Durham Sixth Form Centre
Durham Sixth Form Centre, Providence Row, The Sands, Durham DH1 1SG
Salary:
TLR2B
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
05 January 2026
Apply by:
13 October 2025
Job overview
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Head of Vocational Science to lead our outstanding sixth form team — where innovation, ambition, and student success drive everything we do.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we don't just deliver vocational science courses — we shape the next generation of scientists, medical practitioners, healthcare professionals, and applied science specialists. With a thriving sixth form and a national reputation for academic excellence, this is your opportunity to lead, influence, and elevate vocational science education on a strategic level.
What makes this role exciting?
* Lead two recently reformed qualifications — Pearson Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Medical Science and AAQ in Applied Science — both integral to our ambitious, future-facing curriculum.
* Inspire and stretch students who are passionate about science, the medical sector and healthcare, and supporting outstanding academic and personal outcomes.
* Provide strategic leadership within the science faculty, modelling best practice in teaching, assessment, and curriculum design across vocational qualifications.
* Drive continuous improvement, ensuring both programmes remain relevant, rigorous, and aligned with university, apprenticeship, and industry progression routes.
* Play a key role in shaping the direction of vocational science education at a whole-school level, contributing to trust-wide innovation, staff development, and cross-curricular collaboration.
We are looking for someone who:
* Is an experienced and inspirational teacher with a proven track record of delivering excellent outcomes in science-based vocational qualifications.
* Has the subject knowledge, leadership experience, and confidence to oversee the Pearson Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Medical Science and to embed and grow the Pearson Level 3 AAQ in Applied Science.
* Brings strategic insight and a passion for vocational science that engages learners and connects the curriculum to real-world careers.
* Has the ability to lead and support a team, offering coaching, CPD, and curriculum leadership in a collaborative and forward-thinking department.
* Is committed to evidence-informed practice and the highest standards of teaching, learning, and student experience.
* Can raise aspirations for learners from all backgrounds, nurturing their potential and preparing them for careers in healthcare, science, and the criminal justice sector.
Why choose us?
* Join a high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
* Be part of a team that's ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
* Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
* Enjoy access to university partnerships, STEM outreach, and enrichment opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
Join Durham Sixth Form Centre as Head of Vocational Science. Lead and inspire the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and medical researchers in a nationally recognised, high-performing sixth form. We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.
Please remember this position is subject to being closed early so don't hesitate and get in touch.
Recruiter contact:
Email us
Call us
About Durham Sixth Form Centre
Durham Sixth Form Centre
Providence Row, The Sands, Durham City
County Durham
DH1 1SG
United Kingdom
Durham Sixth Form Centre, located in Durham city centre, is one of the four largest post-16 schools in the country. It offers places for around 1,300 students from over 50 different secondary schools across County Durham, Sunderland and into Northumberland.
Durham Sixth Form Centre was built in 1913 as a girls' grammar school and converted into a sixth form in 1983. The original school building has been significantly added to and now includes a science block, 210-seat theatre, plus three centres for resources, visual arts and leisure. Plans to further extend the school are ongoing.
Headteacher
Ellen Beveridge
Values and vision
"Learn, achieve, succeed" are the words encapsulating the ambitions that Durham Sixth Form Centre has for its students. It aims to provide high-quality, inspirational teaching and learning, and to offer excellent support, care and guidance. Personal and professional integrity are highly valued. The school offers the most extensive range of A-levels in the area, in addition to BTEC qualifications and other Level 3 courses. All students are assigned a tutor and pastoral learning leader. There is a strong professional development programme, confirmed by achievement of CPD accreditation, Investors in People status and the Governor Mark.
Ofsted report
"Relationships between teachers and their students are strong and characterised by mutual respect and high expectations. The teaching makes a good impact on spiritual, moral, social and cultural education, for example through the extensive range of activities available in addition to the curriculum."
View Durham Sixth Form Centre's latest Ofsted report
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