Overview
Job title: Associate Assistant Principal: Director of Science
Location: Sheffield Park Academy, Beaumont Road North, Sheffield, S2 1SN
Salary: Highly competitive United Learning Leadership Pay Scale starting from £59,000 per annum (negotiable for the right candidate), depending on experience.
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Start date: January 2026 or sooner if possible
About the role
Sheffield Park Academy is seeking to appoint an Associate Assistant Principal: Director of Science. The Director will oversee the science department (Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) and be an integral part of the academy's Senior Leadership Team. The responsibilities of the post-holder will be negotiated based on the successful candidate's experience. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a rapidly improving school and to develop a pathway toward senior leadership roles (potential, Principal) with support from the academy.
Context
This is an excellent opportunity to join an Ofsted rated Good academy. The academy is part of United Learning, a national group of schools and academies. Sheffield Park Academy is an 11-18 school. Our aim is to bring out “the Best in Everyone” and to ensure that students and staff have every opportunity to succeed, with potential developed to the utmost. The academy serves over 1,200 pupils and operates from purpose-built premises with state-of-the-art facilities. We are part of the United Learning Trust, which provides CPD and opportunities for nationwide networking and development.
The city of Sheffield offers a vibrant living/working environment with two universities, a range of entertainment options, and access to the Peak District within 20 minutes. More information: https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/
Responsibilities
* Oversee the science department and curriculum delivery across Key Stages 3–5.
* Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to school-wide strategic planning and improvement.
* Support ambitious pupil outcomes and drive teaching and learning improvements within the department.
* Collaborate with colleagues across the United Learning network for professional development and best practice.
* Support the progression of aspirational leaders and contribute to succession planning within the leadership team.
Qualifications and attributes
* Experience in leading secondary science departments or equivalent leadership roles.
* Able to demonstrate strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Ambitious, career-driven with a desire to progress to Vice Principal/Principal roles in the future.
* Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Benefits
* Highly competitive pay above national average.
* Excellent facilities and resources.
* Access to an outstanding professional development programme.
* A respectful working environment with supportive colleagues.
* Opportunities to work collaboratively across the Cluster and United Learning.
* Enhanced pension scheme with high employer contributions.
* Training through the Apprenticeship Levy, free on-site parking, and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
* Flexible discussion about work-life balance.
How to apply
Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details. To apply, please click the 'Apply online' button on the Sheffield Park Academy Vacancies Page and complete the online application form. CVs are not accepted. The closing date is midnight, Sunday 19 October 2025. Interviews will take place soon after the closing date.
Contacts
For queries regarding this role, please email hr@unitedlearningyorks.org.uk. If you would like to visit the academy, please contact Louise.Goddard@unitedlearningyorks.org.uk.
Equal opportunities
United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employees will be subject to a comprehensive checking process including references, health, right to work in the UK, an Enhanced DBS check, and checks against the appropriate barred list.
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