Teacher of Biology

The Governors at Reading School are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspiring member of staff to join our Biology team from September 2025. We offer an exciting opportunity in an exceptional team and a school that is passionate about Biology as a subject. 

We are looking for an individual who is willing to extend the educational opportunities of all students and work collaboratively on curriculum developments. We have high expectations for the pupils who achieve excellent grades in public examinations and love advancing their understanding of the subject. The successful applicant should have secure subject knowledge and be able to challenge pupils, engage their interest and involve them in active participation. 

Biology is taught as a separate subject from Year 7 and is extremely popular and successful. All students study OCR Biology (Gateway) 9-1 at GCSE and the subject has one of the highest uptakes at A level (typically 60 students at A Level with 3 sets per year), where they study OCR Biology A. Many of the pupils proceed to study science-related subjects at university. Results are consistently high with GCSE performance in 2024 at 87% Grade 9-7 and 77% A*-A at A level. 

The Biology Department benefits from a purpose-built science block. These excellent facilities consist of four Biology laboratories, a large well-equipped modern Biology prep room and a connecting teacher’s work area. This pleasant working environment ensures effective working relationships between technicians and teachers. Currently, there are four subject specialist teachers, and two part-time Biology technicians. Our innovative, friendly and experienced department are eager to add fresh ideas and energy to the team. 

The success of the department is strengthened by extensive, varied and highly valued practical provision, as well as the supra-curricular opportunities we offer. We encourage students to enter the RSB’s Biology Challenge as well as the Intermediate and Biology Olympiad in Years 12 and 13. We have had consistent success in this, and a number of students have successfully represented the UK team in the International Biology Olympiad competition including in 2024. 

Suitable applicants will be confident teaching all levels of Biology (including A-level) and there may be an opportunity to teach other sciences (should this be desired). Applicants for the post should have proven ability as an effective team member and demonstrate good interpersonal skills. The successful candidate can expect to be supported by both the Head of Department and the school pastoral system. We would welcome applications from ECTs as well as more experienced candidates. At Reading School, we are proud of our ability to train, support and encourage new staff with all staff regularly contributing as mentors for PGCE students. © Reading School, Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LW Reading School is an Exempt Charity under Schedule 2 of the Charities Act 1993, and is recognised as charitable by HM Customs and Excise, ref. no. XT35863. Registered address as above, a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 7475515. 

At Reading School, we have a clear educational philosophy and a deeply rooted commitment to social mobility. In all we do we seek to nurture character and develop academic excellence, and we know that what we do really matters. More than 10% of our Year 7 students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and we are proud of the difference that we make. Reading School has been named State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the South East 2025 by The Times and The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide. 

We are a short walk from central Reading and close to transport links. Reading is a diverse place to live with arts, culture and heritage at the heart of the town. 

Teacher Pay Scale dependent on experience. 

This is a permanent full-time role, but we will consider applications for candidates looking to work part-time. If you are seeking a part-time contract, please provide details in the supporting statement for your application. 

To conform with our Safer Recruitment process, all applicants must complete an application via our recruitment portal. Links to the portal can be found on our website: 

https://www.reading-school.co.uk/vacancies 

Stand-alone CVs will not be considered for shortlisting. 

Candidates should complete the personal statement section of the application form clearly detailing how their skills and experience meet the job description and person specification. 

If you have any queries regarding our current vacancies or the Safer Recruitment process, please contact: hr@reading-school.co.uk or by telephone: 0118 901 5600 

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Application Forms will be reviewed on receipt. Early application is advised as we hold the right to close the application process early if a suitable applicant applies and is appointed. 

Safeguarding guidelines look to references being obtained prior to interview. Please ensure any referees who you are happy for us to contact before interview are aware that they may be asked to provide a reference with a relatively short deadline. 

Reading School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Full details of our Safeguarding - Staff Recruitment Policy and Data Policy can be found on our website. 

Reading School seeks to create a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.