Associate Leader: Science

Following an internal promotion, The Portsmouth Academy is pleased to offer the opportunity for a dynamic and strategic Associate Leader for Science to lead our Science department and teach our students years 7-11 from April 2025.

You will have a passion for teaching and a strong background in science education, with the ability to lead and inspire both students and staff. This is an excellent opportunity for an outstanding teacher who is now looking for promotion in a supportive Academy or for an established Leader looking to continue the improvement journey that this department has already successfully started.

Alongside the leadership of Science, you will also play a significant role in whole school development.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation! You will benefit from a vast support network including senior leaders, fellow teachers within the school and across the South Hub and our Trust.

What you will need to succeed:

For a full list of responsibilities please see the attached job description

• Be a qualified Teacher of Science and able to deliver to KS3 & KS4 
• Thorough knowledge of present curriculum developments, particularly those relating to your subject
• Collaborate with other leaders and managers in raising standards within the curriculum to Good and Outstanding including all student groups
• Be passionate about teaching and learning and transforming the life chances of our students
• Outstanding classroom practice with high expectations for achievements and behaviour
• Be able to plan and deliver a creative and stimulating curriculum
• An aspiring leader of learning and happy to grasp exciting CPD opportunities
• Contribute to the values, ethos and the development of our schools

About Us

The Portsmouth Academy is focused on providing an inclusive education for all children and ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities. The Portsmouth Academy’s vision and ethos is rooted in developing aspirational and self-reflective learners who are able to think for themselves and be valuable members of their community. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in both KS3 and 4, placing significant importance on cultural capital alongside academic achievement.

“The curriculum is well designed and well considered. The intention of the curriculum is to transform the life chances of pupils in the school. The ambition, breadth and content of the curriculum contribute to this intention. Curriculum development is purposeful and ongoing” – Ofsted

We are a “Microsoft Showcase School” due to our approach to digital learning. The academy has launched a one:one device policy, so every child in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 has their own laptop, and we are particular interested in finding teachers who have experience of, or would like to develop experience of, teaching with technology. 

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South East, South and the South West. 

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances.

Education is the key to transforming life chances and we support and develop every member of our community to:

• Think about their Thinking
• Be their Best self
• Shape their Success

In this way we transform life chances

What our Trust will offer you:

• Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national standards.
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust to enhance your teaching and learning.
• Professional Development: Explore excellent CPD opportunities, including tailored programs for Early Career, Middle, and Senior Leadership.
• Chartered Teacher Recognition: As an accredited Chartered Teacher organization, you can achieve recognition as a Chartered Teacher.
• Cutting-Edge Pedagogy: Experience an internationally accredited approach to thinking and learning, proven to elevate classroom practice.
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
• Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promote health and sustainability through our Cycle to Work initiative.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: Be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
• TSAT Benefits portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership. 
• Store Discounts: Access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.

Next steps: 

If you are interested in working in our school, benefitting from a supportive network of teachers across our large academy and our Trust and you are keen to progress your career, then please apply today!

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found. 

To arrange an informal conversation please contact Nicky Brown Nicky.Brown@tpa.tsat.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk