Director of Learning - Science

Leigh Academy Wilmington, Wilmington, Kent, DA2 7DR

18 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  25 May 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  7 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Leadership scale based on experience + London Fringe Allowance

What skills and experience we're looking for

Leigh Academy Wilmington is seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Learning - Science. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an outstanding practitioner ready to drive academic excellence and shape the future of scientific inquiry across our academy and the wider Trust.

We are looking for a visionary leader who can harness the curiosity of our students and the expertise of our staff. As a key member of our leadership team, you will receive bespoke CPD and unparalleled support to further your own professional trajectory.

Who We Are Looking For:

• An expert practitioner with a deep love for Science and a proven track record of raising attainment.
• A leader who builds strong professional relationships and fosters a culture of shared success.
• Able to motivate both students and staff to push the boundaries of their potential.
• Possessing high energy, a "can-do" attitude, and the resilience to lead a core subject area.
• Confident in their leadership with clear career goals and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Fully committed to safeguarding and the wellbeing of the entire Academy community.
• Prepared to lead or support co-curricular activities that bring Science to life beyond the classroom.

What the school offers its staff

Why Join Our Team?

It is an inspiring time to join Leigh Academy Wilmington. You will lead a hardworking, passionate faculty within an environment defined by high aspirations, academic excellence, and exemplary behaviour.

At Wilmington, we believe that learning never stops - for students or staff. Success here is built on a foundation of teamwork; our subject teams collaborate closely to share innovative resources and pedagogical strategies, ensuring our students achieve the highest possible outcomes.

Our Faculty

You will lead a collaborative and forward-thinking Science department that delivers a rigorous and engaging curriculum across all Key Stages:

• KS3: Integrated Science following the MYP/IB framework, focusing on inquiry-based learning.
• KS4: GCSE Combined Science and Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
• KS5: A-Level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, alongside Level 3 Applied Science.

Note on the IB Framework: As Science is delivered as part of the MYP/IB framework, experience in delivering or leading this inquiry-based model is highly desirable. We are looking for a candidate who can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Job_Pack___Director_of_Learning_-_Science__Leigh_Academy_Wilmington.pdf - 811 KB (opens in new tab)

About Leigh Academy Wilmington

• School type: Academies, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1381 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Leigh Academy Wilmington website
• Email address: joinus@latrust.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/wilmington-academy

Arranging a visit to Leigh Academy Wilmington

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.

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