Head of Chemistry
Who We Are
At Haberdashers' Elstree Schools, we are more than just an educational institution—we are a vibrant, diverse community committed to nurturing a global outlook and a strong sense of responsibility in our students. Our wide-ranging curriculum and extensive co-curricular activities prepare pupils for success in whatever path they choose.We stand by our core values of Ambition, Curiosity, Courage, and Community, which guide everything we do.
Unlock your potential and contribute to our thriving community. Apply now to become a key player in shaping the future of Habs!
About the Role
Head of Chemistry
An exciting opportunity has emerged for a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Science department. As Head of Chemistry you will be a key figure within the School and are responsible for setting and maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of school life.Heads of Department are responsible for the overall provision and the strategic direction of their departments. With ambitious growth plans in place, we seek someone with the passion and expertise to drive change and foster innovation.
The Chemistry department at Habs is popular and strong, with 65 pupils currently studying the subject at A Level and 160 in Year 11 at IGCSE.
Key Responsibilities- Demonstrate an energetic and passionate subject expertise at the highest level, driving forward innovation in the subject and leading teaching and development of an ambitious curriculum, including support for university applications.
- Be responsible for stretching and supporting our students to ensure that each individual develops a sense of curiosity and a love of learning, as well as achieving the highest possible academic outcomes.
- Analyse and evaluate department performance and drive improvements forward.
- Positively and pro-actively mentor colleagues, promoting their interests, welfare and professionalism, so that all staff are supported in delivering high standards.
- Motivate staff and ensure appropriate working relations within the department.
- Call and chair regular departmental meetings to ensure that all colleagues receive appropriate training, information and guidance.
- Be responsible for the day-to-day management of classrooms, ICT equipment, physical and web-based resources.
- Ensure that the physical classroom environments are a stimulating and positive learning environment for the delivery of their subject and that displays are academically stimulating and regularly updated.
Please refer to the candidate pack for further details.
What We're Looking For- A track record of outstanding leadership and management in education
- Exceptional subject and curriculum knowledge
- Experience of the public examination process
- A holistic view of education that encompasses academic, pastoral and co-curricular elements
- Understanding of role in the context of safeguarding children
- A good bachelor’s degree
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is desirable, not essential
- An excellent record as a teacher, manager and leader
- A record of continuous professional development
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Powers of diplomacy and persuasion
- The ability to contribute towards the School’s development
- Strong organisational and administrative skills with a keen eye for detail
- A good level of IT competency
- A competitive salary, commensurate with the candidate’s experience and the size of the School
- Approximately 17 weeks holiday per year
- Additional life insurance cover, access to Employee Assistance
- Financial assistance for obtaining further qualifications
- Extensive professional development training opportunities
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Free lunch and refreshments during term time
- Free onsite parking or access to travel on the schools extensive coach network
- Free access to state-of-the-art sports facilities including the gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes
- Wellbeing initiatives and programmes, such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and health checks
- Access to an online GP service, providing quick and convenient healthcare advice
- Access to Vivup, the staff benefits platform, featuring discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme and other green travel incentives including Octopus Electric Vehicles
Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy sooner, please apply as soon as possible.
Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.