Teacher of Chemistry 0.7 to 1.0FTE - ref. u34391323
Are you an innovative, enthusiastic and passionate Chemistry teacher?
Then this will be the job for you. We are proud to be Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025, Ranked No 1 in the North of England - The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025.
We would like to appoint an outstanding Teacher of Chemistry.
We passionately believe that Chemistry is of vital and fundamental importance as a science. The Chemistry department has seven specialist teachers and two technicians.
The department uses five well-equipped modern laboratories, a large staff office and a dedicated prep room. We have detailed schemes of work and we share resources in order to achieve high standards of teaching and learning. Teachers usually teach in all key stages.
In Chemistry we follow the AQA GCSE (9-1) specification. Achievement is very high; 83% 9-7 and 99% 9-5.
Around 250 students study Chemistry at A-Level, following the AQA A-level specification. Our students achieve good results at A- Level, with approximately 57% of grades at A* - B.
Almost all A-Level Chemistry students continue to University, many studying medicine or related degrees and various branches of science.
The department is always looking at ways of developing its curriculum and widening the experience for students.
We take great pride in providing our students with a first class education and instilling them with a love of learning.
For the Chemistry department at Heckmondwike, commitment, attitude, ideas, potential and enthusiasm are important qualities.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed teacher—whether experienced or an Early Career Teacher (ECT)—who is eager to develop their teaching expertise in an outstanding school.
You will need to:
- believe in our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Excellence and follow our school ethos embedded in our motto of ‘Nil Sine Labore’ - Nothing Without Work
- be a reflective practitioner wanting to develop and hone your craft to the highest level
- be an inspirational teacher who builds excellent relationships and motivates students
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities are outlined in a detailed job description.
In addition to this, teachers at Heckmondwike Grammar School are expected to be effective and reflective professionals who challenge and support all pupils to achieve their best. They should:
- Inspire confidence, build team commitment, and engage and motivate students.
- Think analytically about their work and take positive action to improve the quality of pupils’ learning.
- Encourage high standards of academic and personal achievement.
- Act as positive role models for students.
- Contribute actively to the policies and aspirations of the school and the Chemistry department.
- Motivated, ambitious students who are eager to learn and succeed.
- A supportive and creative team dedicated to student progress.
- Well-equipped, specialist classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.
- A learning-centred school where best practice is a priority.
- Comprehensive CPD opportunities to support professional development and career progression.
- A vibrant, collaborative community of like-minded professionals.
- A degree in a relevant discipline and a recognised teaching qualification.
- Up-to-date knowledge of the 11-18 curriculum and educational best practices.
- A strong classroom presence with the ability to inspire and motivate students from KS3 to KS5.
- Effective ICT skills and an understanding of how technology can enhance teaching and learning.
- A willingness to contribute to extracurricular activities and the wider school community.
- Confidence in contributing to curriculum development, including schemes of work and teaching materials.
- Energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for Chemistry.
- A suitability to work with children, with a commitment to safeguarding and student well-being.
Why Should You Apply?
Heckmondwike Grammar School is a unique learning environment, home to students who are eager to learn, ambitious in their aspirations, and keen to make the most of their educational experience.
We take pride in:
- Our diverse school community, which consistently achieves exceptional results.
- A school culture that supports students' academic success and personal development.
- Strong relationships between staff and students, creating a positive learning environment.
- High expectations, which drive students to excel.
We also offer:
- A competitive salary.
- Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- A range of well-being benefits.
We look forward to receiving your application
Protection of children:
Disclosure of criminal background of those with access to children.
All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain convictions and cautions are ‘protected’. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account.Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process.If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.
Safeguarding Statement:
Heckmondwike Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Full details regarding our Safeguarding Procedures can be found on our website in the
Safeguarding section, alternatively, please contact Recruitment to obtain a copy.