Head of Science

The School

As well as being a leading Prep school that caters for a range of able boys, the Pilgrims’ School is also the Cathedral School of Winchester, and educates both the 22 Cathedral Choristers and the 16 Winchester College Quiristers (the treble voices in the College Chapel). With approximately 220 boarding and day boys in the Prep, and capacity for 50 boys in the Pre-Prep. Our days are varied but carefully organised to allow every Pilgrim to make the most of the opportunities presented to him, whether he is in the Prep or Pre-Prep, a day boy or boarder, or a Chorister or Quirister.

Nestled between Winchester Cathedral, Winchester College, and Wolvesey Palace, the School occupies a superb site in the historic Cathedral Close. We enjoy the use of the picturesque Wolvesey playing fields and the sporting facilities of Winchester College. With our Choral foundations, the School encourages exceptional musical achievement in all its pupils, but also excels in academic endeavour and sports. We enjoy an enviable local and national reputation. For a flavour of the School and further information about us please visit our website at www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk.

The Science Department

The Science Department of The Pilgrims’ School currently comprises three members of staff who teach Science to boys from Year 3 to Year 8 (in the Pre-Prep, Science is taught by class teachers). The department enjoys two purpose-built laboratories.

Pupils in Years 5 to 8 have their lessons in the labs; in Years 3 and 4, science is taught in the forms rooms, though they do use the labs occasionally. The department is well resourced and has the support of a science technician. Pilgrims’ Science enjoys an excellent reputation, both internally and externally with the senior schools. Expectations are high.

The Science Department is under the overall academic direction of the Head of Department, who reports through the Deputy Head (Academic) to the Head.

This position description will not form part of the contract of employment. If the job is offered a draft contract of employment including salary and leave terms, and a full and detailed job description, will be provided for agreement.

Recruitment Policy

The Pilgrims’ School is committed to providing the best possible care and education for its pupils and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The School is also committed to providing a supportive and flexible working environment for its entire staff. The School recognizes that in order to achieve these aims it is of fundamental importance to attract, recruit, and retain employees of the highest calibre, who share this commitment.

The aims of the School’s recruitment policy are as follows:

• To ensure the best possible staff are recruited on the basis of merit, ability, and suitability for the position

• To ensure that all job applicants are considered equitably and consistently

• To ensure that no job applicant is treated unfairly on any grounds

• To ensure compliance with all relevant recommendations and guidance, including the recommendations of the DfE in Keeping Children Safe in Education and the code of practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

• To ensure that the School meets its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people by carrying out all necessary pre-employment checks

Candidates are encouraged to review the school’s full Recruitment Policy and Safeguarding Policy, both of which are available to download from the school website.

How to Apply

To apply for the position please forward the completed application form and a covering letter by email to recruit@pilgrims-school.co.uk. Your letter should not exceed one page and should be addressed to the Head, Dr Sarah Essex.

The closing date for receipt of applications is  on Friday 19 February, and the interviews will be held during the week of 8 March. Early submission of applications is highly recommended.