Job Description

Head of Science – Islington – September 2026

Are you an experienced Head of Science ready to lead a department with real scope for impact in Islington? This large, mixed secondary school is on a clear improvement journey, with Ofsted recognising stronger leadership, improved behaviour systems and a more ambitious curriculum being embedded across subjects.

• Permanent Head of Science role in Islington on Inner London MPS/UPS + TLR
• Opportunity to shape and embed a fully sequenced science curriculum across KS3–KS5 as Head of Science
• Supportive senior leadership team with a clear focus on raising standards and developing middle leaders
• Improved behaviour systems creating a calm and purposeful learning environment
• Strong CPD and leadership development pathways, ideal for an ambitious Head of Science
• Lead the strategic direction of science, ensuring consistency in teaching, curriculum delivery and assessment as Head of Science
• Drive improvements in GCSE and A-Level outcomes, with a focus on knowledge retention and exam readiness
• Develop staff subject knowledge and pedagogy, including effective practical work
• Use data to close attainment gaps, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND and EAL needs
• The school serves a diverse community in Islington, with above-average proportions of disadvantaged pupils and significant SEND and EAL needs
• Ofsted highlighted that while the curriculum is now more ambitious, further work is needed to ensure pupils retain key knowledge over time, a key priority for the incoming Head of Science
• Leaders are focused on embedding consistency across teaching and assessment, providing a strong platform for the Head of Science to drive improvement
• QTS and a strong track record of teaching science at secondary level are essential
• Previous leadership experience or readiness to step into a Head of Science role
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment and raising attainment
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team within a diverse Islington setting

This Head of Science role offers a genuine opportunity to shape a department and deliver measurable outcomes in a school with clear direction and leadership support in Islington.

Ribbons & Reeves are London’s leading Education Recruiters. We specialise in helping educators of all level’s secure long-term and permanent roles, such as this ‘Head of Science’ in ‘Islington’. For other roles like this, check out our website, search ‘Ribbons & Reeves’. We look forward to supporting you in your application to this ‘Head of Science’ role.

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