ABOUT BOSWORTH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
Bosworth Independent School is a relatively small school of approximately 300 students. This enables us to offer a supportive family atmosphere, where students and staff can enjoy their work and thrive as valued people and professionals. Our ethos is one that believes in the importance of the individual and celebrates success regardless of the level. Students come from a wide variety of countries and are motivated and aspirational, mostly aiming for Russell Group and Oxbridge.
JOB OVERVIEW
Bosworth Independent School is a vibrant day and boarding school in the heart of Northampton. Our students come from the UK and across the world, bringing an international character to a close and supportive community. Every student is known as an individual and encouraged to Flourish, Aspire and Belong.
The Faculty of Sciences is a large, core department at the heart of school life and one of our most popular areas of study among day and boarding students. Our students benefit from eight modern teaching laboratories and the support of an outstanding team of science technicians. All GCSE students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences. Across the three subjects, 29% of grades are at 9 to 7. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are also among our most popular A Level subjects, with 76% of grades across the three sciences at A* to C.
This is an opportunity for an inspiring leader to shape a growing and innovative faculty. The successful candidate will support talented colleagues, strengthen teaching and learning across every science pathway, and help students build the confidence and knowledge to pursue their ambitions. At Bosworth, we put students first and want every one of them to have the opportunity to flourish.
Purpose of the role
•Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Sciences Faculty, aligning its priorities with the school development plan and the values of Flourish, Aspire and Belong.
•Raise achievement and progress across every science course through an ambitious curriculum, effective teaching, reliable assessment and timely support.
•Build a collaborative and reflective faculty in which colleagues share expertise, receive constructive support and take responsibility for students’ learning.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic leadership and academic outcomes
•Develop, implement and review a concise faculty improvement plan with measurable priorities, clear ownership and regular evaluation.
•Take responsibility for the quality of provision and academic outcomes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and KS3 Science across A Level, GCSE, Pre A Level and UFP.
•Analyse examination papers, question level performance, grade boundaries, assessment data and student work to identify precise gaps in knowledge, scientific reasoning, practical skills and examination technique. Translate findings into teaching priorities and review their impact.
•Oversee the accurate collection, interpretation and reporting of attainment, progress and predicted grade data. Ensure that teachers use this information to plan challenge, support and intervention, while keeping records accurate and proportionate.
•Identify students at risk of underachievement, including those close to key grade boundaries, and coordinate targeted intervention with teachers, tutors and relevant leaders. Evaluate whether interventions improve learning.
•Maintain high expectations for all students, including those with additional learning needs and those learning English as an additional language, while providing suitable stretch for the most able.
Curriculum, teaching and assessment
•Lead the design and regular review of coherent schemes of work for each course, with clear sequencing of concepts, practical work, assessment points and progression between stages.
•Ensure that subject specifications, course requirements and practical endorsements are understood and delivered fully; review course choices with senior leaders where appropriate.
•Model strong science teaching and support colleagues in effective explanation, retrieval, questioning, practical instruction, feedback and adaptive teaching.
•Establish consistent, purposeful assessment and moderation across the faculty, including common assessments where appropriate, so that judgements are dependable and students know how to improve.
•Ensure that shared teaching resources, workbooks and revision materials are accurate, accessible, well organised and regularly updated, including suitable work for Supervised Study.
•Promote scientific literacy, numeracy, curiosity and independent enquiry, and prepare students for further study and relevant university applications.
People leadership and faculty management
•Line manage and support faculty colleagues as allocated, setting clear expectations and conducting regular professional conversations, coaching and appraisal in line with school procedures.
•Chair purposeful faculty meetings; delegate responsibilities fairly, follow up agreed actions and foster effective collaboration across the three sciences and with technical staff.
•Support recruitment, induction and mentoring of new staff, trainee teachers and early career teachers as appropriate; identify development needs and encourage relevant subject training and examiner experience.
•Monitor the quality of teaching, curriculum delivery and student work through proportionate review, supportive observation and discussion, and act promptly where improvement is needed.
•Coordinate staffing and cover arrangements with relevant colleagues, ensuring that essential learning and practical work can continue safely during absence.
•Manage faculty budgets, equipment, stock, rooms and shared resources responsibly and make evidence based requests for future investment.
Practical science, safety and enrichment
•Work closely with technicians to plan practical learning, maintain appropriate equipment and ensure suitable preparation and supervision.
•Ensure that practical activities, chemicals, equipment and storage follow school policies and current health and safety requirements, with suitable risk assessments and staff training. Escalate concerns promptly.
•Develop enriching opportunities such as science clubs, competitions, visiting speakers, trips and links with higher education or scientific organisations, subject to school approval and safe planning.
•Champion the profile of science across the school and contribute to options events, open events and the wider co curricular programme.
Communication and wider responsibilities
•Report clearly to senior leaders on outcomes, priorities, risks and the impact of faculty actions, contributing to whole school academic planning.
•Communicate constructively with students, parents, guardians and relevant colleagues about progress, support and course choices; attend relevant meetings and parents’ evenings.
•Work with pastoral, SEND, EAL, exams and sixth form colleagues to ensure coordinated support and fair access to science learning.
•Promote student wellbeing, positive behaviour and attendance, and follow safeguarding policies, reporting concerns promptly through the school’s procedures.
Person Specification
Essential
•A relevant degree and recognised teaching qualification, or equivalent professional teaching status.
•Successful experience teaching at least one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics to A Level, with a secure understanding of secondary science and examination requirements.
•Clear examples of leading a department, subject area, course or substantial faculty initiative, including developing colleagues and securing agreed improvements.
•A strong record of improving academic results or student progress, with the ability to explain the actions taken, the evidence used and the impact achieved.
•Skill in designing and evaluating schemes of work and assessments, and in using student and examination data to improve teaching.
•The ability to inspire and develop others through coaching, constructive feedback, shared practice and high expectations.
•Sound knowledge of safe practical science and a commitment to inclusive teaching, safeguarding and student welfare.
•Strong organisation, communication and judgement, with the ability to prioritise, manage resources and work collaboratively with colleagues and families.
Desirable
•Experience leading more than one science discipline or coordinating a combined science curriculum.
•Experience of GCSE and A Level examination marking, moderation or work as an examiner.
•Experience teaching or leading foundation, international or Pre A Level programmes, including support for students with EAL needs.
•Experience managing technicians, practical provision, budgets or laboratory development.
•A relevant leadership qualification or evidence of sustained professional development in curriculum and leadership.
•Experience designing effective intervention and enrichment programmes, including preparation for science related university pathways.
•The duties above describe the main responsibilities of the post. The Head of Faculty for Sciences may be asked to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role and the needs of the school.
BENEFITS
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Car Scheme
• Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
• Free eye tests
• Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group income protection
• GP24: GP Access for all
• Health Cash Plan
• Death in Service
• Long service awards
• Employee referral scheme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.
With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.
