ACS International School Egham is seeking an outstanding and inspirational Head of Science to lead our dynamic Science Department and drive excellence in teaching, learning, and curriculum innovation across the school.
This is a significant middle leadership opportunity for an experienced educator with a passion for science education, strong academic leadership skills, and a proven track record of delivering exceptional outcomes in the classroom. The successful candidate must have experience teaching IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Biology or Chemistry and a strong understanding of international education and inquiry-led learning.
The Head of Science will play a central role in shaping the strategic direction of the department, supporting and developing teaching staff, and ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement.
This multi-year leadership appointment is renewable, subject to the achievement of agreed outcomes, and typically carries a reduced teaching load.
Key Responsibilities:
Academic Leadership
- Lead and inspire the Science Department to deliver outstanding teaching and learning across all grade levels.
- Support and challenge academic staff to meet ACS standards for teaching and professional practice.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing professional learning community.
- Lead departmental development in alignment with the school’s strategic goals and major learning plans.
- Advocate for the Science Department and promote the value of science education within the wider school community.
Teaching & Learning
- Model excellent classroom practice through learning walks, peer observations, coaching, and mentoring.
- Support implementation of the ACS Professional Effectiveness System (PES).
- Identify exemplary teaching practice and support focused professional growth.
- Monitor student progress and attainment using both individual and aggregated data.
- Ensure consistent and effective grading, assessment, reporting, and feedback practices.
- Support student pathways, including university preparation and future career planning.
Curriculum & IB Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation, and review of the Science curriculum.
- Ensure strong vertical articulation and progression across grade levels and divisions.
- Oversee curriculum documentation, scope and sequence, and assessment practices.
- Ensure successful implementation of IB Programme Standards and Practices.
- Maintain high standards of IBDP Biology teaching and learning.
Staff Development & Management
- Mentor and support teaching staff, including early career teachers and new joiners.
- Lead departmental performance management and staff reviews.
- Promote professional learning opportunities and engagement with relevant professional organisations.
- Support effective recruitment, onboarding, and development of departmental staff.
- Ensure appropriate staff cover and operational continuity during absences.
Operational & Resource Management
- Manage the departmental budget effectively and strategically.
- Oversee departmental resources, including textbooks, equipment, inventories, and digital learning tools.
- Ensure the effective integration and impact of digital teaching and learning resources.
- Work collaboratively with school leadership and operational teams to maintain safe and effective learning
- environments.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, including risk assessments and laboratory safety procedures.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- A recognised teaching qualification and relevant degree in a Science-related field/B.Ed.
- Proven experience teaching IBDP Biology or Chemistry.
- Experience in a leadership or management role within a school environment, or the demonstrated potential and ambition to move into middle leadership.
- Deep pedagogical knowledge and expertise in science education and high-impact instructional strategies.
- Strong organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teaching teams.
- Experience using data effectively to improve student outcomes.
- A collaborative, innovative, and solutions-focused approach.
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Why Join ACS Egham?
ACS Egham is a leading international school community committed to inspiring students to become confident, caring, and globally-minded individuals. We offer a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where innovation, wellbeing, and academic excellence are highly valued.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Science education within a thriving international school and to work alongside passionate educators dedicated to student success.
- Small class sizes.
- As a well-resourced school, we ensure both students and teachers have the tools and resources they need to learn and succeed.
- We take the professional development of our staff seriously and provide ample opportunities and resourcing to support this.
- Time for planning, collaboration and meaningful student feedback.
- Benefits include: competitive salary, 3 personal days, visa sponsorship*, relocation allowance*, pension scheme, home leave allowance, subsidised canteen, free parking, Cycle to Work scheme, private medical insurance, employee assistance programme.
* Subject to terms and conditions.
Join us and help shape a programme that encourages participation, achievement, wellbeing, and lifelong passion.
Start date: August 2026
Working hours: Full time, term time, Monday to Friday
Location: In person, Egham, London Road, Surrey, TW20 0HS, UK
Closing date: Friday 12th June
Safeguarding
ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values.
ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, as an employee of ACS, you are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
