Science Lead
Orion Academy, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 6DQ5 days remaining to apply
Closing date
30 November 2025 at 11:59pm
Date listed
2 October 2025
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (Actual) SEN allowance + TLR 2
Science Lead job summary
To lead and transform the science curriculum across the school, ensuring that it is ambitious, accessible, and inspiring for all students. The Science Lead will develop a curriculum that can be successfully delivered by non-specialists, while modelling high-quality teaching at Key Stage 4. As a member of the extended leadership team, the Science Lead will contribute to whole-school improvement and play a key role in raising achievement across the academy.
Key Tasks
Teaching and Learning
Ensure all pupils receive an exciting, effective, and appropriate science education as outlined in their EHCPs and in accordance with the academy’s curriculum framework.
Lead the design and implementation of a coherent, sequenced science curriculum that builds knowledge and skills over time and can be delivered confidently by non-specialist staff.
Provide suitably differentiated work to meet the individual needs of students.
Maintain and oversee the science curriculum planning and review cycle in line with the school’s framework and policies.
Model outstanding teaching of science, with a particular focus on Key Stage 4.
Undertake ongoing assessment of students’ work and abilities through comprehensive record keeping based on the academy’s agreed format.
Maintain good discipline in line with the academy’s Restorative Approaches policy. Contribute, wherever appropriate, to the display, presentation, and celebration of students’ work in science. Safeguard and promote the welfare of all students.
Set high expectations which inspire, motivate, and challenge students, ensuring strong progress and outcomes. Promote high standards of literacy, numeracy, and scientific enquiry across the curriculum.
Manage behaviour effectively to ensure positive and safe learning environments.
(Teacher Standards, 202, DfE)
Wider Responsibilities Relating to Whole Academy Issues and Procedures
Work for the positive development of the academy, in line with the Raising Achievement Plan (RAP).
Attend staff meetings, curriculum forums, and other relevant meetings within the stipulated 1265 directed hours. Take a share of supervisory duties as part of the weekly routine as necessary.
Take appropriate responsibility for one’s own health, safety, and welfare and that of pupils, visitors, and colleagues in accordance with academy policies.
Specific Responsibilities
In addition to the duties outlined in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document currently in operation, or any subsequent legislation, you will be responsible for the following:
Leadership of Science
Redesign and embed the school’s science curriculum, ensuring it is robust, engaging, and suitable for both specialists and non-specialists to deliver.
Provide high-quality resources, schemes of work, and assessment approaches that support consistency and accessibility.
Drive innovation in teaching and learning within science, raising the profile of the subject across the school.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of the science curriculum, making adjustments where necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes for students.
Lead curriculum-specific CPD and deliver training to support the confidence and development of non-specialist colleagues.
Teaching
Teach science across a range of curriculum areas, with a focus on delivering high-quality learning at Key Stage 4.
Act as a form tutor, contributing to the wider pastoral support of students.
Staff Development and Support
Provide subject-specific support and mentoring for staff delivering science.
Deliver INSET training across the academy, as appropriate.
Links with Parents, Local Authority, and the Wider Community
Encourage full parental participation in the work, life, and development of the school, ensuring parents are fully informed of their child’s progress.
Be available to deal with parental concerns and provide support where possible, or refer to other professionals or agencies. Work co-operatively with the Governing Body and Trustees.
Liaise and co-ordinate with external agencies and other professionals.
Other Responsibilities
Support pupils on a range of offsite educational visits, including science-related trips.
Undertake tasks and duties as requested by the Co-Headteachers.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
The Gallery Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment with The Gallery Trust is subject to verification of ID and qualifications, satisfactory evidence of the right to work in the UK, health clearance, and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check. The Gallery Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from candidates from all ethnic and community backgrounds.
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 Orion Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 10 to 18
- School size
- 74 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 10 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Orion Academy website
Orion Academy currently offers places to 94 students, and the roll of the school will rise steadily over the next three years to cater for 108 students, aged from 10 to 18 years. Students attend from throughout the county, and transfer from our SEND feeder school, Northern House Academy, and from mainstream primary and secondary schools. All students who attend Orion Academy have an Education, Health and Care Plan, which describes their special needs and drives their educational provision.
Students are taught through a differentiated and bespoke curriculum designed to enhance their personal and social development and academic achievement. We have a strong intent to ensure our students leave with the personal characteristics to thrive in their communities. Classes are taught in stages, not necessarily age, allowing innovation and creative approaches to teaching and learning. The Academy provides support for our students with social and emotional needs through our Academy Community Learning Team, which consists of youth workers, therapeutic and pastoral workers.
School location
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