Head of Science

Full Job Description

We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work

Job Title:   Head of Science
Location:  Longdon Hall School, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS15 4PT
Hours:        37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary:       £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:          May 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As Head of Science, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of teaching and learning across the Science department. Working closely with the Headteacher, you will lead the strategic development of Science provision, ensuring that all pupils experience high‑quality learning, strong academic outcomes, and an engaging, purposeful curriculum. You will champion innovation, drive standards, and contribute to the wider success and ethos of the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Secure high‑quality teaching, effective use of resources, and improved standards of learning and achievement for all pupils in consultation with the Headteacher.
• Raise the quality of pupils' learning in Science through high expectations, effective curriculum planning and strong pedagogical practice.
• Contribute to the development, innovation and implementation of Science policies and procedures.
• Lead Science across the school by developing and delivering plans with clear targets and success criteria for subject improvement and sustainability.
• Teach a range of subjects as required to support the effective delivery of the whole‑school curriculum, including teaching in off‑site settings such as college environments where appropriate.
• Undertake additional curriculum responsibilities, as identified with the Headteacher, to support whole‑school effectiveness.
• Actively promote and uphold the learning, personal development, and wellbeing of all students.

General Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people at all times.
• Work in accordance with professional standards, statutory requirements and all school policies.
• Carry out specific tasks related to the day‑to‑day administration and organisation of the school.
• Take responsibility for designated areas of work, reviewed annually through performance management and aligned with school improvement priorities.
• Undertake any additional responsibilities reasonably assigned from time to time.

About Us

Longdon Hall School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of social, emotional, and mental health needs. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

This opportunity is in Lichfield which is within commutable distance of Cannock, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas.

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. We are committed to the 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.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

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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