Head of Science
Content + Source + Freshness • 11 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High value due to strong support for science education and a collaborative teaching culture.
- Strong leadership opportunity in a respected department.
- Collaborative environment fostering continuous improvement.
Pros
- Opportunity to lead a respected science department.
- Supportive school culture with strong emphasis on community.
- Potential for impactful teaching across key stages.
Cons
- Expectations to meet high academic standards may be intense.
- Need for proactive conflict resolution skills.
Who it's for
Experienced professionals • Full-time in a nurturing school environment
Good fit
- Experienced science educators seeking leadership.
- Collaborative teachers passionate about student achievement.
Not recommended for
- Inexperienced teachers without leadership interests.
- Those seeking isolated teaching roles.
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Bristol Cathedral Choir School
Head of Science
CST Pay Spine - Main Scale
Plus R3 - £6,571
Permanent & full time
Required from September 2018 or earlier if possible
Applications are welcome from well qualified teachers to lead the Science department.
Core roles:
- Provide professional leadership and management for the Science department.
- Develop and monitor systems to ensure the highest standards of Health and Safety.
- Be accountable for progress and attainment of all students at all key stages.
- Provide support and challenge for colleagues to help develop a high quality of teaching and learning.
- Develop and implement a Departmental Improvement Plan by evaluating the quality of student outcomes and learning.
- Track the progress of students and vulnerable groups, promoting effective interventions.
Persons line managed:
- Second in Science
- Science teaching staff
- Science support staff
Line management may be shared with second in Science.
The Science Faculty
The teachers within the department primarily teach Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and also contribute to other curriculum areas or positions of responsibility.
In Years 7 and 8 students are taught science as a combined subject. From Year 9, students are set by ability and typically have three different science teachers for biology, chemistry and physics in the current model.
A large number of students in KS4 study for Separate Science GCSEs (AQA). Other students study GCSE Trilogy, Combined Science (AQA). The department is currently investigating other possible additional curriculum routes.
Sciences are successful within the school, particularly in regard to uptake at A level (AQA) and external A Level examination results. There are a large number of KS5 A Level classes in each science. A large number of students typically progress to study science and related subjects at a range of competitive universities including Oxbridge.
The School
Bristol Cathedral Choir School is an academy with music as its specialism. The school became an Academy in September 2008. As a Cathedral School, the core values are derived from Christian teachings; we welcome those of all faiths and none. The Cathedral Choristers are educated at the school. The community meets for weekly assemblies in the cathedral. BCCS accepts students from all over Bristol and welcomes those of all faiths and none. We are proud of our diverse, tolerant and respectful community that is reflective of Bristol.
“The ethos and culture of the academy are outstanding. Pupils from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds, faiths, beliefs and values come together in an exceptionally harmonious environment where all are respected, valued and supported to do well.” Ofsted 2016.
The school received an overall judgement of “Outstanding” from Ofsted in January 2016 and is the most oversubscribed school in Bristol. Outcomes and attainment at KS4 are well above the national average. At KS5 in 2017, 64% of all grades were A*-B, with 100% pass rate.
In 2016, the school became part of the Cathedral Schools Trust (a Multi Academy Trust). In the same year, it was designated as a national Teaching School. There are currently over 900 students in Years 7-13, including over 300 in KS5.
The Role
The postholder will be able to teach at least one science to KS5. Applicants should have a high regard for positive classroom management; the ability to work flexibly, with good humour and as part of a team is essential. We will value the ability of the successful applicant to contribute to the sharing and development of good practice within the subject and the school. Most teachers are tutors within the pastoral system; the school has a vertical tutor system within the structure of four houses. The ability to contribute to other co-curricular areas of BCCS life (eg Sport, Music, Drama or other co-curricular activities) is highly desirable.
The successful candidate will teach approximately 30 x 60 minute periods out of 50 in a fortnightly timetable. There is a programme of staff development and in-service training in the school. We are committed to the professional development of all our teaching staff.
Salary
QTS
CST Pay Spine - Main Scale
Plus R3 - £6,571
Information
Further information about the school can be found on our website www.bccs.bristol.sch.uk
Informal enquiries may be made to Miss Esther Messinger, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, emessinger@bristolcathedral.org.uk
Applications should be received by midnight on Sunday 4th February 2018.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 20th February 2018.
Please note that all posts at the School are subject to initial and periodic checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service as the school takes every measure possible to ensure the safeguarding of its students.
