Head of Science
Downsend School
Leatherhead, SURREY, United Kingdom
- Expired
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- January 2027
- Apply by:
- 23 August 2026
Job overview
About the School
Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world.
At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we never hold back.
We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent School Inspectorate.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Science to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.
We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.
About the Role:
As Head of Science, you will lead the strategic direction and day‑to‑day excellence of the Science Department at Downsend School. You will champion an inspiring, forward‑thinking Science curriculum from KS3 to KS5, ensuring every pupil is challenged, motivated, and supported to achieve their full potential. Working closely with the Executive Head and Heads of School, you will shape a dynamic learning environment, drive innovation in teaching, and play a key role in developing our STEAM provision across the wider school community. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will continue to teach your specialist subject, model exceptional practice, and contribute to a vibrant programme of trips, enrichment opportunities, and whole‑school initiatives.
This is a permanent, full-time role with a start date of January 2027.
To view the Role Profile, click here.
Who We Are Looking For:
You are an ambitious, committed, and confident Science educator who thrives on inspiring both pupils and colleagues. You bring strong subject expertise, proven success in driving progress, and the organisational skill to lead a thriving department. You communicate with clarity, collaborate naturally, and remain calm and focused under pressure. You take pride in creating engaging learning experiences, keeping up to date with developments in Science education, and nurturing a supportive team culture. Whether leading curriculum development, mentoring staff, or enhancing co‑curricular opportunities, you approach your work with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine passion for Science.
Benefits at Cognita:
•Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
•Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme
•Free lunch provided during Term Time
•School holidays and public holidays
•Free parking on site (subject to availability)
•School fee discount
•Exclusive third-party discounts
•Ongoing professional development
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date: 23:59 BST (UTC+1), Sunday 23rd August 2026.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
About Downsend School
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Introduction
At Downsend, we prepare children for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach to learning that not only inspires young minds, but fosters bravery, sparks imagination, celebrates innovation and creates opportunity every day.
From nursery through to A Levels, we provide the skills, motivation and inspiration for our students to be successful throughout their school journey and far beyond.
We have three Little Downsend locations in Ashtead, Epsom and Leatherhead. Each teaches children from the age of two to six. All the Little Downsend sites are overseen by the Head of Little Downsend, Mrs Laura Fisher, who instils the same ethos, high standards and innovative curriculum across each school through her dedicated team of experts.
The main school is located in Leatherhead and continues the same innovative, creative and academically excellent curriculum from Year 2 to Year 13. Over the last few years, Downsend has benefited from an £15m investment in brand new flexible teaching spaces and our cutting edge Creative Arts Centre opened summer 2022. The latest development at our main site saw the addition of a new Senior School teaching block, consisting of 5 contemporary classrooms.
Our ‘Inspiring Young Minds’ philosophy pervades all our schools and has resulted in some really creative teaching and learning initiatives across the schools, as well as fantastic enrichment opportunities, such as our tailor-made Stretch Programme.
The core curriculum provides a solid framework, preparing children well for their educational journey through Downsend. We achieve amazing success at all levels academically, and we have been delighted with our first cohorts of GCSE pupils who have achieved remarkable results in the last couple of years. We are delighted by their results, which are a testament to their hard work. With 100 % of all pupils securing the grades required for their first-choice onward destination.
It is the school's broader curriculum and strong pastoral support that particularly sets us apart, with an emphasis on practical subjects such as STEAM, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Textiles and Food Technology.
The sporting programme offers scope for nearly every child to represent the school, with strong results achieved in both county and national competitions. The school’s huge range of clubs, with more than 50 activities on offer each week, further enhances the schedule.
The active programme continues into the school holidays when Downsend+ takes over. Children have the opportunity to participate in horse riding, rock climbing, scuba diving, fashion design or any of the other activities that are on offer throughout the holiday weeks. The school also offers Downsend Early Years+, for younger girls and boys age 2 to 5, at Little Downsend Leatherhead. Combined with term time schooling, Downsend can offer 50 week provision for working parents.
Downsend School’s newest addition, Downsend Sixth, opened in September 2025 and offers a modern and innovative approach to post-16 education. Designed with a focus on future-ready skills, Downsend Sixth combines a personalised learning journey for students aged 16-18, with a balanced emphasis on academic achievement and personal development. Students will thrive in a unique, state-of-the-art environment featuring exceptional academic facilities alongside inspiring spaces for socialising and collaboration. This holistic approach ensures students are equipped not only for academic success but also for the challenges of an evolving, globalised world. Downsend Sixth prepares young people to excel, empowering them to take confident next steps into higher education, apprenticeships, or the workplace.
We are an incredibly friendly and supportive staff and we are looking for the right people to join us. So, if you are a great practitioner with a level of creativity and innovation to your teaching, would relish contributing to the extra-curricular life of school, are ambitious, and are happy to challenge and be challenged in a positive way for better outcomes for the children, then we want to hear from you.
Additional Benefits
· Free on-site parking
· Good road and rail transport links and proximity to London
· School Fee remission after qualifying period
· Childcare voucher scheme in operation
· Holiday club discount
· Free lunch available
Benefits of being a Cognita School
Cognita is an international group with over 90 schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Asia, we employ 15,000+ teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 60,000 students.
Teaching excellence represents everything we stand for at Cognita. We’re committed to hiring and retaining outstanding talent: teachers and school leaders who are passionate about their craft as well as functional leaders and professionals in our Head and Regional offices who can take the business forward.
We are looking for people who want to make a positive difference to children’s lives, who can help us stretch and support children to achieve beyond expectation.
Our diverse portfolio of schools and Regional Offices, combined with our ongoing investment in the professional development of our people, means we can offer first-class career opportunities with a global dimension. If you want to take your career further, we want to support you in achieving that goal within Cognita. www.cognita.com
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