Head of Chemistry

Job Introduction

Start Date - January 2027 or April 2027

MPR/UPR plus TLR 2b

WE CANNOT PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS POSITION 

Our Science Department are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and dedicated Head of Chemistry with a love of education to join a great team, encouraging all pupils to make progress in this subject no matter their ability. There are currently nine highly committed teachers who strive for excellence, enjoying a range of traditional and progressive methodology and contributing to the academic life of the school.

The Science Department is a well-resourced department, with a team of science technicians in its own dedicated building. The department runs a variety of trips for all year groups each academic year such as ‘GCSE Science Live’ and Winchester Science Museum. The team also run a variety of STEAM activities both in school and with supplementary trips through the excellent links that they have made with businesses and organisations.

We are looking to appoint a Head of Chemistry who will:

• Oversee the planning, delivery and quality of Chemistry teaching across the department, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.
• Work closely with the Head of Science to support the strategic development and effective running of the Chemistry provision, contributing to departmental planning, curriculum development, quality assurance and the implementation of whole-department priorities.
• Ensure all teaching and learning resources are of a high-quality.
• Support and advise non-specialist Chemistry teachers and student teachers on placement, helping to build their subject knowledge, confidence and teaching practice.
• Provide regular updates on progress, pupil outcomes and areas for improvement through the analysis of assessment.
• Raise the profile of Chemistry across the school by organising relevant educational trips, visits and enrichment opportunities that bring the subject to life.
• Engage, enthuse, motivate and challenge pupils through inspiring and effective teaching, fostering a passion for Chemistry and enabling all learners to achieve their full academic potential
• Have excellent subject knowledge
• Be willing to teach across the full age range of pupils; year 7 to year 11
• Teach a standard timetable allocation
• Make a positive contribution to the efficient running of the Department, including, setting and marking examinations, attending departmental meetings and undertaking administrative and other tasks as delegated by the Curriculum Leader
• Actively safeguard and promote the welfare of children
• Support the schools’ aims and objectives for teaching and learning
• Adhere to and promote all school policies and procedures

Person Specification:

• Good degree in a directly related subject (desirable)
• Thorough knowledge of the (11-16) subject Curriculum up to GCSE
• Recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE, or equivalent experience
• Awareness of Safeguarding requirements and good practice
• Good level of IT literacy
• Be capable of delivering inspirational and informative lessons to the full age and ability range of pupils at the school
• Be able to demonstrate a positive and authoritative rapport with pupils
• Excellent and effective classroom management skills
• Have excellent communication skills to enable effective dialogue with pupils, parents, staff and visitors
• Be organised and self-motivated, with a proven record for meeting targets and deadlines
• A good sense of humour

Why Cove School?

Cove School is an exciting and rewarding place to be where we foster a positive and inclusive environment in which both staff and pupils can thrive.

We offer opportunities for professional development, career progression and involvement in the wider life of the school making this an ideal opportunity for someone to join our community who wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of our pupils.

As part of our team, you will enjoy:

• Access to an exceptional Professional Studies Programme from extensive in-house CPD, to a wide range of external courses
• To be part of a school which has a real ‘team approach’ where you will be valued and supported 
• A well-resourced curriculum area including your own laptop 
• Contribution to the Teacher’s Pension Scheme 
• Lifestyle discounts through our employee ‘Lifestyle Savings Platform'

• Access to free staff wellbeing service via our provider ‘HA Wisdom Wellbeing’
• Onsite parking
• A dedicated Teaching and Learning training room
• A staff room with complimentary refreshments and food provided on whole school events such as Parents’ Evenings

Application Procedure

For further information regarding Cove School, please visit our website www.coveschool.uk 

For an application form, please visit our vacancies page on our website here: https://www.coveschool.uk/join-us/work-with-us

If you currently work in a school, please ensure one of your references is from your current Headteacher. 

WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT APPLICATIONS USING OUR APPLICATION FORM NOT CVs.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria and we may interview and appoint before the closing date. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.