recognised that:

“Pupils, parents and staff all agree that Ark Elvin Academy has improved out of all recognition. Pupils are proud of the school.”

“The headteacher and leaders have very high expectations…… Staff want all pupils to succeed in every area of their lives, not just academically.”

“The school is a calm, safe and supportive place for pupils. Pupils behave very well in lessons. They get on well with one another and with adults.”

We are a large non-selective secondary school in the London borough of Brent, with excellent transport links to central London. We are committed to ensuring teachers can focus on teaching and have the opportunity to refine and develop their practice in the classroom and develop their leadership skills, we have: 

• Twice as many training days as is standard
• Weekly professional development for all staff.

You will become part of a close-knit professional community of enthusiastic colleagues who benefit from the training, guidance, and support from the Ark network, one of the country’s top performing school groups.

We passionately believe in our six pillars, and they drive all our thinking and our school improvement at Elvin. Read about our six pillars here.

How to apply:

Please complete the online application to apply.

If you are interested in finding out more? Please email our HR advisor, Chantel: c.mutongole@arkelvinacademy.org for an initial conversation and to arrange a call with our principal, Rebecca Curtis. 

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.  

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.