Head of Science

Forest School is seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Head of Science, overseeing the strategic direction, promotion, and management of science across the one of the country’s largest and most successful science faculties.

About Forest

Surrounded by ancient forest and only thirty minutes from central London, Forest School is an outstanding independent day school located on the edge of Epping Forest. Forest is a large, diverse, and vibrant school, with approximately 1,500 pupils from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity. Foresters are ‘known, liked and valued’ and this is central to our educational philosophy.

Our pupils are as busy outside the classroom as they are within it - a strong academic curriculum is supported by an equally strong co-curricular and pastoral programme, so our pupils can pursue their interests in music and the sporting field, and develop the key skills required for them to flourish in the 21st Century; for example, all while achieving outstanding GCSE and A level results.

As one of the largest day schools in the independent sector, Forest abounds with opportunities for professional and career development. Teachers at Forest are rarely confined to their subject area and the majority play a full and active role in Forest’s enviable super-curricular and co-curricular programme, with opportunities to lead in clubs and activities as diverse as Model United Nations, Extended Project Qualification, Jedi Warrior Lightsabre Fencing, Chapel Choir, Music Technology and Cricket, to give but a few examples. The ambition, richness, and distinct nature of the integrated curriculum at Forest offers our staff with an unparalleled experience of a modern and holistic education in our beautiful London setting. As our Good Schools Guide Review (2023) suggests Forest is a ‘flourishing, successful and well-led school in a glorious, green setting with consistently strong results that don’t require pupils to sacrifice happiness or wellbeing on the way to achieving them… an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it.

Forest invests heavily in the development of pedagogy, teaching and learning, with all teachers expected to engage in an ambitious Professional Learning Programme which includes seminars and contact with leading minds in the teaching and learning space; most recently, Forest welcomed Tom Sherrington who presented on curriculum strategy and design. In addition, we are immensely proud of our culture of formative and developmental peer observation and instructional coaching through our Teaching and Learning Communities and StepLab. As one of the few Independent Schools Induction Panel (ISTIP) regional hubs and training centres in the country, Forest is proud of its success, expertise, and excellence in supporting Early Careers’ Teachers and those new to the profession. We have a rich tradition of developing outstanding teachers and a genuinely supportive approach centred on coaching and mentoring.

Whilst we are rightly proud of our pupils’ outstanding academic successes, we do not let outcome grades solely define the holistic and personal development opportunities encapsulated in a Forest education. In the last two academic years, 50% of grades at A-level were at A*-A, with nearly 80% of grades at A*-B. At GCSE, over half of all grades were at Grade 9 or 8, with nearly 80% achieving Grade 7 or above. At the same time, Foresters have progressed to a range of highly selective universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and other Russell Group institutions and pleasingly several have also undertaken degree level apprenticeships, taken up places at Art Schools and Conservatoires and are pursuing education abroad.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest School:

Key benefits include:   

• A CPD budget far beyond that offered in the maintained sector, and a culture fully committed to evidence-based teaching and learning development.
• A beautiful working environment, you will be surrounded by ancient woodland and a variety of architecturally significant Georgian, Victorian and modernist buildings.
• The chance to work with motivated, rounded, and intelligent pupils and colleagues in a very happy, purposeful, and ambitious setting.
• A leadership mentoring programme for new Heads of Department           
• The chance to develop other skills and areas of interest in support of Forest’s extensive Activities and Co-Curricular Programme. In the recent past we have supported staff in developing additional skills in scuba diving, fencing, outdoors survival and even flying in the Combined Cadet Forces.
• Holiday entitlement far beyond that offered in the maintained sector (on average, 17 weeks).
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme.
• An assigned staff laptop.
• Free three course hot lunch in our beautiful staff diner (with a takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day.           
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13.          
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, Forest’s outstanding on-site gym and leisure facility.   
• A well-established staff forum, with an assigned representative, and a dedicated staff well-being committee        
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme.       
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees.            
• Membership of a generous pension scheme.

What others say about Forest?

“Forest is a powerhouse with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“This is a high-octane environment: six to Oxbridge in 2019 and almost all leavers go on to Russell Group universities. The broad base of subjects studied at university testifies to the school’s academic range and depth” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“A highly efficient and effective feel to the teaching backed up by excellent results. Mathematics, Science, English and History appear particularly strong. ‘My teachers really mind,’ said one girl, ‘and it makes such a difference to the way we all work.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“Forest takes the broadest view of education, which is fantastic” – Rachel Sylvester, Chair of the Times Education Commission, 2022.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Closing Date: Monday 13th January 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 28th January 2025

If you are shortlisted for the role, we carry out an online search.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.