Head of Science

Academy: Hewett Academy

Category: Teaching

Start Date: September 2026

Closing Date: Fri, Dec 19, 2025

Job Weeks: All Year Round

Hours: 32.5 hours per week

Type: Permanent, Full Time

Job Reference: DEC

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) and TLR1 of £10,592 per annum

Start Date: September 2026

It's been a great few years for Hewett Academy with fantastic GCSE results, 8 pieces of artwork in the Royal Academy, a complete school rebuilding project on the horizon, an Ofsted grading of "Good with Outstanding features" and results that make us one of the highest performing in Norfolk and the 3rd most improved on progress in England We now have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Science to join our committed and hardworking team at Hewett Academy.

This key role will give you the opportunity to work with senior leaders and the subject team on curriculum development and play an important part in creating a department that aims to set the standard nationally. You will have a willingness to work with the wider Inspiration Trust team to deliver an exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

The Science Department at Hewett has been consistently getting results above the national average - but we know that we can do so much more as the school grows Plus, you'll be the Head of Department in a brand-new school with newly fitted out Science labs. This is a great opportunity in a school that is really going places.

What You'll Be Doing

To be a role model to the department

To lead on the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop student expertise in the subject

To lead the key subject areas in understanding and developing high quality and innovative provision within a world-class curriculum and excellent teaching

Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.

Collaborate effectively with colleagues, external agencies, and the Senior Leadership Team.

Participate in meetings, quality assurance processes, and school events outside normal hours.

Promote and uphold the Trust and Academy's ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.

Ensure pupil safeguarding, welfare, attendance, punctuality, and behaviour are monitored and supported.

Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision lessons.

Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students, and maintain high standards of pupil work.

Assess pupil progress, evaluate teaching approaches, and provide reports and references to support pupil development.

Actively contribute to school life, including enrichment activities and departmental discussions on teaching methods.

About You

You will be a leader who shares our belief that all pupils have the right to succeed and have access to the very best education. The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You should come with an existing track record of effectiveness but be keen to develop further as a member of the wider leadership team.

Essential:

An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.

Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS before taking up the post).

Successful subject experience as a teacher and manager in education in a secondary school

Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change

Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards

Knowledge of the statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection

Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the wider community.

Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.

Experience of teaching the subject in a secondary school across the 11-16 age range.

Desirable:

Postgraduate qualification in the subject or in the teaching of the subject.

Experience teaching the subject in a Sixth Form or Further Education setting.

Experience examining the subject for an appropriate exam board.

Experience mentoring and coaching trainee and early-career teachers

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You'll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you'll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions

Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *

Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *

Free parking at most sites

Personalised CPD and development programmes

A structured and specific induction programme.

• Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

The Hewett Academy in Norwich is a vibrant, ambitious secondary school rated Good by Ofsted, with Outstanding provision for personal development. With a strong ethos, a diverse and welcoming community, and exciting new facilities as part of our redevelopment programme, The Hewett Academy is a fantastic place to work, grow, and make a real difference in the lives of young people.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country's leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

For information on what it is like to live and work in Norwich, click here.

Next Steps

Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the "Planning your application" section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Carina Nicolson, PA to Principal ).

To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.

When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Friday 19th December 2025

Interview date: Week commencing 5th January 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.