Head of Key Stage 4 Science

Are you passionate about Science and dedicated to helping every student thrive? Join our academy as a Head of Key Stage 4 Science where you'll be part of leading a supportive and successful team that consistently inspires students to achieve their best. We're looking for someone who can spark curiosity, build confidence, and nurture a lifelong love of Science—both inside and outside the classroom.

You will be a proactive and dedicated teacher and leader, responsible for the curriculum, assessment and outcomes at GCSE and will work closely with our Head of Faculty and Heads of Physics, Chemistry and Biology to ensure that outcomes are strong across all courses.

At our academy, you'll find a welcoming environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to your success. 

Your Role:

Leadership and management:

1. Oversee the course design and delivery at Key Stage 4
2. Be responsible for effective assessment and response to assessment
3. Line manage members of the department
4. Conduct learning walks and support the development of Teaching and Learning across the department
5. Be a positive role model 

Teaching and Learning

1. Deliver engaging, well-planned lessons for students across Key Stages 3, 4, and potentially KS5 (not essential to teach KS5)
2. Assess and track student progress, offering support and encouragement to help them reach their full potential.
3. Contribute to the development of an inspiring and enriching curriculum.
4. Ensure lessons are inclusive, meeting the needs of all learners.

Pastoral Care:

1. Provide thoughtful guidance and support as a tutor to a group of students, helping them grow both academically and personally.
2. Contribute to the academy’s broader mission and community values.
3. Take an active role in our vibrant extra-curricular program, offering students experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

We’re looking for someone who brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep commitment to student success. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to our team!

You’ll be expected to fulfil the professional responsibilities of a teacher as outlined in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document, or any subsequent legislation.

About the school:

King Alfred’s Academy is a welcoming, ambitious, and dynamic school, brimming with energy, opportunity, and possibility. Rated “Good” by Ofsted, our mission—"Opportunity for All"—is at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about creating a supportive and inspiring environment where both students and staff can thrive every day.

As a fully comprehensive secondary school with a thriving sixth form, we are proud of our strong culture of respect and responsibility. Our classrooms are calm and purposeful, guided by a “warm but strict” approach that ensures every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to achieve their very best.

Beyond the classroom, our KA Klubs enrichment program offers over 130 exciting clubs and activities every fortnight, giving students the chance to explore new passions, develop skills, and build lifelong friendships.

Nestled in the heart of Wantage, King Alfred’s Academy is easily accessible from Oxford, Swindon, Newbury, Abingdon, and Didcot. Whether in the classroom or beyond, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential in a school that feels like a community.

Benefits of working at King Alfred's Academy include:

• A commitment to offer flexible working whenever we can, and to support the work-life balance of our employees
• An open and honest approach to school leadership where leaders regularly invite feedback and respond to it directly
• A full staff wellbeing charter that is regularly reviewed and updated (see attached)
• Full support for your professional development and future training needs (CPD)
• Forward thinking pedagogical approaches grounded firmly in research
• Commitment to a positive culture and robust positive behaviour management
• A commitment to recognise previous, continuous service.
• A 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• A Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Opportunity to attend school residential trips from Normandy or Barcelona to skiing in Austria, Canada and the USA
• Complimentary fruit, tea, coffee and subsidised lunches
• Eligible for Blue Light discount card
• Optional gift on your birthday
• Free parking
• Free Eye Care Voucher

King Alfred’s is proud to be part of the Cambrian Learning Trust, a network of schools nurturing opportunities and career development. Collaboration is an important benefit of working at King Alfred’s, with students and staff benefitting from our work with Trust schools and other schools locally and regionally. More information about the trust can be found here: Cambrian Learning Trust - Home

Interview process

Shortlisting will take place week commencing 19th March with interviews taking place week commencing 24th March.

The interview process will include teaching a lesson, conducting a learning walk, a student Q&A and a panel interview.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Adam Wood (Deputy Headteacher) via email on: awood@kas.cambrianlt.org.

The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate.  An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance. 

Cambrian Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism; all staff must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as part of their job role.