Head of Chemistry

Job Title: Head of Chemistry

Responsible To: Line Manager (SLT)

Responsible For:
Leading and teaching Chemistry on a designated timetable from KS3–KS5

SAIntS is committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare – full background checks will be conducted.
SAIntS proudly champions diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging in all we do.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Good degree or equivalent in Chemistry or a closely related field
• Teaching qualification – PGCE & QTS or equivalent
• Middle Leadership Qualification or training (e.g. MPQL or CPML)

Desirable Qualifications & Skills

• Evidence of further education (e.g. MA)
• Evidence of senior leadership training
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Essential Experience

• Experience of teaching Science in KS3, KS4 & KS5
• Experience of IGCSE, BTEC and A-level courses
• Confident use of digital technology, educational software, and AI-enhanced teaching tools
• Using data to inform teaching and improve student outcomes
• Experience of leading a department

Desirable Experience

• Experience in curricular development
• Experience of teaching another science or STEM subject

Essential Personal Qualities

• Passion for lifelong learning and for Chemistry
• Ability to inspire and motivate students academically and personally
• Excellent teaching and classroom management skills
• Strong team player with empathy and interpersonal awareness
• Flexible, organised, resilient, and adaptable to change
• Strong communicator, honest, trustworthy, and committed
• Willing to contribute to co-curricular activities and the wider school community
• Committed to safeguarding, student wellbeing, and the supportive ethos of the school
• Driver for innovation in teaching and learning, promoting the school’s vision for educational excellence

Core Responsibilities – Department Leadership

• Provide visionary academic leadership for the Chemistry department, ensuring high standards in teaching, learning, and student outcomes
• Develop and implement a coherent, engaging, and progressive Chemistry curriculum from KS3–KS5, aligned with the school’s ethos and local context
• Lead teaching and learning innovation in Chemistry, promoting evidence-informed strategies, use of AI/digital tools, and student-centred approaches
• Promote cross-curricular links and STEM integration across the school
• Set clear academic expectations for staff and students, fostering a collaborative, high-performing department culture
• Manage departmental staff, including appraisals, professional development, and task delegation
• Audit and review departmental resources, policies, and procedures, developing and executing a departmental improvement plan
• Oversee departmental assessments, moderation, and reporting to maintain accuracy and high standards
• Coordinate external examination organisation and ensure smooth implementation
• Track student progress, analyse data, and implement targeted interventions to improve outcomes
• Organise department meetings, learning walks, lesson observations, and relevant professional development
• Arrange Chemistry-based trips, guest speakers, and enrichment opportunities to inspire students
• Maintain and manage department budget, resources, and laboratory facilities, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards
• Support and mentor less experienced or non-specialist teachers within the department
• Champion teaching and learning initiatives that support the school’s vision and strategic objectives

Teaching Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality Chemistry lessons across all key stages
• Attend and contribute to departmental and whole-school meetings
• Support students’ personal, social, and academic development
• Ensure safeguarding and safe working environments in all practical and classroom activities
• Provide feedback to students, colleagues, and parents in a timely and constructive manner
• Support students in assessments, access arrangements, and other learning interventions
• Keep up to date with subject knowledge, pedagogical trends, and emerging educational technology
• Participate in co-curricular activities, including running at least one afternoon enrichment activity
• Support in the supervision of students while they complete relevant assessments
• Support students’ access to learning using appropriate strategies and resources
• Track progress and attainment and recommend interventions and record impact

Pastoral Responsibilities

• Assist with boarding if required
• Be a form tutor and ensure this covers the full description of this role – Available upon request
• Deliver Life Skills Lessons as part of year programme
• Partake in team building activities, including annual residential
• Participate in House activities
• Take part in whole school events such as swimming gala and sports day

General Responsibilities Common to All Staff

• Be smartly dressed, establish a business-like environment
• Carry out duties as may be required from time to time commensurate with the overall responsibility of the post
• Comply and actively promote school policies, including Safeguarding, Learning & Teaching, Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety
• Confront negative student conduct and take appropriate steps to deal with it
• Deal with all communication and personal enquiries efficiently and effectively, in a way that promotes a positive image of the school
• Promote excellent relationships and a positive ethos when communicating with students, staff, parents and external contacts
• Promote positive student and staff conduct
• Undertake training and development relevant to the post