Salary: Teachers' Main - Upper Pay Scale (Fringe: £34,398 - £46,839)
Benefits: Generous pension, condensed school year, training and development, recognition policies, wellbeing support (24/7 GP access & EAP), access to discount platform, work-life balance, family-friendly policies, free parking, occupational sick pay
Headteacher - Assal Ruse
We are seeking a Head of Science to join our team at The Matthew Arnold School, part of Bourne Education Trust.
Our teachers are responsible for the learning and achievement of all pupils in the class, ensuring equity of opportunity for all, achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. All teachers are required to carry out the professional duties and responsibilities of a school teacher as defined by 'Teachers' Standards' and set out in the current 'School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document'.
About The Matthew Arnold School
The Matthew Arnold School is a thriving mixed comprehensive school for 11-16 year olds in Staines-upon-Thames, rated 'Good' in our February 2024 Ofsted inspection where we were recognised as "a school where students and staff are aspirational."
Our philosophy centres on both academic improvement and character development, encouraging students to challenge themselves and embody our motto: "Dream Big, Work Hard and Achieve." Our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Aspiration are embedded throughout school life.
The people make our school special—from inquisitive children growing into confident young adults, to our talented staff who guide them. We provide an ambitious curriculum complemented by excellent facilities and a diverse enrichment programme, while our strong pastoral structure ensures students develop into resilient individuals. Additionally, our newly established purpose-built smallholding, home to goats, chickens, and ducks, provides a unique opportunity for students to cultivate nurturing and caring skills.
As part of the Bourne Education Trust (BET), a successful multi-academy trust comprising twenty-four schools across Surrey, Hampshire, and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, staff benefit from a robust support network in a collaborative environment. We are committed to creating a community where students, staff, and families proudly contribute to both the school and wider community through "transforming schools...changing lives."
Details
Position: Head of Science (Maternity Cover)
Contract: Full time, maternity cover
Start Date: January 2026
Salary: Teachers Main to Upper Pay Scale (Fringe: £34,398 - £46,839)
Benefits
* Generous workplace pension through Teachers' Pension Scheme
* Condensed school year with two week half term in October
* Ongoing training, learning and development opportunities
* Recognition policies for exceptional performance and long service
* Well-being support, including 24/7 online GP access, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), online wellness support and free eye tests and flu vaccinations
* Access to savings on your everyday spending including groceries, homeware, entertainment and holidays, through My Staff Shop benefits platform
* Work-life balance, and family friendly policies and processes
* Free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme
* Occupational sick pay
* Free access to onsite gym after school
Key responsibilities include:
* Ensure excellent standards of teaching & learning across the subject
* Take responsibility for the strategic overview of the department, including self-evaluation and the improvement plan for the department
* Monitor student progress and implement strategic intervention for the department
Requirements include:
Essential
* Ability to demonstrate an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of pupils
* Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent
* Evidence of continuing professional development
For full job description and requirements, please see applicant pack on our careers website.
Our Culture
At Bourne Education Trust, we value colleagues who are:
* Reflective, optimistic and aspirational
* Collaborative and innovative
* Committed, engaged and professional
* Advocates for equality and inclusivity
How to apply for this role:
Please click 'Apply' to complete our online application form. Please note CVs without a fully completed application form will not be considered.
The closing date for this vacancy is the 31st October 2025. However we strongly recommend applying early to have the best possible chance of being considered. Applications will be considered on receipt, and we retain the right to amend the closing date and withdraw this vacancy if we have received sufficient applications.
Bourne Education Trust are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare and safety of its staff and pupils, and follows safeguarding interview procedures. We expect all candidates to meet the highest standard of safeguarding and successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Bourne Education Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all colleagues, pupils and other stakeholders. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. In advertising our vacancies, we are committed to accommodating diverse needs. If you require the applicant job pack to be supplied in a different format, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to provide a suitable alternative.
Job specification
School
The Matthew Arnold School
Location
Kingston Road Staines-upon-Thames Middlesex, TW18 1PF
School type
Secondary, Academies
Job Posted
29/09/2025
Role
Middle Leadership
Subject
Science
Employment type
Temporary
Closing date
31/10/2025
Start date
January 2026
Job reference
HoS/092025