Head of Faculty - Science

Full Job Description

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Position:  Head of Faculty – Science
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary:     From £44,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata)
Hours:     40.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Rota:        Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:40pm | Tuesday 8:30am–5:00pm (training)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        March 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

The Head of Faculty (Science) plays a pivotal leadership role in driving high standards of teaching, learning and achievement across the Science department. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the strategic development and delivery of an ambitious, inclusive and high-quality Science curriculum that meets the needs of all learners and supports the wider priorities of the school.

This role combines curriculum leadership, people management and quality assurance, with a clear focus on improving outcomes for pupils across all key stages.

Key Responsibilities

• Raise standards of pupil attainment and achievement across the Science faculty
• Take overall accountability for pupil progress, outcomes and performance within the department
• Monitor and support pupil progress through effective use of data and close collaboration with staff
• Lead the design, delivery and continuous development of a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated Science curriculum across all key stages and sites
• Regularly review subjects and qualifications to reflect national developments and the evolving needs of students and the school
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team and Curriculum/Inclusion leads to develop, implement and evaluate whole-school faculty strategies
• Manage and deploy financial, physical and staffing resources effectively to support faculty and school development plans

This role is ideal for an ambitious and reflective Science leader who is passionate about curriculum excellence, staff development and improving outcomes for every learner.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Qualified: UK QTS and a relevant honours degree
• Experienced: Strong understanding of SEMH needs, with experience supporting pupils who may also present with ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
• Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced significant challenges
• Knowledgeable: Comfortable teaching all three areas of science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• Creative & Flexible: You’ll need to adapt and innovate to meet individual needs

About Us

The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school near Newton Abbot in Devon, providing education for young people with complex needs. Set in a peaceful woodland environment and supported by a nearby care farm, we combine academic and vocational programmes with outdoor learning and therapeutic approaches tailored to each pupil’s individual strengths and needs. Our experienced staff work closely with every young person to remove barriers to learning, foster personal and social development, and create a caring, inclusive environment that enables pupils to achieve positive outcomes and build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for their future.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.

Benefits include:

• Life Assurance & Pension scheme
• Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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