Teacher of Biology Part-time or Full-time
November 2026 or January 2027
Welcome
I am delighted that you have expressed an interest in joining Royal Russell.
A leading co-educational independent school in South London, Royal Russell is different by design. We are a family school and we value those things which make each of us distinctively brilliant. Our school motto is ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’ which translates as ‘not for oneself, but for all’, and from this, we make a commitment to help every member of our learning community strive for their vision of success.
Our beautiful, green campus offers exciting learning opportunities and first-class facilities for both pupils and staff to develop and flourish. Staff are dedicated to providing a total education and this is reflected in the outstanding academic outcomes of our pupils.
Openness and inclusiveness are integral to the Royal Russell experience and we encourage applications from all communities, so that our staff body reflects our ambitious, open, distinctive and courageous Royal Russell pupil body.
If you are interested in joining a forward looking and successful school, I look forward to receiving your application.
Chris Hutchinson Headmaster
Royal Russell School | Candidate Information Pack
Our School
Royal Russell is a HMC/IAPS co-educational school with over 1,200 pupils between the ages of 3 and 18, situated on a beautiful green campus of 110-acres in South London, with a Junior School, Senior School and 200 pupil boarding community.
We are proud of our day and boarding facilities that rank amongst the best in the UK. Our pupils, parents and staff experience a warm and friendly environment with strong pastoral care for every pupil alongside a comprehensive co-curricular and enrichment programme. Royal Russell is proud to have achieved the highest grade of ‘excellent’ in every aspect during our most recent ISI Inspection.
Community Values
Royal Russell is a warm and thriving community of pupils, parents, staff, governors, Old Russellians, friends and supporters. We are bound together by our family ethos, a strong sense of pride in our school and a willingness to get involved.
By working together, supporting each other and having fun together, we have created a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Living by our motto ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’, we encourage the qualities and values of responsibility and giving - which make Royal Russell special.
We are committed to our responsibilities to our wider community - local, national and international. We encourage our pupils to contribute, participate and lead so that they can learn the skills and attributes needed to make a positive contribution to society, now and in the future.
Teacher of Biology
You will be a well-qualified and inspiring teacher with outstanding subject knowledge, able to teach confidently from Year 7 through to GCSE. The ability to teach two science subjects to GCSE would be favorable, but is not essential. You should have experience of using a range of teaching and learning strategies and be able to offer enthusiasm for your subject and excellent pupil outcomes. A willingness to contribute to the extracurricular programme and support the pastoral life of our School is essential.
Science is delivered as an integrated subject in Years 7 and 8 with subject specialism delivered from Year 9. At KS4 we follow the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus offering all three individual sciences as well as the iGCSE and AQA Foundation Double Awards. Our A level and GCSE Biology results are strong. In 2025, 55% of grades were at 66 or above in GCSE Double Science; 95% of grades were at 6 or above in Biology. 67% of grades were at C or above at A-level.
Biology is a popular A level choice, especially from amongst our Triple Science GCSE groups. Typically, Biology has three classes per year in Year 12 and we are introducing the AAQ BTEC Applied Science qualification for the first time in September. University applications for science related degrees are very popular.
In September 2020, we opened a brandnew purpose-built Science block consisting of 11 laboratories, 1 teaching room and discipline specific prep rooms. Each science has dedicated technician support to further extend student learning opportunities.
We are a friendly, warm and nurturing school and we are committed to doing the very best for our pupils, setting them high expectations in a supportive environment whilst fostering independent learning and practical skills. You will become a central part of our diverse, enthusiastic and energetic family. The strength of community at Royal Russell is paramount to the success of every individual and we strongly believe that we learn and achieve together.
Key Responsibilities
Learning and Curriculum
Deliver outstanding lessons using a range of teaching strategies and resources, including digital learning, which meet pupils’ needs and are designed to raise levels of attainment
Deliver high quality learning and teaching in an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum that inspires pupils with a love of the subject
Deliver lessons in accordance with the department’s schemes of work, as indicated by the timetable prepared by the Deputy Head - Learning
Prepare and develop subject materials to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and in line with overall learning objectives
Use initiative and judgement to identify and adapt content of the teaching, level of depth and teaching method according to the needs of any particular group in line with their educational needs, including pupils with identified needs
Facilitate and encourage a learning experience that provides pupils with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential, developing ways to encourage, challenge and inspire pupils to apply new knowledge and understanding
Use a variety of teaching methods to stimulate learning appropriate to pupil needs and the demands of the programme of study
Monitor and support the overall progress and development of pupils, building on earlier attainment in order that they meet and exceed their learning objectives and make sustained progress
Learning and Curriculum (cont’d)
Track pupil attendance, progress, development and attainment on the School’s MIS system, ensuring that records are kept up-to-date and accurate at all times and use such information to inform learning and teaching, and pupil reports
Assess pupils in line with relevant examination body requirements and School procedures, giving written, verbal and diagnostic feedback as appropriate
Report on pupil progress according to the School’s assessment cycle
Attend all department and staff meetings promptly and contribute positively to areas under discussion
Attend parents’ evenings for each year group taught, ensuring that relevant information is communicated to parents and pupils
Teach such pupils and subjects outside the department as may be required by the Headmaster in accordance with the timetables, policies and schemes of work laid down by the School
Attend and support department trips and visits, including those abroad
Advise the Head of Department on resource needs and support the efficient and effective use of resources
Cover lessons for absent colleagues as directed by the Senior Deputy Head
Take part in the teaching staff Professional Development Review process and engage with continuing professional development through the School’s Learning Together curriculum
Pastoral and General Responsibilities
Ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people at the School by complying with the School’s Safeguarding (including Child Protection) Policy and Procedures at all times and taking appropriate action where necessary
Adhere at all times to Health & Safety legislation, and all departmental policies and procedures, to ensure their own safety and that of colleagues, pupils, and visitors
Comply with the Staff Code of Conduct
Be a House Tutor with responsibility for a group of pupils as directed, taking registration, ensuring full attendance at lessons and participation in all aspects of School life and promoting the general progress and well-being of the tutor group
Create a positive culture of pupil welfare and behaviour including taking an active role in pastoral matters
Willingness to participate in the School Wellbeing Department programme
Model high standards of dress, attendance and punctuality when on the school premises and in authorised school activities off site
Actively support and participate in the cocurricular programme of the School Supervise pupils as detailed in the Staff Supervision Rota
Supervise one Saturday Detention (halfday) each year
Attend and support evening events and activities within the annual calendar
Attend and contribute to Royal Russell Day, held annually on a Saturday
Attend and contribute to Open Day, held annually on a Saturday
Attend all training and staff INSET sessions organised by the School
Carry out any other duties as requested by the Headmaster or members of the School Leadership Team
Our Offer
Royal Russell offers excellent benefits including a competitive salary on our own salary scale.
As part of the vibrant community at Royal Russell, you will join a friendly and dedicated team with easy access to transport links (Coombe Lane tram stop is opposite the School entrance).
In addition, we offer:
Pension scheme and life insurance
• Meals in the dining hall during term-time
• Social events throughout the year, including a Christmas party for all staff
• Cycle to work scheme (salary sacrifice)
Octopus electric car scheme (salary sacrifice)
Free on-site parking
• Use of our on-site sports facilities, including tennis courts, swimming pool and gym
A discount of up to 50% on school fees (85% discount for wrap around care before and after school during term-time) and a 25% discount with Royal Russell Holiday Club, which operates during school holiday periods.
Further Information
Full details of our staff benefits and recruitment procedures can be found on our school recruitment page at: www.royalrussell.co.uk/discover/vacancies
You can also contact us by email at hr@royalrussell.co.uk or telephone HR on 020 8657 4433.
Applications (forms can be found on our website) will be considered on receipt and should arrive no later than 09:00 on Monday, 29th June 2026. Interviews will be held shortly after. We welcome early applications and will review these on receipt.
If you have not heard from us by 3rd July 2026 you should presume that you have not been successful on this occasion.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (including a check against the Children’s Barred List) and other pre-employment screening including references and medical fitness.
Science Block
Campus Map
Our 110-acre campus contains incredible facilities for learning.
Swimming Pool
Boarding / Houses
Sports Hall
Buchanan/Reade
Cambridge
Top Pitch
Hollenden
The Paddock
Netball Courts
Keable
Latessa
North Pitch
Madden
Astroturf Pitch
Oxford
MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area)
Queen's
West Pitch
St Andrew's
Pavilion
Royal Russell
www.royalrussell.co.uk
Royal Russell School, Coombe Lane, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 5BX
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