Head of Science

Co-op Academy North Manchester, Manchester, M9 7SS

14 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September or earlier if possible

• Closing date

  20 March 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  6 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: 60,145.00 - 66,368.00

Head of Science job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Science at Co-op Academy North Manchester following the promotion of the current post holder. This role presents an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and experienced leader to build on the department’s strengths and lead the next stage of its development.

The Head of Science plays a key leadership role within the Academy, ensuring that the Academy’s vision for excellence and success is realised across the department and in the wider life of the academy. Through high expectations and strong leadership, they will continue to drive standards of achievement, attainment and enjoyment in Science so that all pupils make exceptional progress and benefit from an outstanding curriculum experience.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader who is ready to guide the department through the next stage of its journey, with a clear focus on sustaining and further improving outcomes for pupils. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to the consistent implementation of high-quality teaching and learning to support excellent classroom practice.

The successful candidate will lead a department where high-quality teaching and learning are central. They will demonstrate a passion for their subject and have a proven ability to inspire pupils, fostering a genuine interest in Science through a wide range of high-quality experiences both inside and beyond the classroom. They will be committed to ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to succeed and will use effective strategies to motivate learners to achieve their very best.

The Head of Science will be an experienced and highly effective classroom practitioner who can enthuse, motivate and inspire young people, instilling a lifelong love of learning. Strong teamwork, high standards and a strong work ethic will underpin their success. They will be a creative and strategic thinker with the determination to develop Co-op Academy North Manchester as a centre of excellence in Science.

Co-op Academy North Manchester is committed to high-quality professional development for all staff. The Head of Science will play a key role in shaping and contributing to the professional development of colleagues while continuing their own leadership development and this is why the role is offered on the leadership scale. The academy has successfully trained Science teachers in recent years, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to further develop the department as a centre for teacher training and professional learning - and as they grow, the Head of Science will have clear opportunities to develop their own leadership practice beyond the department. 

The Science department is based in a dedicated zone comprising ten teaching rooms across two floors, including laboratories and demonstration rooms. Staff work collaboratively in spacious classrooms and benefit from dedicated office space and nearby IT facilities. Each room is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and audio system, and all teachers are provided with a Chromebook. Staff also have access to National College CPD, strong subject networks and leadership development pathways.

Co-op Academy North Manchester is part of the Co-operative Academies Trust, and the successful candidate will be expected to actively demonstrate the Trust’s vision and values in their leadership and daily practice. Any general enquiries should be directed to Debra Aikenhead at debra.aikenhead@coopacademies.co.uk

Informal Discussion

If you are interested in applying and would like to have an informal discussion about the role with the Head of Department please contact Debra Aikenhead.

 

How to Apply

All applications must be made using the application form on our website.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Friday, 20th March 2026 and successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview on Friday 27th March 2026.

Co-op Academies Trust as an aware employer is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults as its number one priority. This commitment to robust recruitment, selection and induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust on its behalf. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.  We value variety and individual differences, and aim to create a culture, environment and practices at all levels which encompass acceptance, respect and inclusion. 

All our colleagues are expected to demonstrate a commitment to co-operative values and principles.

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage or civil partnerships.

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 Co-op Academy North Manchester

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1258 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Co-op Academy North Manchester website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/co-op-academy-north-manchester

Co-op Academy North Manchester is a secondary school based in Blackley. We are extremely ambitious for our pupils and work hard to ensure that they leave the Academy equipped to lead happy and successful lives.

We are a sponsor-led Academy that is part of the Co-op Academies Trust. Through a great education the Trust is changing the lives of young people across the North of England. They work with us to empower teachers and young people to work together for a better education and community.

What makes our school unique is that the Trust is sponsored by the Co-op Group. This relationship means that staff benefit from all the business expertise that has seen the Co-op grow to be one of the most ethically driven and respected businesses in the country.

Values and Vision

Respect - for ourselves, each other and our community

Commitment - to strive to achieve our best and support others to achieve their best

Trust - in ourselves and each other

Ofsted
We are delighted that in February 2019, Ofsted declared us a 'Good' school. Inspectors said, "staff are approachable and unwaveringly considerate of pupils' emotional and physical well-being."

https://northmanchester.coopacademies.co.uk/

Twitter - @CoopAcademyNM

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