Head of Science

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2c

Hours: 1 FTE (32.44 hours)

Contract: Permanent

Retford Oaks Academy is seeking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Science, as Head of Science, you will lead the department, driving standards and developing the department. This is a great opportunity for the right candidate to lead a progressive department and be pivotal in shaping their journey.

Why join Retford Oaks Academy

We are a large secondary academy for students aged 11-16 and we also offer a post 16 provision. Students have access to outstanding facilities in all areas of the curriculum, which help to support their progress and enhance their achievements. The academy is a positive, vibrant environment conducive to learning and personal development. Retford Oaks was purpose-built in 2007 and the facilities were designed with students in mind.

The opportunity

We are looking to recruit an applicant who is dedicated to having a positive impact on our students' academic progress, setting the highest standards and expectations and preparing and delivering lessons of outstanding quality, working across KS3, 4, 5.

This post would suit an experienced teacher. We would welcome a teacher returning to work after a career break and will consider flexible working where possible. Our Science department is energetic and forward thinking. We thrive to inspire our students but find so often that they end up inspiring us!

The ideal candidate will:    

• have leadership experience, be determined and driven and have the ability to transform student’s lives  
• Ensure the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost effective curriculum and leading development of the subject and its delivery
• Staff development (including recruiting, building and managing an effective team of motivated staff)
• have a proven track record of success and raising student attainment    
• have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of students 
•  be an experienced Head of Department or someone looking to make that next step   
• be committed to Retford Oaks Academy's ethos and values

Essential

• Good knowledge in science, physics, chemistry and biology
• Used to working with young people, especially 11-19
• Clarity of purpose and student centred vision
• Understanding of the strategies needed to establish consistently high aspirations and standards of results and behaviour

Our Employee Benefits

At Diverse Academies, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment, where everyone can grow, progress, and achieve a fulfilling career. We offer a fantastic range of rewards and benefits, challenging and interesting work, and opportunities to achieve your potential.

In return you will benefit from:           

• Enrolment into the Teacher Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 23.68%
• Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust’s Diverse Association for Professional Learning
• Full support and induction         
• A strong and caring ethos among staff and students           
• Networking opportunities across Diverse Academies           
• Salary sacrifice opportunities such as car, cycle and technology schemes
• Staff discounts and offers on gym membership, holidays, days out, cinema tickets, restaurants and top online shopping sites including instant voucher codes
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme – emotional, financial and legal support to both you and your family by a team of qualified professionals
• Health and Wellbeing delivered through our occupational health provider, eyecare vouchers for a free eye test and contribution towards glasses for display screen equipment users

Applications

We have an open door policy, so if you would like to come and see our academy in action, we would be more than happy to welcome you and show you what makes us ‘Oaks and Proud’. Please contact Claire Rank, Business Manager at crank@retfordoaks-ac.org.uk for more information.

Please note we reserve the right to close the post early once we have received a sufficient number of applicants, so we advise you to submit your application early to prevent disappointment.

Closing Date: 4 May 2024

Start Date: 1 September 2024

Interviews: W/C 13 May 2024

Diverse Academies and its Governors are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in their care and expects everybody working for the organisation to share this commitment. Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. To this end any offer of employment will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances.

Diverse Academies Trust

Diverse Academies is a multi-academy trust with a vision to inspire, to raise aspirations and to create brighter tomorrows. Across primary, secondary and special settings, we share a common mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Together, we believe we can make a difference in our diverse communities, and in the lives of those who learn with us and work with us.  

We empower. We respect. We care.