Head of Key Stage 5 Science

Ilford, Essex
ISAAC NEWTON ACADEMY-1

Reports to: Assistant Principal – Science

Start date: January 2024

Location: Isaac Newton Academy, 1 Cricklefield Pl, Ilford IG1 1FY

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR or Ark Leadership Scale (depending on experience)

Closing Date: Ongoing.

Interview: Candidates will be contacted once shortlisted.

Isaac Newton Academy is a non-denominational, non-selective school, welcoming students of all backgrounds from the local community. We opened in 2012 with our inaugural cohort of 180 year 7 students. Isaac Newton Academy is an all through school with students from Reception to Year 13. The Sixth Form is in its fourth year. Our mission is to equip every student with the knowledge, learning power and character necessary for success at university and beyond, and to pursue their passions and interests.

The school was founded on the belief that all pupils can make dramatic progress within the right environment. Students, teachers, staff and parents are committed to making Isaac Newton a vibrant and inclusive learning community in which everyone can succeed.

We offer a rich curriculum emphasising core academic subjects, whilst providing the facilities, time and specialist staff to ensure students develop across a range of subjects. Music is at the heart of our school, with every student learning an instrument and all secondary students having the chance to be part of our Big Band ensembles.

Our school won Secondary School of the Year in the 2018 Shine a Light Awards for its commitment to developing pupils’ communication skills and was shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year in the 2018 TES Awards. Our Music Department were recently shortlisted for Excellence in Creative Arts at the TES School Awards 2023.

The opportunity

Our vision is that teaching, and learning is the main driver for improvement in student outcomes, as well as where our students’ character is developed. Here you will work with other leaders, working closely with the senior leaders in our school to raise standards in science at ks5. Furthermore, we want this role to be the main driver for staff development, both in terms of performance within the classroom, as well as for their well-being and enjoyment whilst at work.

This is a new role, which will involve working with a dedicated and motivated science department and our Senior Leadership Team, and with the direct support of the Vice Principal and Principal. The head of Key Stage 5 Science will be responsible for the strategic planning and improvement in outcomes at KS5 within Science, as well as contributing to the CPD programme across the academy. The post holder will drive forward improvements in teaching and learning, outcomes and the continuous development of our culture and the maintenance of high academic standards.

We are committed to ensuring every child is challenged to achieve their maximum potential and have already celebrated wonderful successes in seeing our pupils progress to study at the most competitive universities, and onto the most competitive degree level apprenticeships. If you are a middle leader looking to make your mark this is the perfect opportunity for you for you to progress into senior leadership.

We are highly ambitious for our students and our staff are pivotal to our success. As part of the team, you will have the opportunity to work with great colleagues and develop your career through an outstanding professional development programme. You will be encouraged to be a reflective and open practitioner and be supported by the expertise of the Principal and Vice Principal to develop your leadership.

As a member of staff at Isaac Newton Academy, you will be part of Ark, an international charity and one of the UK’s most successful multi-academy trusts, with a network of 39 schools in 4 locations across the country. Through Ark, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the network to develop excellent practice as well as benefitting from extensive development opportunities. We offer attractive remuneration, above the national pay scales as well as a range of benefits.

The successful candidate will:

• be an outstanding teacher with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes
• have up-to-date knowledge of subject curricula and assessment requirements
• experience in coaching and passionate about this for staff development
• have experience of successful leadership at a middle or senior level
• have experience of working in partnership with other staff in a school setting to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of students are prioritised at all times

To apply

For further information on this brilliant opportunity as well as the fantastic benefits available, please see the job description and person specification below.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the Principal about the role, or if you have any technical questions about the application process please contact his Executive Assistant and HR Lead, Sam Jones at . We look forward to receiving your application.

Applications will be reviewed periodically, and the school may close the vacancy early if high numbers of applications are received so early applications are advisable.

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the role that we will complete online searches as part of due diligence checks in line with KCSIE guidance.

To read more about Ark, please visit

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process which will include questions about safeguarding.

This process is outlined here , but can be provided in more detail if requested. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service.