HoD Science or AAHT (STEM)

We are looking to appoint an inspirational leader to lead our science team and for the right candidate, to lead science and our whole school STEM offer at Newmarket Academy. We are inviting candidates who have the skills and experience to build on established success and support staff, as they contribute and influence the school’s development. We want a solutions-driven, proactive, highly influential and effective leader who is committed to whole school improvement.

The Science department is well resourced with seven fully-equipped laboratories each with their own visualiser, smart TV and specialist audio equipment. There are two excellent technicians to support teachers deliver high quality teaching. The department also makes full advantage of its own office in which every teacher has their own desk. All teachers have their own Science lab. All Science staff have access to high quality CPD through our excellent partnership with Suffolk and Norfolk SLP.

The leadership of Science is vital to our young people and the local community that we serve and within Newmarket and Cambridge there are a plethora of opportunities for wonderful careers in the STEM sector.  The STEM leader is currently supported by two Assistant STEM co-ordinators. STEM is already a highlight of the Academy with excellent opportunities available for our students with the East Anglia Air Ambulance, Sea Cadets, USAF, Rossdales Equine vets and we are looking for someone to build on this foundation.

The successful candidate will benefit from being part of the Unity Secondary Science team, which is a collaborative team of specialists from across our nine secondaries and four special schools. We use the shared expertise of more than 120 specialists to provide the very best support for our staff and students. The team is guided by a dedicated Science Trust lead who regularly visits schools.

Trust Science benefits also include;

• Half termly Head of Department meetings to share ideas and expertise
• Common exam boards at GCSE level to allow sharing of resources and knowledge of examiners within the Trust
• Shared assessment and curriculum approaches
• Resources – allowing us to share workload so that we are more effective and more efficient
• Visits to other Science departments within the Trust for collaborative working

Newmarket Academy is a good school (Ofsted; July 2017 and September 2024) with a commitment to excellence. We aim to be the best we can be in all areas and are committed to being the best school in the area. We are looking to appoint an inspirational Head of Science or an Associate Assistant Headteacher for Science to help us take the next step in our journey. Newmarket Academy is part of Unity Schools Partnership a forward-thinking academy trust of 33 schools (10 secondary). We value our people and we have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice. You will be part of our trust’s senior leaders’ network and will have development opportunities at regular intervals including our leadership events and other trust network opportunities. Unity Schools Partnership celebrates both professional development and career progression. 

The Teaching School which is part of Unity will support the successful candidate in this post and their future career. 

You will:

• Support the senior leadership team in delivery of the school vision, for all learners
• Work closely with the 2nd in Department to drive improvement
• Take ownership of evidencing our improvement of outcomes for all learners
• Manage and motivate members of the Science team
• Have a full understanding of processes involving children in care, child protection and safeguarding and be committed to working in partnership.
• Have an innovative and creative approach.
• Be committed to high standards of teaching and learning and the professional development of staff.
• Have high expectations that motivate, support and challenge teachers and students alike.
• Have excellent communication skills

In return we will offer:

• Support CPD required to be able to fulfil the role
• Refurbished learning spaces with state-of-the-art interactive white boards and sound systems.
• A supportive and friendly working environment with well-established well-being programmes.
• An excellent programme of induction into the Academy with supportive and dynamic staff.
• Well-being day each Academic year.