We are looking for an experienced scientist to lead our science faculty. The role would suit someone who is a current or recent Head of Science or experienced Head of an individual science. 

The successful candidate will join the staff as a teacher in the Science department with additional responsibilities as the Head of Department: all Head of Department positions at Eton are tenable for an initial 5 years and renewable for a further 5 years by mutual agreement.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Our staff are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

In addition to the opportunities for  career progression, training and development, we also offer an excellent remuneration and benefits package which includes free accommodation, a generous Pension Scheme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities which are currently being extensively upgraded and discount at local retailers and businesses.

ACADEMIC

• articulate a clear vision for the future of science at Eton and develop the strategy to realise this vision;
• monitor the quality of teaching and learning across the three sciences;
• co-ordinate and evaluate the support for pupils applying for scientific courses at university;
• co-ordinate and promote STEM education within the department and the wider school;
• co-ordinate and evaluate the department’s approach to SEND;
• co-ordinate and evaluate the department’s approach to inclusion education;
• manage internal assessment processes;
• manage the assessment in science of applicants to join the school across a range of entry points and procedures;
• oversee the various departmental prize competitions and lectures;
• teach across the age and ability range, accommodating the most able, and those who find the subject challenging;
• ensure the best possible academic outcomes, by planning, preparing and delivering well-structured, and creative lessons which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils;
• assess, mark, record and report on the development and progress of pupils in line with the school’s assessment and reporting processes, ensuring challenging goals are set and achieved;
• provide timely, detailed and supportive feedback to pupils;
• ensure your subject knowledge and skills as a teacher are up-to-date;
• cover lessons when required;
• be expected to teach non-examined curricular subjects, including SPHERE (the College's PSHE programme);
• seek to develop your own professional practice;
• attend parents’ meetings as required;
• carry out administrative and other functions related to the smooth running of the department.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• lead a team of 40 and directly line manage the three Heads of individual sciences and the departmental technicians;
• be a highly visible presence around the Science Department, attending a wide range of departmental and school events (including some evening and weekend work);
• develop the culture of openness in the school, including peer observation and learning walks within the three departments;
• liaise with senior management and HR over staffing issues and recruitment;
• work with the Heads of individual Sciences to develop colleagues in the sciences, both professionally and personally;
• make sure Health and Safety risk assessments are up to date and observed to protect both staff and pupils;
• manage the department’s physical space, including overseeing external bookings, and manage financial budgets.

CO-CURRICULAR

• contribute to the co-curricular life of the school as agreed with your Head of Department;
• accompany students on visits away from the School, subject to risk assessment;
• actively contribute to the staff duty rota, such as supervising meal times and exam invigilating;
• contribute to the wider school social programme, including workshops, seminars, chapel services, competitions, trips, open days, and so on.

PASTORAL 

• be committed to the safeguarding of all young people;
• manage behaviour effectively to ensure a positive and safe learning environment;
• treat pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position;
• tutor up to twelve pupils, (typically in groups of six) taking an interest in their academic progress and well-being;
• assist on a regular basis in a boarding house, supporting the House Master and getting to know all the students.

LOOKING OUTWARDS

• ensure that there are effective and lively academic societies across the sciences;
• establish contacts with science departments at universities;
• work with the Director of Outreach and Partnership to ensure that science is an integral part of the Outreach and Partnership programme;
• work with partner schools to exploit the reciprocal benefits of Eton’s Partnership programme;
• ensure that accurate information is provided for parents on departmental aims, methods and courses.

As Head of Science, you will be someone who:

• is an inspirational educator with a clear vision;
• has a commitment to developing STEM and inter-disciplinary approaches;
• works with partner schools to promote science education in the wider educational community.
• enjoys working with autonomy and taking personal responsibility, getting involved and coming up with creative solutions to problems;
• is unafraid to tackle difficult issues, but does so with tact and diplomacy and the desire to create win-win solutions;
• is flexible and organised and enjoys juggling competing priorities;
• is an outstanding communicator, with the ability and desire to engage a variety of people with different needs and priorities;
• has a proven track record as a Head of Department and/or has practical experience of managing a team, procuring materials and running a budget;
• has strong personal and people management skills including the ability to lead and inspire both teaching and non-teaching staff and the desire to bring together and develop a cohesive team.

You will also be a reflective and inspiring classroom teacher who:

• has a degree (2:1 or above) and/or a further degree in a directly-related subject;
• is passionate about their subject and can demonstrate the subject knowledge required to deliver engaging and varied lessons across the age and ability range of students at the school;
• shares Eton’s holistic vision of education and is excited to contribute to the co-curricular and pastoral aspects of boarding-school life;
• demonstrates a solid understanding of, and commitment to working within the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• has strong interpersonal skills and can build relationships and collaborate with a wide range of people;
• is committed to their ongoing professional development;
• embraces developments and innovations in teaching and learning and is open to a range of approaches to assessment and differentiation in the classroom;
• can demonstrate good ICT competence and willingness to use new technologies for teaching and learning;
• is highly motivated and can work independently as well as within wider teams;
• as a colleague, be positive, forward-looking and collaborative;
• is interested in the welfare and pastoral wellbeing of young people;
• has excellent oral and written communication skills;                 
• has a positive attitude, an optimistic approach to change and development, a balanced sense of perspective and a good sense of humour.

LIVING IN ETON

All members of our community are encouraged to participate fully in the life of the school and to enjoy the beautiful grounds and facilities. The school is part of the picturesque village of Eton with plenty of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops and is just over the bridge from the beautiful town of Windsor. Eton is a short walk from Windsor Riverside Station, with regular trains to Waterloo. Eton is only a short drive from Slough station with 17 minute train services to Paddington, along with the Elizabeth Line offering a direct line into central London. This makes it very commutable for those living in Eton. Proximity to Heathrow and the M4 and M25 mean that it is incredibly well connected and easy to get to.

THE ETON COMMUNITY

There is enormous collegiality at the school. As one new teacher said: “This is my fourth school and I’ve never been made to feel so welcome”. Colleagues are also genuinely interested in the scholarship of their subject and enjoy a level of autonomy in their teaching that allows them to develop their own effective style.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly.