Deputy Head of Department - Science

About the role

Deputy Head of Science

Dates: Apply by Tuesday 11th March 2025

Location: Rickmansworth

Contract type: Full time 

Contract term: Permanent

Salary: Academy Trust Scale, dependent on skills and experience (£33,233 to £53,428 plus an additional £3,482 responsibilities payment)

Start Date: September 2025

The Reach Free School is looking to appoint a confident, inspirational and committed Deputy Head of Science to join our team of talented, energetic and visionary teachers. 

We are looking to recruit a Deputy Head of Department with successful teaching experience across the age and ability range. Someone who delivers exceptional outcomes at all levels. You will join a team dedicated to empowering our pupils to leave school as confident, scientifically literate individuals.

You will have a passion for Science and a track record of excellent teaching, collaboration and creativity. You will hold and embody the highest expectations of your pupils and will have the drive and ambition to create an outstanding learning environment in science and beyond. More information specific to this role is included in the application pack. 

This is an excellent career opportunity offering valuable leadership and management experience that would provide the ideal preparation for future middle or senior leadership roles. 

The Reach Free School is looking for its middle leaders to: 

• Be outstanding practitioners who inspire pupils and colleagues

• Be creative in delivering a rigorous academic curriculum

• Believe that every child can and will succeed

• Be committed to securing the best outcomes for all pupils at the school with an understanding of how data can be used to maximise progress

• Have a passion for education and be open to innovative approaches in everyday aspects of school life

• Be excited about helping to design and create every aspect of the school, including the curriculum, policies and the extended day programme

• Be flexible, collaborative and resilient

• Support and mentor colleagues who are training

In return, we will offer you: 

• The opportunity to be a key member of staff and help build on the school’s successes to date

• A happy and supportive working environment with high expectations and standards

• Access to the latest technology to assist in developing your teaching and learning

• Competitive salaries based on skills and experience

• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

• A staff committee that organises various social events

• A comprehensive employee assistance programme

• A £500 new employee referral scheme

• Free parking

• A BUPA cash plan to contribute to medical care 

• A Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme

• An Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme 

• Up to five days paid leave in compassionate, emergency or exceptional circumstances. For example, our staff can see their children perform in assemblies or shows.

• A network of outstanding practitioners to collaborate with and learn from, both in school and across the Watford Partnership for Teacher Training

• A comprehensive professional development programme together with opportunities to further develop your career

The Reach Free School is a successful secondary school which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023. The over-subscribed school is a popular choice for local families. The school has excellent modern facilities built in 2018 right in the heart of its community. If the challenges of working in a local secondary school appeal to you, then we would like to hear from you.

Further information is available from our website: www.thereachfreeschool.co.uk. 

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact The Reach Free School with any questions on 01923 711517 or via email to Mrs Keri McKay, HR Officer, kmckay@reachfree.co.uk.  

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 11th March 2025

Interviews to take place: Tuesday 18th March 2025

Safer Recruitment
The Reach Free School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. To ensure we fulfil this responsibility, all candidates will undergo a thorough selection process designed to deter and identify unsuitable applicants. Details of this process are outlined below. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Disclosure
This role involves significant access to children, and any appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for previous criminal convictions. Candidates must disclose any convictions, cautions, or bind-overs, including ‘spent convictions’ as defined under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020), prior to appointment. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in termination of employment. However, a criminal background will not automatically exclude individuals from employment; each case will be considered based on the nature and timing of the offence(s).

Online searches 

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) asks schools to carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of the process of assessing suitability. The school will also carry out a prohibition from teaching check. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of your employment.