Head of Science
Cottenham Village College, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB24 8UA13 days remaining to apply
Closing date
22 February 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
6 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Science
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £33,235.00 - £52,064.00 Annually (Actual) Plus a TLR 2F £8,610
Head of Science job summary
Head of Science - Cottenham Village College
Permanent | Full-time
Salary: MPS-UPS plus TLR 2F
Closing date: 22nd February
Cottenham Village College is a high‑performing, inclusive secondary school with a warm, community‑centred ethos. As part of the Eastern Learning Alliance, the college is committed to providing an ambitious, broad and enriching curriculum for all students. Known for strong pastoral care, excellent behaviour, and a culture that values both academic success and personal development, Cottenham Village College offers staff a collaborative environment where professional growth, innovation and wellbeing are genuinely prioritised. The college benefits from well‑resourced facilities, a dedicated team of teaching professionals and a leadership culture that empowers subject leaders to shape teaching and learning in meaningful, impactful ways.
Have you successfully improved student outcomes or implemented impactful changes in your current or previous roles?
Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where innovation, professional learning and high expectations are valued?
Cottenham Village College are looking for a Head of Science. You will lead a dynamic, forward‑thinking department across Key Stages 3 and 4, ensuring high‑quality teaching, strong outcomes and an engaging curriculum that inspires a love of science.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the Science department, driving high standards of teaching, learning and curriculum delivery across KS3 and KS4.
- Lead on curriculum planning, assessment design, and implementation to ensure an engaging, coherent and ambitious Science curriculum.
- Monitor and analyse student performance data to inform departmental improvement and raise attainment.
- Coach, support and develop teaching staff, promoting consistent high‑quality classroom practice and professional growth.
- Oversee the effective management of practical science, including laboratory safety, resources, equipment and technician support.
- Lead departmental quality assurance processes, including lesson visits, work scrutiny and curriculum reviews.
- Contribute to whole‑school leadership initiatives and work closely with senior leaders to support the wider school vision.
- Promote a positive, inclusive culture that inspires students to enjoy and achieve in Science.
- A passionate and experienced Science teacher with strong subject knowledge and a proven track record of securing excellent student outcomes.
- An ambitious leader who can motivate, inspire and support a team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Someone with strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to build positive relationships with staff, students and parents.
- A reflective practitioner who is committed to inclusive education and ensuring all learners thrive.
- An organised and proactive leader with the ability to drive departmental strategy, manage change and maintain high expectations.
- A professional who brings creativity, enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to developing a vibrant, forward‑thinking Science department.
Interested in Applying?
If you are passionate about education, looking for a fresh opportunity, or simply want to make a positive impact, we would love to hear from you. Take a look at the job description and candidate pack to find out more about the role and how to apply or contact our recruitment team at recruitment@astreaacademytrust.org.
Closing Date:
The closing date for applications is 22nd February 2026.
Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:
Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.
In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.
Flexible Interview Dates:
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and staff. Every child should feel safe and should be protected from any form of child abuse. We have robust policies and procedures that support our commitment to Safeguarding, this includes our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. The in-house Safeguarding teams at each Academy work in partnership with families and safeguarding partners to ensure the safety of children is paramount. We are committed to ensuring that all staff access regular, contextual safeguarding training to meet the needs of the local community.
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 Cottenham Village College
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 877 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Cottenham Village College website
Welcome to Cottenham Village College, part of the Astrea Academy Trust, a highly-successful 11-16 mixed academy situated close to the beautiful city of Cambridge; here you will find hard-working, well-behaved students and friendly, dedicated staff who are committed to a fully inclusive, comprehensive education.
The college was established in 1963, one of several village colleges in the region that were the inspiration of educational pioneer Henry Morris, who believed that the school should be at the heart of its community and that education should be a lifelong process. This vision of a school that serves and involves its whole community, that fosters high aspirations and inspires a love of learning is as central to our ethos today as it was when it opened.
Through a highly-ambitious curriculum at CVC, we aim to foster students’ curiosity, unlock their potential and raise their aspirations, as well as ensure that students achieve high levels of attainment that will open doors for their future. A stimulating and broad curriculum also places students in a strong position to question and debate the world around them, making them intellectually resilient and prepares them for citizenship in a democratic society. We believe this is a right of all students and one which is liberating and empowering.
We are equally proud of the wider curricular provision at CVC, both in formal lessons and outside the classroom. Our extensive range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and residential trips, help to give all students a fully-rounded education and creates opportunity for their personal, as well as their academic, growth.
Cottenham Village College is a friendly, positive and exciting place to work and to learn and we take great pride in the high standards our students consistently achieve. We have very high expectations of all members of the College community and provide an inclusive, friendly and supportive environment in which everyone can thrive and achieve. Students leave as happy, well-qualified and well-motivated individuals who go on to excel in local sixth forms, colleges, universities and the wider world.
I hope you find the information on the school’s website useful. If there is anything you cannot find, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you wish to visit the school to see it for yourself, please contact the school and we would be delighted to show you around.
Zoe Andrews, Principal
School location
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