Teacher / Head of Physics

The English College in Prague is looking to appoint a Head of Physics for its thriving Science Faculty, who will combine a passion for teaching the subject with a desire to develop their leadership capacity. 

Physics is taught throughout the school and is a popular IB subject. Science lessons are ordinarily taught in our recently refurbished laboratories, with a strong emphasis on practical and investigation work. The school is currently in a temporary building while our own undergoes extensive renovation and extension, leaving us with limited laboratory facilities until Christmas 2025, but there is the opportunity to use university facilities if needed. 

The successful candidate will relish the idea of working in an academically-focused and aspirational school which values relationships in the learning environment, whether that be in the classroom or outside it. The ideal candidate will understand modern approaches to teaching Physics, aiming to cultivate a love of the subject alongside rigour and exam success. This role allows the successful candidate to work in a prestigious HMC school, with the professional learning opportunities, networking potential and reputational benefits the organisation brings, while operating in a positive and supportive landscape that allows more autonomy than is found in most UK contexts.

Very importantly, the successful candidate will be interested in in-school pedagogical development. All teachers in the school are encouraged to be involved in teaching and learning development activities such as lesson-based action research groups, personal research projects, mutual observations, collaborating with colleagues in other schools, mentoring trainee teachers, and piloting various initiatives to see if they work well in our context.

The right candidate will be joining a diverse and dedicated team who maintain a dynamic learning and co-curricular environment in which the needs and talents of the individual student are recognised and nurtured.

Short School Statement

We are an unusual, exciting and academic HMC secondary school, educating both Czech and international students, that is committed to fostering good relationships. While we prepare our students for a small number of core IGCSEs, and Common European Framework language exams, our main focus is on delivering success in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the Czech Maturita qualification. Each year, our graduates go on to study at prestigious universities in the UK, continental Europe and occasionally, Asia and North America. The majority of our teachers are native level speakers of English, immersing our students in the language as authentically spoken and supporting their language development, and our teaching style is typically that found in the best British schools. We offer the successful candidate adventure, challenge, a permanent contract and good remuneration in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. For further information including a description of living and working in the Czech Republic, please visit the English College in Prague website via this link.

For 2024 - 2025 the school is in temporary accommodation, across a split site, but from Christmas 2025 we will return to our own building which will have been extensively renovated and extended.

Watch this video about teaching at the English College.

Read here what our staff say about life in Prague with the English College. 

Person Specification:

We are looking for someone with:

• A genuine understanding of the importance of establishing and maintaining good relationships for effective learning and academic leadership. 
• A desire to develop their leadership skills.
• Significant (ideally recent) UK-based experiences or experiences in a high-performing British school overseas that they wish to apply and adapt in a new context.
• A modern, aspirational, confident and imaginative approach to teaching Physics.
• A passion for educating, inspiring and understanding children and a belief that every child can succeed.
• A commitment to professionalism and the desire to be part of an HMC school with a prestigious history and an important role to play in providing all students with an internationally-minded liberal education. 
• A love of learning and a commitment to continued professional learning.
• The ability to nurture students’ passion for Physics, for science, and for academic learning in general.
• The willingness to work proactively within teams, exchanging ideas and sharing resources, but also the ability to infuse their teaching with their own personality and style. 
• A desire to participate holistically in the life of a busy and ambitious school, through pastoral support and co-curricular activities (such as supporting school clubs or student charity work).
• The resilience, flexibility and sense of humour required to work abroad, with both the great benefits and minor challenges that it presents.
• An interest in getting to know Prague and the Czech Republic, its people, its culture and language. 

Job Specification Overview:

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of teaching Physics up to Key Stage 5, and possibly leading a Physics department.
• Teach a second Science up to Key Stage 4, and three Sciences at Key Stage 3.
• Have a degree directly relevant to Physics, a PGCE, and already have obtained Qualified Teacher Status - although QTS training for appropriately experienced and qualified candidates is possible.
• Have experience of offering Science-related co-curricular activities. 
• Have experience of preparing students for university entrance interviews, including Oxbridge. 

Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and References Statement

The English College in Prague is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to a police check, ICPC or similar, depending on their country of origin or previous employment. Identity checks, employment checks and qualifications checks all form a non-negotiable part of the recruitment process. Any gaps in employment will be examined and we will require at least two references, including one from your most recent Headteacher. Safeguarding and child protection training is given on arrival and the induction process also assiduously follows UK best practice in this area. 

How to apply:

Fill in the ECP application form which you can download after clicking at Apply Now and send the form and a short covering letter to the Headmaster, Dr Nigel Brown, at recruitment@englishcollege.cz. Please include a complete career history as well as the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of two referees, including your current or most recent Headteacher. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. 

First round interviews will be conducted in London on 22nd April, or online. The final round will probably be held in Prague in the week from May 6th. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.