Principal Teacher of Science

Days of Work:
Monday - Friday
To start 12th August 2024.

For posts starting August, applications are welcome from current probationers pending attainment of full registration with the GTCS.

Knox Academy is a truly comprehensive school situated in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland. At census 2023 the roll was 902. Our school values are Ambition, Respect and Community and we work through these values to ensure all pupils feel included and valued. We aim to support all our young people to strive to reach their potential and leave to a positive and sustained destination. We aim to be the best we can, in all that we do for our young people and to give them a high quality educational experience.

The curriculum provides a full range of subjects from S1-S6. We aim to meet the needs of all the pupils, providing a curriculum that is appropriate in terms of breadth, depth and challenge. We endeavour to treat all pupils as individuals and hope that they, their parents and the community will work in partnership to provide them with the support and opportunities that will enable them to make their next educational steps. Pupils are encouraged to access the extensive and varied menu of extra-curricular activities on offer.

There is a proud tradition of excellent education in Haddington and the pupils, staff and parents of the school work hard to continue this.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Teacher of Science to lead our Science Faculty at Knox Academy. The faculty delivers the full range of Science courses from BGE to advanced higher, is innovative, inclusive and attracts a high uptake in certificated courses. We have introduced a number of new courses to our science faculty recently, including Lab Skills and Forensic Science will also run for the first time in Session

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, energetic and with the ability to communicate their enthusiasm to the pupils and staff and be able to demonstrate managing change effectively and excellent leadership skills to continue to take the faculty forward. The candidate will also be an excellent classroom practitioner.

Interviews will take place on the 11th June 2024.

Teaching relevant subject through S1-S6.

Subject to the policies of the school and East Lothian Council, the duties of a Principal Teacher, as a member of the school's management team, is to perform such tasks as the Head Teacher/Depute Head Teacher will direct having reasonable regard to the overall workload of a classroom teacher.

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The East Lothian Way' - values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Relevant Qualifications
Registered with GTCS as a teacher of relevant subject
Permanent Posts: GTCS Full registration (General)
Temporary Posts: GTCS Full registration (General) / Provisional registration

PVG Membership
This post is considered as Regulated Work with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.

All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.

Please note: PVG member's records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.

Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link:

Please Note - Pay arrangements for those starting after 1st day of school session
In accordance with Teachers Conditions of Service (SNCT - Appendix 2.19), Teachers who commence employment with East Lothian Council after the first day of the school session will have their salary for the remainder of the school salary year (which runs from 1 August to 31 July each year), recalculated to reflect how teachers accrue leave and pay.

In these circumstances, a calculation will be carried out upon commencement of employment and leave and pay will be adjusted. Further information will be provided to the successful candidate should this be applicable.

East Lothian Council Secondary Schools
Further details on all East Lothian Council Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here: Secondary Schools

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If you require further information about this vacancy, please call , or email us on

Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an import data from my CV' function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.