Science teacher with a Chemistry specialism

Introduction - “Simply the best school every day.” Parent

Ballard is a thriving co-educational day school from Nursery to GCSE, set in 34 acres on the
Dorset/Hampshire border. Ballard’s dynamic leadership has turned ‘excellent & outstanding’ (ISI) into
exceptional. Putting families first, Ballard offers wrap around care and has been helping families with
the VAT on school fees - paying it all in 2025 and paying 14% this academic year. With lots of exciting
plans in place, there has never been a better time to join.

Ballard is a multi-award-winning school - crowned Co-educational School of the Year Award
2024/25 in the Independent School of the Year Awards. This follows Ballard reaching the finals for
Sport in 2023 and Performing Arts in 2022. In 2025, we have won the ISA Award for Fine Arts and
Design, retained our School Games Mark Gold status, and were finalists for the MTI Award for Musical
Theatre Provision. Our Eco-Ambassadors also achieved Eco School’s Green Flag status with Distinction
and took part in the recent COP30 summit, interviewing Professor Matt Frost for the COP30 Virtual
Ocean Pavilion. As well as team success, individual pupils have succeeded in the academic world,
Sport and the Performing Arts to a high level and our alumni include four Paris Olympians, three
Olympic medallists, world champions, successful authors, actors, an international opera star, and a
pop band amongst others. So, what makes an award-winning education?

We are already seeing excellent results, as Ballard continues to buck the national trend with half of all
exams passed at the highest grades (9-7), more than double the national average and 14.3% at Grade
9, almost three times the national average. Almost 42% of pupils gained a Grade 9 in one or more of
their exams. On average value added, each pupil achieved +0.87 of a grade higher than expected
(based on their baseline assessment) in every subject, with 48% of pupils gaining on average, at least
a whole grade higher per subject. Furthermore, we are still gaining enquiries from prospective parents
across all age groups.

At Ballard, we believe abilities and intelligence are not fixed – all can flourish and excel when given
the tools and environment to develop self-knowledge and resilience. We provide a vast array of
opportunities, including over 175 co-curricular weekly activities, but it is how we empower and inspire
our pupils to seize them, that we believe, sets us apart.

Co-education is at the heart of our inclusive philosophy. All pupils are equal - boys and girls learn with
and from each other, through collaboration and lively competition. In an atmosphere of inclusivity
and kindness, every child is stretched in their talents and encouraged to tackle what doesn’t come
easily. Boy, girl, expert, novice - no subject nor interest is beyond reach.

We pride ourselves on our forward-thinking curriculum, providing an aspirational, academic and
holistic education. Our staff inspire and guide our young people, challenging and supporting them in
equal measure. The school’s drive to deliver a first-class education, with a close eye on the future, is
shaping our ambitious investment and development plans.

Our pastoral care is rooted in kindness and respect and underpinned by Christian values. The Ballard
family’s wellbeing is central to the ethos of the school. Our inclusive approach to school life values
individuality and fosters generosity of spirit; our young people look out for each other and the wider
community. Ballard educates the whole child, providing a wide range of sporting, cultural, artistic and

academic clubs and activities. Our aim is to ignite passions and develop skills, identifying and
unlocking every child’s inner genius.

It is an exciting time to be joining Ballard, with our Leadership Team moving the school forward with
confidence. The school places great emphasis on supporting and developing its staff so that the best
possible educational provision is provided throughout the three pillars of the school: Pastoral,
Academic and Co-curricular.

“Pupils are reflective and have high levels of self-esteem and empathy. They are
highly successful in displaying these characteristics through academic study as well as
the wealth of sporting, performing arts and extra-curricular opportunities in which
they participate.” ISI

Mission Statement and Aims
Our mission:

To provide a supportive and caring environment for learning, and excellent teaching designed to
ensure all pupils achieve their academic best.

Our aims:
1.  To identify and build on strengths to help each individual pupil reach their potential within a

secure, caring community and to equip our young people to be well-behaved, resilient, rounded
and resourceful members of society and prepared for their future working lives

2.  To aim for academic excellence, so that each individual pupil may achieve his or her personal best.
We believe all our pupils are entitled to an education that extends beyond the purely academic.
Pupils are actively encouraged to take part in a wide range of artistic, creative, cultural, musical,
sporting and other co-curricular activities.

3.  To recognise the worth, dignity and contribution of each member of the Ballard Family and to
foster self-discipline, self-esteem, mutual respect and co-operation within an atmosphere of
friendship and trust promoting an appreciation of the needs and gifts of others.

4.  To offer scope for spiritual, moral and personal development within a disciplined and mutually

supportive environment which affirms Christian values.

5.  To expect high standards of achievement by developing in pupils the ability to manage change, to

think and research independently and communicate confidently and effectively.

6.  To celebrate our achievements, gifts and diversity irrespective of individual differences.

7.  To respond to the wider needs of society through community projects, charitable fundraising and

outreach and by increasing awareness of local, national and world issues.

8.  To respond to the wider needs of society through community projects, charitable fundraising and

outreach and by increasing awareness of local, national and world issues.

Department Details

Ballard’s Science Department currently has five members of staff, four that teach KS3 and 4 Science
and one who teaches pupils in the Lower Prep (Years 3 to 5). They are a dedicated team with an
experienced Head of Department and knowledgeable teachers that have a diverse range of skills
and expertise.

Our pupils start their GSCE Science course in Year 9. In Year 10 the pupils get the option to either
study for the AQA Trilogy Combined Science or to study the AQA Separate Sciences in Biology,
Chemistry and Physics.

The Science Department has shown outstanding progress over the last three years. The experienced
staff teach inspiring and exciting lessons which include many practical activities that engage and
promote enquiring minds. Principally of note, last year our pupils achieved 100% 4-9 and 72% 7-9 in
Biology, 100% 4-9 and 81% 7-9 in Chemistry and 100% 4-9 and 71% 7-9 in Physics. In GCSE Combined
Science our pupils achieved 93% 9-4, which is 30% above the national average.

The Department always seeks to encourage and enable pupils to achieve their full potential.  Key to
this success is the Department’s focus on developing pupils’ confidence and fundamental
understanding of command words and problem-solving skills. Our teachers like to be creative when
planning lessons; examples include cookie mining to teach about metal ores, the circulatory system
drawn in the car park or using biscuits and strawberry laces to teach electric circuits.

Science is delivered within three 50-minute lessons each week for Year 6 to Year 9 by specialist
Science teachers. If the pupils study Combined Science, they have five 50-minute lessons a week (with
one lesson that is 85 minutes) and Separate Scientists have nine lessons a week. Lower Prep are
taught in tutor groups and have two lessons a week with a specialist teacher. There are three well
equipped laboratories with a wealth of equipment to ensure practical activities can be the heart of
the lessons taught. Equipment is prepared by a highly skilled Science Technician.

The Science Department currently runs the following after-School activities; a Science club in Lower
Prep, a STEM club at KS3 and Science clinics for GCSE pupils. Teachers in the Department need to be
willing to run or help support these activities and be keen to plan new exciting activities or trips to
help develop our already excellent provision. The Department is keen to further develop its STEM
provision. Annually, Year 6 participates in the Crest Discovery Awards, Year 7 complete Project Why
and Year 8 take part in the Crest Silver Award. We seek a candidate who is passionate and
knowledgeable about their subject and are able to communicate this with empathy to the
pupils; steering them to achieve success at GCSE. We are looking for a Science teacher with a
Chemistry specialism.

The Role

We seek a colleague who is passionate and knowledgeable about their subject and able to
communicate this with empathy to the pupils steering them to achieve success at GCSE.

The school retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process, so
early applications are strongly encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

•  Preparation and planning of lessons in accordance with departmental schemes of work.
•  Demonstrating a range of teaching methods and keeping abreast of developments in the

subject area at KS3 and GCSE; employing a range of teaching resources including the display of
pupils’ work.

•  Carrying out assessment according to departmental and School policies. Recording assessment

grades/reports etc. within deadlines set and keeping clear records.

•  Setting and marking of class work and homework according to relevant School and

departmental policies.

•  Reporting to parents on progress at parents’ evenings or on reasonable request from parents.
•  Providing pupils with appropriate challenges.
•  Recognition of the specific needs of each pupil and of classes as a whole. Setting an
appropriate pace for lessons and adapting teaching methods to the needs of pupils.

•  Establishing a structured learning environment conducive to learning and where pupils know

that high standards are always required.

•  Managing the classroom effectively with appropriate use of sanctions and rewards in

accordance with departmental and School policies.

•  Motivating pupils to learn and establishing a rapport with pupils conducive to learning.
•  Attending departmental meetings and sharing departmental responsibility; attending staff

meetings and School or departmental INSET; seeking opportunities for professional
development; participation in the School Professional Review (appraisal) scheme; participation
in induction arrangements.

Other

•  Promoting high standards of work and behaviour inside and outside the classroom.
•  Contributing to the pastoral and extra-curricular life of the School and carrying out the role of

Form Tutor effectively.

•  Carrying out the normal supervision duties as laid down in School policies.

Safeguarding
Ballard School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer
recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any
appointment is confirmed.

Person Specification

Experience required

CRITERIA

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Qualifications  •  Good honours degree, or equivalent, and recognised

•  Evidence of continued

teaching qualification

CPD

Experience

•  Experience in secondary school teaching
N.B. For NQTs, a placement will suffice.

Knowledge,
skills and
abilities

•  Experience of teaching GCSE Science
Job Related
•  Excellent and motivational teaching skills
•  Ability to teach a wide and varied ability range
•  Knowledge of requirements of curricular Science at

all Key Stages particularly GCSE

•  Expected to teach a variety of ages (Years 6-11)
Personal
•  The resilience, drive, strength of character and

sense of both humour and perspective to thrive in a
fast-paced, demanding and ambitious
environment

•  Excellent organisational skills

•  A well-developed

understanding of SEND
and successful experience
of teaching pupils with
SEND

•  Reliability, energy, integrity, resilience, and

enthusiasm

•  Ability to form good relationships with staff and

pupils

IT competent

•  Ability to work well in a team
•  Versatility and adaptability
•
•  Someone who understands children and wants the
very best for them academically whilst being fully
committed to their safety and well-being

•  Willing to be fully involved in the life of a busy and
purposeful independent school which will mean
taking extra-curricular activities and being involved
with a form group. Full-time staff take on three
after-school activity slots per week with part-time
pro rata. Some staff are also involved in the
School’s PSHE programme.

The Appointment

•  This is full time position, salary on the Ballard Pay Scale dependent on experience.
•  Normal School hours are 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday with an 8.15am briefing every

Monday morning. A full-time staff member would run 3 afterschool activities until 5pm, on the
other two days, staff can generally leave at 4.00pm.

•  Contributory pension scheme with 16% employer contribution.
•  School lunch and refreshments are available for all staff during term time.

Applications

How to apply:

Applicants are asked to complete a Teaching Application Form, along with their letter of application,
and send it, addressed to the Headmaster (recruitment@ballardschool.co.uk), to arrive no later than
9am on Tuesday 24th March 2026.

Interviews:
Start date:

Thursday 26th March 2026
 September 2026

The school retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process, so
early applications are strongly encouraged.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to the school for interviews and will also have the opportunity to
see the department, meet departmental staff, and demonstrate their teaching skills in the classroom.

Ballard School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
and expects all employees to share this commitment. The successful applicant must be willing to
undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and
the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure). As part of the referencing process, the
school will undertake digital screening, including online searches of candidates and any potential
matters of concern will be discussed with the candidate.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

The successful candidate will be required to complete and sign a medical form.

Ballard School is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of
the community.

For further details and an application form, please visit: www.ballardschool.co.uk/vacancies