Head of Science

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Head of Science – Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom 

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 1 £12,513

Hours: Full time or part time

Contract: Permanent

This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Abbeyfield School for further information.

Please note – We reserve the right to interview and employ the right candidate before the closing date. 

Due to expansion and growth in student numbers, this is an exciting time to join Abbeyfield School. Our recent ‘Good’ Ofsted rating (November 2022) highlighted that ‘Staff are proud of the school and enjoy working at it. Leaders and Governors are supportive of staff’s workload and well-being’. As a result, both the leaders and students are looking for high-calibre staff who are committed to delivering outstanding teaching and learning opportunities for all. 

In October 2025 Abbeyfield School became part of The Athelstan Trust, one of the leading educational trusts in the South West. 

The Athelstan Trust is a successful and growing Multi-Academy Trust consisting of six secondary schools and four primary schools in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and South Gloucestershire. We currently employ over 750 people and educate 5,000 pupils and plan to expand further over the coming years.

Against this backdrop of growth and development, a fantastic opportunity has arisen to lead the Science Department at Abbeyfield School. We are seeking an exceptional practitioner and leader who is committed to delivering outstanding teaching and learning across Biology, Chemistry and Physics; someone who can build on an already strong team and drive the continued success of Science within our school and across the wider Trust.

Abbeyfield School offers excellent opportunities for career progression for teachers seeking to develop both their leadership skills and their impact on whole‑school improvement.

The successful candidate will join an experienced, motivated and collaborative department that is committed to enabling every student to fulfil their potential. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience of teaching KS5 in at least one Science specialism.  Please note that teaching at A Level will be an essential component of this role.

The Science faculty has a strong record of achievement at all key stages, with results consistently improving in recent years. Students benefit from a rich curriculum and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including junior STEM clubs, fieldwork, university outreach and our sixth form Rocket Club. At KS4, students follow the AQA GCSE Science pathway (Combined and Separate Sciences), and at KS5 we offer AQA A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics and Cambridge Advance National in Applied Science.

All staff receive high‑quality professional development, supported by our new position within the Athelstan Trust. As a flexible employer, we welcome applications from part‑time candidates.

Abbeyfield is a community school which occupies purpose-built premises. It is situated in a beautiful location, within commuting distance of Bath, Bristol and Swindon. The school was inspected in November 2022 and we pledge to offer the following:

• Excellent students who will work with you to achieve the highest standards
• A high-performing and growing school 
• Excellent leadership, which believes in rapid and sustainable leadership
• A thriving sixth form where pupils make strong progress
• Friendly and welcoming pupils who thrive in an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding

Find out more and apply:

For further information, please see our website https://abbeyfield.wilts.sch.uk/ under ‘joining us’ or contact reception on 01249 464500

To apply follow the link to Mynewterm on our website.

Please note – Due to safeguarding, we ONLY accept completed online applications through Mynewterm, we do not accept CV’s.

Start date: September 2026

Close date for applications: Wednesday 22^nd April 2026 at 9am

Interview date: Week commencing 27^th April 2026

The Athelstan Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check along with standard pre-employment safeguarding checks. As the role includes working with children, it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must, therefore, disclose all spent and unspent convictions. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates before interview. Please also be aware that you will be subject to an online check and that you may be questioned about the findings of such a check at your interview.

We are a flexible working employer, and we are willing to make any reasonable adjustments you require during your interview so please ask us. 

Recruitment pack

 

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Applications must be made via the instructions provided above. Applications or CV’s submitted via the apply button will not be considered.