Teacher of Chemistry

This role is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, imaginative and inspirational teacher of Chemistry for September 2025.

We are looking for candidates who have the energy and enthusiasm for the teaching of Chemistry within the framework of a high-achieving independent co-educational day and boarding school. Excellent subject knowledge, innovation, strong pedagogical skills and organisation will be highly valued. Applications are invited for a KS3/4 Science teacher to teach all Sciences from Year 7 to 11 or as a Science teacher with an A Level Physics specialism to teach KS3/4/5. All specialist teachers are expected to teach KS3 Science. The role would be suited to teachers new to the profession, in ECT years, recent graduates or those with more experience. We are seeking a full-time member of staff, though applications for part-time will be considered, and you should indicate this on the application form, including your preference of full-time equivalent teaching load.

The Chemistry department has enjoyed an outstanding set of results in recent years across the Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International A Level and the IB Diploma. We have a growing uptake of students studying Chemistry into Key Stage 5, with many going on to pursue university courses in Chemistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science and Biochemistry. In recent years, students have gained entry to Oxbridge, Imperial, Bristol and UCL.

The Chemistry department has, with the rest of the Science faculty, recently moved to a new £4 million STEM building. The new building offers 12 modern laboratories, as well as classrooms and a Design & Technology suite. Built to a very high specification to provide a modern, innovative, 21st-century teaching space, the new facility facilitates the delivery of an inspiring Science curriculum. The Chemistry department of seven teachers enjoys dedicated laboratory and office space in this new building. In addition to the new physical space, the department is well resourced in terms of both practical and academic resources, with a dedicated Chemistry Technician.

At GCSE level, students follow the Edexcel IGCSE specification, with pupils studying Science as part of a Triple or Double Award programme. The Chemistry IGCSE results are excellent, with 96% of pupils achieving a grade 9–7 in 2024. IB results are also strong, with 70% achieving 7–6 in the previous year. The department had an excellent track record at A Level, with an average of 70 A*–A over the last two years, which we would like to build on further. The department is particularly proud of its record in adding value to students, an academic strength of the College as a whole.

Chemistry is a popular pathway for Ardinians at A Level and in the IB Diploma. Enthusiasm for the subject is also fostered through an extensive and exciting extra-curricular programme: we have conducted trips to the Royal Society Christmas Lectures and the Chemistry in Action 6th Form conference; we have entered national competitions, including the RSC Top of the Bench competition for several years and the Chemistry Olympiad, with several students gaining certificates each year. A willingness to be involved in these (or your own) exciting aspects of the department is essential.

Ardingly College looks after the welfare and professional development of all staff and enables them to live and work with a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction. The College provides a collegiate, supportive and stimulating environment in which to work. A generous remission for teaching staff children is available at the College. Currently, Nursery fees are discounted at 50% (pro rata), and from Reception to Sixth Form, remission increases to 65% (pro rata), assuming a place is available and entry requirements are met.

Remuneration is pensionable. From January 2021, the College offered all teachers the Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS), which provides the teacher with flexibility between salary and pension contributions and includes Death in Service cover of three times salary. Further details regarding our generous employer contribution rate towards the private teachers’ pension scheme are available upon request. We also offer discounted private health care and access to a Health Cash Plan Scheme giving financial support towards the costs of optical, dental, and medical costs.

During term-time, all staff are provided with a hot or cold lunch from the staff dining room or a grab-and-go option. Staff also have access to a range of additional benefits, such as gym membership, staff swimming, other sports and wellbeing activities and various social events.

The total remuneration offered represents a salary, pension and benefits package that reflects the substantial contribution made by teaching staff towards the success of the College.

Please visit Working here - Ardingly to find out everything the College has to offer and all the benefits available to our staff.

To view the full job description and apply online, please visit www.ardingly.com/vacancies

Closing date: 5.00pm on 24 January 2025.

Ardingly College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 2–18, a member of the HMC and a school of the Woodard Corporation.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All employees are required to undertake child protection screening appropriate to the post, including enhanced DBS checks.