Head of Science

Our mission is to develop happy, confident and successful pupils who are well prepared for their future: Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent day school. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum, achieve excellent results and have the all-important confidence to succeed. The school roll is currently at a record high of around 380 pupils and in September 2023 announced that it is growing its senior section of the school from Year 8 to Year 11 and will begin offering GCSEs.

Our ethos is to be a welcoming, inclusive family community that provides the best for, and expects the best from us all: The school is well known locally for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is something we cherish and, even though we are potentially going to grow slightly in size, we do not want to lose this ethos. We believe our ethos separates us from larger competitor schools in our locality. This ethos is generated by the staff and their relationships with the pupils and parents. It has been regularly described as ‘friendly and professional’.

We are seeking a new Head of Science who can assist us with achieving our mission and thrive under this ethos, helping to lead the Science provision and first GCSE cohort through this exciting phase of development.

Head of Science Vacancy

We are seeking a candidate who has the dedication, enthusiasm and passion to lead the Science Department into the next phase of development. In the successful candidate’s first year the school will continue to end at Year 8 but in subsequent years we will have a Year 9, then a Year 10 and in September 2027 we will welcome our first Year 11 cohort. We are looking for someone who can plan for and grow with this exciting expansion.

Science Department: The Head of Science will lead the Science Department across all sections of the school. The successful candidate will initially teach pupils in Years 6-8, the exact commitment will be based on timetable demands each year, as the school develops towards offering GCSEs. They will also be responsible for supporting teachers delivering Science in Years 3-5 and Pre-Prep.

Science is an integral part of Westbrook Hay's curriculum. We want our pupils to be scientifically curious and to have a passion for understanding how the world works. The subject is taught through Topic Lessons in Pre-Prep and then as a core part of the Prep curriculum from Year 3 onwards, with pupils starting to have lessons in our Science Laboratory from Year 5.

Pupils in the Prep (Years 3-6) and Lower Seniors (Years 7-8) broadly follow the national curriculum but there is the freedom to explore other topics that may be beneficial to their learning, as determined by the Head of Science. From Year 9 individual lessons in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are all taught equally. When choosing their GCSEs, pupils will have the opportunity to study a combination of the three disciplines, choosing to study all three or opting to study their favourite one or two.

Academic Leadership Team: The Head of Science will be a member of the wider Academic Leadership Team (ALT). This body is in charge of monitoring academic life at Westbrook Hay. This includes the progress of pupils across the school, reviewing the curriculum, undertaking learning walks, leading initiatives in staff teaching and learning and setting the assessment and reporting schedules. Led by the Deputy Head (Academic), this team includes the Senior Deputy Head, Director of Studies, Head of Learning Support and Pre-Prep Academic Lead. The Head of Science will be an important part of the wider ALT and will be expected to attend around three meetings each term.

Salary and Benefits

This is a leadership position, the salary will be competitive and dependent on experience. What can we offer you?

• A fantastic team of staff to work with and be a part of
• A post currently pensionable under the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• A school that is rated ’Excellent’ by ISI with waiting lists in operation in a number of year groups
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Free cooked lunches and refreshments throughout the day
• Membership of the Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunities to attend events organised by the Staff Social Committee
• Receipt of a ’Golden Ticket’ for assisting with an overnight event, which enables staff to apply for a half day either in the morning or afternoon
• Small class sizes, a beautiful rural location and excellent facilities
• 50% fee remission is offered for children of school staff, subject to availability of places

Safeguarding

The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. Staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. Staff will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, a member of staff becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Head.

Online Searches

As part of the shortlisting process, the School will carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. This may help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, that the School may want to explore with an applicant at interview. This forms part of the School’s wider safeguarding due diligence which aims to prevent and/or deter individuals who may be unsuitable to work with children from working in a school environment.

Equality and Diversity

Westbrook Hay is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. Staff are expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and school policies on equality and diversity.

Application and Recruitment Process

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 18:00 on Friday 17th May. To apply for this position, please complete an application via the TES website. Further information or any enquiries can be requested from our Bursar and Clerk to Governors, Miss Kelly Freeman (kelly_freeman@westbrookhay.co.uk).

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on the week beginning Monday 20th May. Although the programme is yet to be confirmed it will include an interview, the teaching of a lesson and other tasks. Candidates will be offered a tour of the school and lunch, if the timing is appropriate. Overnight accommodation is available on request. This appointment is for September 2024 or January 2025.