We are seeking to appoint an outstanding classroom practitioner and leader who is an enthusiastic, innovative and engaging leader of Science, to join a dynamic and expanding team of staff. The Science Faculty offers a wide programme of options at Key Stage 4 and 5 including AQA Trilogy Combined Science, AQA Separate Sciences (a popular option choice for approx. 60-70 students each year), BTEC Level 3 Science and the three separate A Levels.  The Science Faculty is comprised of a large team of experienced teachers and middle leaders, including an Assistant Head of Faculty, Key Stage Leaders, Lead Practitioner and Lead Teacher in Science who offer a wealth of support and professional advice to staff at all levels, and teaching assistants and technicians who support the delivery of the curriculum. There are 13 specialist laboratories for practical lessons as well as access to computer rooms for vocational coursework.

Most of our students remain with us into the Sixth form, including those who study A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as BTEC in Science and we are aiming to further develop Post 16 provision and considering introducing some T levels so there will be excellent opportunities to contribute to Post 16 expansion so offering a lot of potential to teach A Level/Post 16. 

Applications are invited from individuals who are currently experienced middle leaders or equivalent with at least 5 teaching and at least 3 years’ leadership experience within Science. This is an opportunity for an ambitious, committed and dynamic middle leader of Science, who has considerable experience in developing teaching and learning as well as being able to implement whole faculty systems, strategies and procedures in a high performing context and develop their own practice and who wants to be a member of the Extended Senior Leadership Team in this expanding Academy.

Joseph Leckie Academy is a vibrant, exciting and innovative mixed 11-18 Academy being graded as “Good” across all areas by Ofsted (October 2021).  Our ongoing desire to continually look to move forwards means that this is an exciting time to join our successful and welcoming team. The Academy has remained as one of the top non-selective secondary schools for progress in Walsall based on validated results and is a great place to work.

We pride ourselves on our high expectations of all learners. This creates a calm learning environment where teachers can teach and students can learn as was clearly supported by the feedback from Ofsted. We offer a highly supportive environment and are committed to ensuring outstanding teaching, behaviour, progress and achievement. Staff are proud to work in our Academy.

Ofsted commented that: “Pupils are proud of their school. Their attendance and punctuality are good. Pupils are safe. The school is calm and purposeful, and disruption to learning is rare. Few pupils underachieve and most flourish. Pupils of all abilities are enthusiastic learners who enjoy their learning. Pupils play and work happily together. There are few disagreements and staff resolve issues swiftly. Pupils work well with adults in school. Pupils value the opportunity to learn about social, moral, and cultural issues. They treat others with respect and will speak out if something is not right. They talk confidently with adults.”

We are an expanding Academy with numbers growing, now well over 1500 and continuing to be over- subscribed at Key stage 3 and in our large Sixth form and so this is an ideal opportunity and an exciting time for you to join our team as a permanent member of the Extended Senior Leadership Team as we continue to expand and grow and there will excellent opportunities for you and this role to grow and develop further.

The role of this appointment will be as per the attached information on the Job Description.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious candidate to join our dynamic team at the forefront of change and to make a real difference to our drive to continue to raise standards of education in the Academy. If you believe that you have the skills and abilities to take on this role, we would love to hear from you.

We can offer you: -

• Friendly and supportive staff across the Academy - staff stay here for a number of years and say it is a great place to work. Ex-students often come back to work in the academy, so please come along and visit us find out what they say.
• Excellent support and professional development opportunities including opportunities to undertake our own in-house CPD programmes as well as external providers such as National Professional Qualifications at different levels as you progress towards senior leadership, headship or beyond.
• We are a TEEP ambassador School with Level 4 trainers.
• A well established and supportive Induction programme for all staff at all levels.
• The opportunity to work with a highly supportive, well-established, dedicated and visible Senior Leadership Team
• Excellent resources, programs and technology to support learning
• A high focus on staff well-being with staff social events, staff sports including a new multi-gym, well-being counsellor, Academy nurse, well-being co-ordinator for staff, monthly staff breakfasts, employee assistance programme and much more…
• A large and expanding Academy at the forefront of change and growth, with high standards and an ambitious desire to better the lives of our students and impact further on our wider community.
• Highly dedicated and committed Lead practitioners and pastoral team supporting at all levels.
• We would consider a substantial package for a candidate who may have to re-locate.

You will have/show:

• be an outstanding teacher with a proven record of raising achievement in science with consistent impact on teaching, learning and progress in science.
• have experience of teaching all three disciplines, biology, chemistry and/or physics at least at GCSE, either Combined and/or Single Science.
• an ability to teach A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and/or BTEC L3 is highly desirable
• be able to support in the development of teaching, learning and staff development as determined by Assistant Principal (T & L), Lead Practitioner(s) and in consultation with the Associate Principal and Senior Leadership Team.
• be a successful, highly organised leader with at least five years’ experience in school leadership, preferably with responsibility and experience in leadership of academic areas in science and/or teaching and learning
• have significant experience of coaching, observing teachers, giving feedback to staff and training staff in teaching and learning
• be able to inspire students and staff and get the best from them
• be positive, enthusiastic and resilient and an effective team member
• have a clear understanding of the importance of safeguarding and equal opportunities
• meet the job specification criteria

Application process:

Previous Applicants need not apply.

Please complete a Joseph Leckie Academy application form and a letter of application.

Please see the attached job description and person specification and address them in your letter as well as the questions below. 

Applicants should also address the following two questions in their letter:

1. Explain how your experience, skills and qualities to date have prepared you for this role. 

2. The future of Joseph Leckie Academy and how you see your role within this?

Joseph Leckie Academy is an equal opportunities employer and fully committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students and candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

We welcome visits to the Academy, please contact Mrs A Morgan to arrange a visit.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 27^th November at 8.00am

Interviews will take place week commencing 2^nd December 2024.

Please send completed applications to Mrs A Morgan at recruitment@josephleckieacademy.co.uk

Joseph Leckie Academy is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students and candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.