Assistant Headteacher – Science

Assistant Headteacher - Science Lead

Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Academic Assessment

Salary: Leadership Scale L4-L8
Location: The Kassia Academy, Fallowfield Grove, Longbarn, Warrington, WA2 0QQ
Start date: January 2027
Closing date: 12 noon on Wednesday 14 October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 19 October 2026

Core Purpose

The Assistant Headteacher Science Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership for science while contributing to the leadership of teaching, learning, curriculum and academic assessment across The Kassia Academy.

The post-holder will ensure that Science is ambitious, coherent, well sequenced and responsive to the needs and starting points of pupils.

Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the post-holder will strengthen classroom practice, develop staff, improve the use of assessment and contribute to whole-school improvement. The role includes a teaching commitment and the post-holder must be willing and able to teach Mathematics at Key Stage 4 according to the needs of the academy.

Key Accountabilities

Lead the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of the Science curriculum.

Improve the quality and consistency of teaching, learning and assessment across the academy.

Secure strong pupil progress in science from individual starting points.

Develop staff subject knowledge, pedagogy and confidence through coaching and professional learning.

Use assessment information effectively to identify gaps, plan provision and evaluate impact.

Contribute to safeguarding, positive behaviour and the effective day-to-day leadership of the academy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership of Science

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of science across the academy, establishing a clear vision and high expectations for the subject.

Design, implement and regularly review an ambitious, coherent and appropriately sequenced Science curriculum that meets the needs of pupils with SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Ensure that schemes of work, medium-term plans and lesson resources build knowledge and skills progressively from pupils’ individual starting points.

Ensure appropriate pathways, qualifications and accreditation are in place at Key Stage 4 and that pupils are prepared effectively for examinations and assessments.

Monitor the quality of science provision through learning reviews, lesson visits, work scrutiny, assessment analysis and pupil voice, taking prompt action where improvement is required.

Evaluate pupil attainment and progress in science, identify gaps and coordinate timely intervention and support.

Develop staff subject knowledge and Science pedagogy through modelling, coaching, collaborative planning and targeted professional development.

Promote pupils’ scientific literacy, enquiry skills, curiosity and understanding of how Science connects to everyday life, future study and employment.

Ensure practical Science is planned and delivered safely, with appropriate risk assessments, supervision and controls for equipment, substances and activities in line with academy procedures and relevant guidance.

Oversee the effective and responsible use of science resources and contribute to budget planning and procurement for the subject.

Keep up to date with developments in science education, curriculum requirements and relevant qualifications, advising senior leaders on their implications for the academy.

Teaching and Learning

Support the implementation and review of the curriculum across subjects and interventions, ensuring it is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to pupils’ needs.

Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning across the academy and support consistent, high-quality practice.

Lead and support whole-school priorities for teaching and learning in line with the School Improvement Plan.

Provide advice, guidance and practical support to subject leaders and teachers to strengthen planning, teaching and classroom practice.

Undertake learning reviews and lesson observations and provide clear, constructive and developmental feedback.

Model high-quality teaching and promote pupils’ engagement, independence and positive behaviour for learning.

Undertake an appropriate teaching commitment, including teaching Mathematics at Key Stage 4, as directed by the Headteacher and according to the needs of the academy.

Curriculum Development

Support the planning, sequencing and review of the wider curriculum to secure progression, ambition and inclusivity.

Ensure curriculum design supports functional skills, independence, preparation for adulthood and positive destinations.

Promote literacy, numeracy, oracy, personal development and careers education across the curriculum, with clear links through science where appropriate.

Contribute to curriculum review in response to evidence, national guidance, qualification requirements and the needs of the academy cohort.

Promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British Values through curriculum planning and delivery.

Develop links with parents, employers, further education providers and the wider community to enrich pupils’ curriculum experiences.

Assessment and Pupil Progress

Lead the development and consistent use of effective assessment in science and support appropriate assessment approaches across the curriculum.

Ensure assessment establishes accurate starting points, identifies barriers and informs clear next steps for pupils with SEND.

Analyse internal and external assessment information to evaluate progress, identify underachievement and inform curriculum and intervention planning.

Support staff to make accurate assessment judgements and participate in appropriate standardisation and moderation activity.

Ensure assessment information is recorded accurately and used purposefully in teaching, reporting and discussions with pupils, parents and senior leaders.

Contribute to the quality assurance of examination entries, controlled assessments and other accreditation requirements where applicable.

Staff Development and Leadership

Contribute to the planning and delivery of professional development aligned with academy priorities.

Coach and mentor colleagues through observation, feedback, modelling and professional dialogue.

Support the development of staff subject knowledge and evidence-informed pedagogy.

Line manage and support a defined group of staff or subject leaders as directed by the Headteacher.

Contribute to appraisal and performance management processes and hold colleagues to account for agreed responsibilities.

Build a culture of professional reflection, collaboration, high expectations and continuous improvement.

Adaptive Teaching and SEND

Work closely with the SENCo and pastoral colleagues to ensure teaching and curriculum provision respond effectively to pupils’ needs.

Promote the consistent use of adaptive strategies, including scaffolding, modelling, visuals, chunking and carefully planned retrieval practice.

Ensure that practical Science activities are accessible, appropriately adapted and safe for individual pupils.

Evaluate the impact of adaptations and interventions on engagement, learning and progress.

Contribute to professional development focused on inclusive classroom practice and meeting SEND and SEMH needs.

Innovation and Improvement

Promote evidence-informed te