Assistant Headteacher – Science
Kassia Academy and Support Services, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 0QQ13 days remaining to apply
Start date details
January 2027
Closing date
14 October 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
17 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- L4-L8
Assistant Headteacher – Science job summary
Assistant Headteacher - Science Lead
Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Academic Assessment
Salary: Leadership Scale L4-L8
Location: The Kassia Academy, Fallowfield Grove, Longbarn, Warrington, WA2 0QQ
Start date: January 2027
Closing date: 12 noon on Wednesday 14 October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 19 October 2026
Core Purpose
The Assistant Headteacher Science Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership for science while contributing to the leadership of teaching, learning, curriculum and academic assessment across The Kassia Academy.
The post-holder will ensure that Science is ambitious, coherent, well sequenced and responsive to the needs and starting points of pupils.
Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the post-holder will strengthen classroom practice, develop staff, improve the use of assessment and contribute to whole-school improvement. The role includes a teaching commitment and the post-holder must be willing and able to teach Mathematics at Key Stage 4 according to the needs of the academy.
Key Accountabilities
Lead the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of the Science curriculum.
Improve the quality and consistency of teaching, learning and assessment across the academy.
Secure strong pupil progress in science from individual starting points.
Develop staff subject knowledge, pedagogy and confidence through coaching and professional learning.
Use assessment information effectively to identify gaps, plan provision and evaluate impact.
Contribute to safeguarding, positive behaviour and the effective day-to-day leadership of the academy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership of Science
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of science across the academy, establishing a clear vision and high expectations for the subject.
Design, implement and regularly review an ambitious, coherent and appropriately sequenced Science curriculum that meets the needs of pupils with SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs.
Ensure that schemes of work, medium-term plans and lesson resources build knowledge and skills progressively from pupils’ individual starting points.
Ensure appropriate pathways, qualifications and accreditation are in place at Key Stage 4 and that pupils are prepared effectively for examinations and assessments.
Monitor the quality of science provision through learning reviews, lesson visits, work scrutiny, assessment analysis and pupil voice, taking prompt action where improvement is required.
Evaluate pupil attainment and progress in science, identify gaps and coordinate timely intervention and support.
Develop staff subject knowledge and Science pedagogy through modelling, coaching, collaborative planning and targeted professional development.
Promote pupils’ scientific literacy, enquiry skills, curiosity and understanding of how Science connects to everyday life, future study and employment.
Ensure practical Science is planned and delivered safely, with appropriate risk assessments, supervision and controls for equipment, substances and activities in line with academy procedures and relevant guidance.
Oversee the effective and responsible use of science resources and contribute to budget planning and procurement for the subject.
Keep up to date with developments in science education, curriculum requirements and relevant qualifications, advising senior leaders on their implications for the academy.
Teaching and Learning
Support the implementation and review of the curriculum across subjects and interventions, ensuring it is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to pupils’ needs.
Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning across the academy and support consistent, high-quality practice.
Lead and support whole-school priorities for teaching and learning in line with the School Improvement Plan.
Provide advice, guidance and practical support to subject leaders and teachers to strengthen planning, teaching and classroom practice.
Undertake learning reviews and lesson observations and provide clear, constructive and developmental feedback.
Model high-quality teaching and promote pupils’ engagement, independence and positive behaviour for learning.
Undertake an appropriate teaching commitment, including teaching Mathematics at Key Stage 4, as directed by the Headteacher and according to the needs of the academy.
Curriculum Development
Support the planning, sequencing and review of the wider curriculum to secure progression, ambition and inclusivity.
Ensure curriculum design supports functional skills, independence, preparation for adulthood and positive destinations.
Promote literacy, numeracy, oracy, personal development and careers education across the curriculum, with clear links through science where appropriate.
Contribute to curriculum review in response to evidence, national guidance, qualification requirements and the needs of the academy cohort.
Promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British Values through curriculum planning and delivery.
Develop links with parents, employers, further education providers and the wider community to enrich pupils’ curriculum experiences.
Assessment and Pupil Progress
Lead the development and consistent use of effective assessment in science and support appropriate assessment approaches across the curriculum.
Ensure assessment establishes accurate starting points, identifies barriers and informs clear next steps for pupils with SEND.
Analyse internal and external assessment information to evaluate progress, identify underachievement and inform curriculum and intervention planning.
Support staff to make accurate assessment judgements and participate in appropriate standardisation and moderation activity.
Ensure assessment information is recorded accurately and used purposefully in teaching, reporting and discussions with pupils, parents and senior leaders.
Contribute to the quality assurance of examination entries, controlled assessments and other accreditation requirements where applicable.
Staff Development and Leadership
Contribute to the planning and delivery of professional development aligned with academy priorities.
Coach and mentor colleagues through observation, feedback, modelling and professional dialogue.
Support the development of staff subject knowledge and evidence-informed pedagogy.
Line manage and support a defined group of staff or subject leaders as directed by the Headteacher.
Contribute to appraisal and performance management processes and hold colleagues to account for agreed responsibilities.
Build a culture of professional reflection, collaboration, high expectations and continuous improvement.
Adaptive Teaching and SEND
Work closely with the SENCo and pastoral colleagues to ensure teaching and curriculum provision respond effectively to pupils’ needs.
Promote the consistent use of adaptive strategies, including scaffolding, modelling, visuals, chunking and carefully planned retrieval practice.
Ensure that practical Science activities are accessible, appropriately adapted and safe for individual pupils.
Evaluate the impact of adaptations and interventions on engagement, learning and progress.
Contribute to professional development focused on inclusive classroom practice and meeting SEND and SEMH needs.
Innovation and Improvement
Promote evidence-informed teaching and the appropriate use of technology to enhance learning.
Engage with relevant developments in teaching, learning, curriculum and Science education and use these to inform academy practice.
Lead or support new initiatives linked to curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and academic outcomes.
Evaluate initiatives rigorously and report clearly on implementation, impact and next steps.
Pupil Premium
Support senior leaders in delivering the Pupil Premium strategy, with a clear focus on academic outcomes.
Identify and oversee targeted approaches that address gaps in attainment, progress and participation.
Monitor the progress of disadvantaged pupils, evaluate the impact of provision and contribute to reporting on strategy and spending.
General Leadership Duties
Attend and contribute to leadership meetings and provide clear, accurate reports as required.
Support safeguarding, behaviour and attendance across the academy and act promptly on concerns.
Promote positive conduct during structured and unstructured parts of the school day.
Contribute to parental engagement and effective communication about pupils’ learning and progress.
Support the smooth running of the academy day, including duties and key transition times.
Work collaboratively with parents, commissioners, external agencies and other professionals.
Deploy resources responsibly and contribute to effective budget management within delegated areas.
Deputise for senior colleagues and undertake other leadership duties appropriate to the role when reasonably required.
Safeguarding
Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and act in accordance with statutory guidance, Trust policies and academy procedures.
Maintain professional curiosity, recognise indicators of abuse, neglect and exploitation, and report concerns immediately through the academy’s safeguarding procedures.
Promote a safe culture in which pupils are listened to, respected and supported to raise concerns.
Complete required safeguarding training and maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant responsibilities.
General Requirements
Carry out the professional duties of a teacher under the reasonable direction of the Headteacher.
Work within the relevant professional standards, Trust policies and academy procedures.
Engage actively in ongoing professional development and maintain high standards of professional knowledge.
Model high standards of professionalism, conduct, attendance and behaviour.
Promote equality of opportunity, inclusion and respect for diversity in all areas of work.
Undertake additional duties commensurate with the nature and level of the post as reasonably directed by the Headteacher.
This job description reflects the principal responsibilities of the post. It may be reviewed and amended, following consultation with the post-holder, to meet the changing needs of the academy.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Professional Development
Qualified Teacher Status. Essential
A relevant degree or equivalent qualification. Essential
Evidence of sustained and relevant professional development. Essential
A qualification or substantial teaching experience in science or a closely related subject. Desirable
A relevant leadership qualification, or willingness to undertake one, such as an NPQ. Desirable
Experience
A successful record of high-quality teaching and improving pupil outcomes. Essential
Experience of curriculum planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Essential
Experience of leading and developing staff through coaching, feedback or professional learning. Essential
Experience of using assessment and performance information to improve teaching and pupil progress. Essential
Experience of contributing to whole-school improvement priorities. Essential
Experience of leading Science or a related curriculum area. Desirable
Experience of working with pupils with SEND or social, emotional and mental health needs. Desirable
Experience within a trust, multi-school or alternative provision context. Desirable
Experience of working with governors or trustees. Desirable
Knowledge and Skills
Secure subject and curriculum knowledge in science and the ability to lead an ambitious and appropriately sequenced Science curriculum. Essential
The knowledge, skills and willingness to teach Mathematics effectively at Key Stage 4. Essential
A strong understanding of effective teaching, learning, curriculum design and assessment. Essential
A strong understanding of adaptive teaching and inclusive practice for pupils with SEND and SEMH needs. Essential
The ability to analyse information, identify priorities, plan improvement and evaluate impact. Essential
The ability to coach, motivate, challenge and support colleagues effectively. Essential
Strong communication, organisation and interpersonal skills. Essential
The ability to manage resources and delegated budgets effectively. Essential
A sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and a clear commitment to promoting pupils’ welfare. Essential
Professional Qualities
A clear commitment to The Kassia Academy’s pupils, values and inclusive ethos. Essential
High expectations of pupils and staff and a determination to secure positive outcomes. Essential
High levels of emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience and self-awareness. Essential
The ability to work collaboratively as part of a senior leadership team while taking responsibility for delegated areas. Essential
Sound judgement, integrity, discretion and professional credibility. Essential
A commitment to equality, diversity and continuous professional development. Essential
Commitment to Safeguarding
The Kassia Academy and Kings Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post-holder must share this commitment and will be subject to the Trust’s safer recruitment and pre-employment checking procedures, including an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List information where applicable.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Kassia Academy and Support Services
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Size
- 18 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
School location
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