Second in Department- Science
Outwood Academy Ripon, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DE5 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 January 2027
Closing date
19 October 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
14 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Other leadership role
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Science
Working pattern
- Full time: 1FTE - 32.5 hours /weel , Monday to Friday
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- MPS/UPS
Additional allowances
TLR 2.1
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Second in Department to provide cohesive leadership and motivating direction within our faculty. In this pivotal role, you will support the Head of Department in driving innovative strategies to enhance the quality of learning, teaching, and student achievement. As a model of the Academy’s vision and values, you will be a key driver in our journey to becoming an 'outstanding' school, championing best practice and fostering a collective approach to problem-solving and curricular development.
What the school offers its staff
Welcome from the Principal:
We are proud that Outwood Academy Ripon is rated Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted. We are an 11-16 academy based in the cathedral city of Ripon, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the magnificent Studley Royal Deer Park, including the well-preserved Cistercian Fountains Abbey. Our success is one of the most impressive in North Yorkshire, and we have been recognised for our consistently excellent outcomes in progress and attainment.
Judged as Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted in 2024, the inspection stated that “Pupils are supported by caring staff who know them well”, “Pupils know that learning is important and apply themselves diligently to their work” and noted that ”the relationships between staff and students are very strong and behaviour around the academy is of a high standard".
We aim to promote the highest standards of academic achievement through inspiring teaching and learning, with a curriculum designed to stretch and enrich our students’ experience. Our success speaks for itself as we are above the national average for the number of students achieving at a Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs, and we have won numerous awards as a school including the Carnegie Mental Health Silver Award, Anti-Bullying Alliance Bronze Award and being accredited with the prestigious IQM Centre of Excellence status, which highlights that inclusion at all levels is of paramount importance to us.
Put simply, we take pride in serving the local community, ensuring everyone has a right to learn.
About the Department:
Our Science department is a team full of passionate individuals with a love for science and learning. A broad range of experience means that we constantly learn from and support each other.
Based in the 4th smallest city in the UK, surrounded by the countryside and hills of North Yorkshire. In close proximity to World Heritage sites such as Fountains Abbey and within easy reach of Harrogate and bigger cities such as Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and York; Ripon is a great place to work.
We pride ourselves on our supportive nature and passion for science. Practical science is at the heart of what we do and we are ably supported by an experienced technician who has the patience of a saint.
Joining our dynamic Science Department means being part of a team committed to fostering a love of science and a deep understanding of the subject. We believe that through outstanding teaching, students will leave with a better understanding of the world around them and therefore be able to make informed decisions about their life.
We run an extra-curricular programme that supports what students learn in class as well as affording them opportunities to experience science beyond the classroom.
As a member of our team you will have the opportunity to:
- Innovate: Develop creative and interactive lessons that inspire a passion for science in your students.
- Collaborate: Work with a diverse team of educators who share best practices and ideas to continually improve your teaching skills.
- Grow: Benefit from professional development opportunities and pathways to advancement within our school.
- Impact: Make a lasting impression on the lives of young learners as you nurture their scientific curiosity.
At KS3 our students study an exciting course that takes our students beyond the National Curriculum requirements. This has been developed using the collective expertise of staff across the Trust.
At KS4 we teach
AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics
AQA Combined Trilogy Science, and
AQA Entry Level Certificate
Further information about the job
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
Please complete the online application.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Apply for this jobAdditional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Outwood Academy Ripon
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- Size
- 609 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- a.martin@ripon.outwood.com
About the School:
Principal: Rachel Donohue
We are proud that Outwood Academy Ripon is rated Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted. We are an 11-16 academy based in the cathedral city of Ripon which is a thriving community with a magnificent cathedral making it one of Yorkshire’s most loved cities. The city’s history is entwined with the church and its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the magnificent Studley Royal Deer Park, including the well-preserved Cistercian Fountains Abbey. Ripon is a delightful city with riverside and canal sidewalks that reach into the countryside and buildings that span the last thousand years. Our success is one of the most impressive in North Yorkshire, and we have been recognised for our consistently excellent outcomes in progress and attainment.
Judged as Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted in 2024, the inspection stated that “Pupils are supported by caring staff who know them well”, “Pupils know that learning is important and apply themselves diligently to their work" and noted that ”the relationships between staff and students are very strong and behaviour around the academy is of a high standard".
We aim to promote the highest standards of academic achievement through inspiring teaching and learning, with a curriculum designed to stretch and enrich our students’ experience. Our success speaks for itself as we are above the national average for the number of students achieving at a Grade 5 or above in english & maths GCSEs, and we have won numerous awards as a school including the Carnegie Mental Health Silver Award, Anti-Bullying Alliance Bronze Award and being accredited with the prestigious IQM Centre of Excellence status, which highlights that inclusion at all levels is of paramount importance to us.
Put simply, we take pride in serving the local community, ensuring everyone has a right to learn.
Arranging a visit to Outwood Academy Ripon
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email a.martin@ripon.outwood.com.
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