The Reach Free School
Hertfordshire
£34,562 - £54,764 per year
Salary:
£34,562 to £54,764 plus an additional £12,069 responsibilities payment and a recruitment and retention payment of £7,242)
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
01 January 2026
Apply by:
10 October 2025
Job overview
Head of Science
Dates: Apply by midday on Friday 10th October 2025
Location: Rickmansworth
Contract type: Full time
Contract term: Permanent
Salary: Academy Trust Scale, dependent on skills and experience (£34,562 to £54,764 plus an additional £12,069 responsibilities payment and a recruitment and retention payment of £7,242)
Start Date: January 2025
Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of scientific thinkers?
At The Reach Free School, we believe science is the key to understanding the world. We are looking for a visionary Head of Science to lead our talented department and champion a curriculum that sparks curiosity and fosters discovery.
You will be an exceptional leader with a history of delivering outstanding results, ready to empower our pupils to become confident, scientifically literate individuals. This is an opportunity to build on our success and make a lasting impact within a supportive and forward-thinking team.
The successful candidate will have a passion for Science and a track record of excellent teaching, collaboration, and creativity. You will hold and embody the highest expectations of your pupils and will have the drive and ambition to create and maintain an outstanding learning environment in science and beyond. More information specific to this role is included in the application pack.
This is a fantastic career opportunity for an individual with an established history of success who is ready to take the next step in leading and managing a key department within our school.
The Reach Free School is looking for its middle leaders to:
* Be passionate about their subject, and learning as a lifelong skill
* Be outstanding practitioners who inspire pupils and colleagues
* Be creative in delivering a rigorous, aspirational curriculum
* Believe that every child can and will succeed
* Be committed to securing the best outcomes for all pupils at the school with an in-depth understanding of how data can be used to maximise progress
* Support the senior leadership team with evidence-informed teaching methods
* Have a passion for education and be open to innovative approaches in everyday aspects of school life
* Offer enrichment experiences related to their subject area and beyond
* Contribute to the overall development of the school
* Be flexible in their approach to work, adapting to new challenges
* Support and mentor colleagues who are training
In return, we will offer you:
* The opportunity to be a key member of staff and help build on the school's successes to date
* A happy and supportive working environment with high expectations and standards
* Access to the latest technology to assist in developing your teaching and learning
* Competitive salaries based on skills and experience
* Access to the Teachers' Pension Scheme
* A staff committee that organises various social events
* A comprehensive employee assistance programme
* A £500 new employee referral scheme
* Free parking
* A BUPA cash plan to contribute to medical care
* A Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Up to five days paid leave in compassionate, emergency or exceptional circumstances. For example, our staff can see their children perform in assemblies or shows.
* A network of outstanding practitioners to collaborate with and learn from, both in school and across the Watford Partnership for Teacher Training
* A comprehensive professional development programme, together with opportunities to further develop your career
The Reach Free School is a successful secondary school which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023. The over-subscribed school is a popular choice for local families. The school has excellent modern facilities built in 2018, right in the heart of its community. If the challenges of working in a local secondary school appeal to you, then we would like to hear from you.
Further information is available from our
Potential candidates are encouraged to contact The Reach Free School with any questions on or via email to Mrs Keri McKay, HR Officer,
Closing date for applications: Midday on Friday 10th October 2025
Interviews to take place: Week commencing Monday 13th October 2025
Safer Recruitment
The Reach Free School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. To ensure we fulfil this responsibility, all candidates will undergo a thorough selection process designed to deter and identify unsuitable applicants. Details of this process are outlined below. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Disclosure
This role involves significant access to children, and any appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for previous criminal convictions. Candidates must disclose any convictions, cautions, or bind-overs, including 'spent convictions' as defined under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and 2020), prior to appointment. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in termination of employment. However, a criminal background will not automatically exclude individuals from employment; each case will be considered based on the nature and timing of the offence(s).
Online searches
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) asks schools to carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of the process of assessing suitability. The school will also carry out a prohibition from teaching check. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of your employment.
School prospectus
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About The Reach Free School
The Reach Free School
Long Lane
Rickmansworth
WD3 8AB
United Kingdom
The Reach Free School is an 11- to 18-year-old school in Rickmansworth that serves pupils of all backgrounds and abilities. It was opened in September 2013 by teachers and local parents in response to a significant demand for more secondary school places in the area.
All involved with the school have high aspirations for our pupils and high expectations of them. As such, we expect all pupils to:
* Commit their best efforts to all that they do
* Support each other to achieve their potential
* Work with their teachers to exceed their goals
* Demonstrate exemplary behaviour in all that they do
* Take pride in their school and its community within its walls and beyond
* Enjoy learning
The Reach Free School plays an active role in the community, working with local businesses, supporting local events and providing a hub for local services. Pupils are involved in the school's wider responsibilities, developing leadership and decision-making skills, communication and collaboration and independent, self-led learning.
A sense of purpose and responsibility pervades lessons and activities at The Reach Free School, and our pupils recognise their responsibilities as members of the community. This underpins The Reach Free School's ethos; Achievement, Community, Enjoyment – ACE.
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