Head of Science

Abbeyfield School, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3XB

26 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  22 April 2026 at 10am

• Date listed

  25 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: Science
• Working pattern: Part time, full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 1 £12,513
• Additional allowances:

  MPS/UPS + TLR 1 £12,513

Head of Science job summary

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.

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

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.

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

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.

About Abbeyfield School

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: Up to 1069 pupils
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Abbeyfield School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/abbeyfield-school-sn15-3xb

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