Teacher of Biology & Chemistry

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Teacher of Biology & Chemistry
For September 2026

Welcome from the Headmaster

Dear Candidate,

Barnard Castle School is seeking an outstanding Teacher of Biology and Chemistry for
our thriving day and boarding school, which has remained at the forefront of girls’ and
boys’ education for over 130 years. Whilst the school retains a strong academic record,
its focus continues to be on developing life skills and nurturing each character. This is
something that we as a school take great care and pride in, and our Science Department
plays a significant role in this.

We welcome applications from all experience levels.

Barney is an exciting and hugely rewarding place to be, and I look forward to receiving
your application.

Yours faithfully,

David Cresswell
HEADMASTER

The History of Barnard Castle School

Barnard Castle School has a rich and enduring history, deeply rooted in a tradition of learning and community. The
school traces its origins back to the nearby Hospital of St John, an educational and religious community established by
John de Balliol in 1229. John de Balliol also founded Balliol College, Oxford, and his passion for education and
opportunity remains central to our philosophy today.

In 1883, with a generous gift from Benjamin Flounders, a Victorian philanthropist, and the proceeds of St John's
Hospital, the present main school building was constructed. Since then, the school has grown and evolved, blending
its historical foundations with a forward-thinking approach to education.

In 2024, David Cresswell was appointed as Barney’s 11th Headmaster, continuing the school’s tradition of combining
timeless values with future-focused ambition. Today, Barnard Castle School remains a place where the lessons of the
past inspire the innovations of tomorrow, as we prepare our pupils to shape a changing world with courage, kindness,
and integrity.

Barnard Castle School: Shaping Tomorrow, One Step at a Time

"Parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus"
When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things.

At Barnard Castle School – or 'Barney' as it is affectionately known – we believe that small steps lead to big strides. Our
vision is to inspire a generation of young people with the courage and kindness to dare greatly and shape a changing
world. We want them to shape the future while proudly standing on the shoulders of those who came before them.

Ambition – Daring to achieve, with the courage to innovate and the curiosity to explore.
Character – Forged in challenge, strengthened by kindness, and rooted in integrity.
Community – Honouring the past, strengthening our school and town, and building global connections that last a
lifetime.

These principles guide everything we do – from our academic programmes to our vibrant co-curricular offering. Our
down-to-earth and inclusive community provides a safe environment for pupils to embrace challenges, pursue
passions, and develop a sense of purpose that will stay with them long after they leave Barney.

We are a school that blends tradition with forward-thinking ambition. Our origins trace back to the Hospital of St John,
founded in 1229 by John de Balliol, who also established Balliol College, Oxford. That same love of learning and
commitment to opportunity remains central to our philosophy today. As we look ahead to the 2030s, we continue to
invest in modern facilities and innovative teaching approaches to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and the wider
world.

Barney is a place where connections are made and memories are formed. It is not unusual to see Year 11 pupils
sharing lunch and conversation with younger peers or Sixth Formers mentoring new starters. Our pupils develop
confidence, resilience, and humility as they grow – always encouraged to support and celebrate each other's
successes.

Staff at Barney play a crucial role in this journey. We seek teachers who share our purpose and are proactive in
immersing themselves in the life of the school. Through our extensive 'Mind, Body, and Soul' programme, which runs
from 4pm to 5pm, staff have the opportunity to lead activities they are passionate about, fostering authentic
relationships beyond the classroom.

We are also committed to helping teachers be the best versions of themselves. Our comprehensive Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) programme offers opportunities to hone their craft, supported by regular teaching

meets, peer collaboration, and other innovative initiatives. We want teachers who are ambitious about their own
development and passionate about lifelong learning, recognising that their growth directly benefits our pupils.

Our location, on the edge of the historic market town of Barnard Castle – recently recognised as one of the safest in
England – offers a unique combination of heritage, community spirit, and access to outstanding natural beauty. We
also benefit from partnerships with world-class universities in Durham, Newcastle, and York, enhancing our pupils'
educational experience and broadening their horizons.

At Barney, we believe that ambition, character, and community are not abstract ideals but lived experiences. Together,
we take small steps every day – steps that build towards remarkable achievements and a future as bright as the
generations of Barnardians who came before.

Our Vision

●  To be viewed as the leading independent co-educational day and boarding school in the North of

England.

Our Purpose

●  Our purpose as a school is to inspire minds and build character, within a down-to-earth, inclusive
community where everyone belongs, and hard work and good humour thrive.

Our aim

●  Our aim is to create a safe environment where pupils love their school, embrace small steps

toward great achievements, and are willing to dare greatly to shape a changing world.

Our Key Features

A Seamless Educational Journey

We are proud to offer a supportive environment where students can complete their entire educational journey. At every
stage, we nurture their growth, ensuring smooth transitions and a deep understanding of each student’s unique needs,
all within a close-knit, inclusive community that helps them flourish and prepares them for life beyond Barney.

Fully co-educational Boarding and Day School

We fully embrace co-education, ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender. Our strong boarding
community enriches the school, enhancing cultural literacy through our international students. The extended school day
and week provide ample time to deliver a broad and varied educational experience.

Resilient Characters & Brave Minds

We have always offered an education that goes beyond exams, which is more crucial now than ever in a rapidly changing
world shaped by globalism, AI, and evolving careers. Our students need strong character, adaptable soft skills, and a
values-driven  foundation  to  thrive  in  this  uncertain  future.  With  resilience  and  a  supportive  community,  they  are
empowered to dare greatly and achieve beyond what they thought was possible.

A Broad Entry

Life is about engaging with people of diverse abilities and talents, celebrating personal growth rather than just top grades.
As long as we can support individuals in accessing our education and they demonstrate the core character traits we
value, we are committed to supporting them on their journey.

Traditional yet Innovative

Barney’s rich history and cherished traditions have shaped generations of strong, humble individuals. While we honour
these beloved ‘Barneyisms,’ we remain focused on staying relevant and forward-thinking as we move further into the
21st century.

Job Description

Job Title: TEACHER OF BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
Reporting to: HEADS OF DEPARTMENT

Role Type: Permanent, Full or Part Time
Start date: September 2026

Barnard Castle School is looking to appoint an energetic, enthusiastic, and inspiring Teacher of Biology and Chemistry to
join our thriving Science Department in September 2026. The successful candidate will teach Biology and Chemistry to
pupils  from  Years  7  to  11  with  the  potential  to  teach  A  Level  in  either  subject.    They  may  also  contribute  to  the
development and delivery of the science curriculum, and as a Tutor, oversee the character education of a tutor group.
The post would be equally suitable for someone seeking a first appointment or an experienced teacher. The candidate
should possess a good honours degree in Biology, Chemistry, or equivalent.

Brief
The Biology Department has 3 teaching staff and its own laboratory technician.  The department is accommodated
within its own building, which contains two large laboratories and a smaller sixth form laboratory.  There is a third larger
laboratory in close proximity to the department building.  There is also a departmental office, a prep room, and storage
area.

The Chemistry Department has a teaching staff of three and its own laboratory technician.  Leadership and
management in the Department are very good, and there is an excellent departmental handbook giving a coherent
picture of how the Department operates; it includes comprehensive schemes of work.  The Department is
accommodated in three large laboratories.  There is a large prep room and a storage area.  There is also a departmental
office.  The Department is well equipped and resourced.

Biology is studied as a separate science by all pupils up to GCSE.  The course in Years 7 and 8 broadly follows the KS3
programme of study with a focus on developing both knowledge and skills.  In Year 9 students start their study of GCSE
Edexel Biology and from Year 10 students will then study towards achieving either the Biology or Combined Science
GCSEs.  There is a good uptake at A Level where candidates study the context led Edexel A (Slaters- Nuffield) Biology
course.  Students can choose to study either the AS of the A Level course.

Chemistry is studied as a separate science subject by all pupils up to GCSE.  The course in Years 7 – 8 broadly follows
the KS3 programme of study.  At GCSE most students follow Edexcel but some students take Edexcel GCSE
Combined Science.  The popularity of Chemistry at A Level is considerable, and candidates sit the AQA A Level.
Results in recent years have been very good.

The subject supports many who are making ambitious applications to university, including Natural Sciences at
Cambridge, Biochemistry at East Anglia and Leeds, Veterinary Science at Glasgow, Medicine at Leeds and Chemistry
at Edinburgh, Oxford, Bristol and Manchester.

Barnard Castle School has its own salary scale, as well as a generous pension scheme and a reduction in school fees
for teachers’ children. There is also the possibility of on-site accommodation available for single occupancy.

Overall expectation

To teach effectively, encourage independent learning and to instill in pupils an enthusiasm for and an appreciation of the
importance of Chemistry and Biology. This is a full-time or part-time role.

Duties and Responsibilities

•  To teach according to the timetable for the current year, ensuring that lessons are planned, ordered and effective
•  To  be  aware  of  the  need  to  differentiate  work  and  challenges  according  to  the  ability  of  the  pupils,  whilst

maintaining high expectations of all and taking full account of any Special Educational Needs

•  To  work  as  part  of  a  team,  in  harmony  with,  and  for  the  furtherance  of  the  school’s  ethos  and  declared

educational aims and priorities

•  To be supportive of the department’s aims, agreed teaching styles, methods of assessment and other policies
•  To set written assignments or other pieces of work that involve a finished product (Prep) regularly and mark them
promptly  and  in  accordance  with  School  and  Departmental  policies,  ensuring  that  formative  comments  are
always helpful and make constructive suggestions for further appropriate improvement in learning

•  To provide parents with written reports on their students’ work and progress according to current school policy

and to attend parents’ meetings

•  To take a share of supervising duties and cover for absent colleagues
•  To be responsible for the supervision, control and proper use of teaching rooms, materials and resources, and

to have regard to health and safety issues and regulations

•  To attend weekly staff meetings and other meetings that may be called from time to time, as required by the

Headmaster

•  To  report  in  a  timely  manner  any  concerns  about  students  and  their  learning  progress  to  the  appropriate

colleague

•  To report in a timely manner any concerns regarding Child Protection or Bullying to the appropriate colleague
•  To  take  responsibility  for  one’s  continuing  professional  development  and,  to  this  end,  to  participate  in

Development and Review procedures as directed by the Headmaster

Extra-Curricular

•  To contribute to Barnard Castle School’s broad and active co-curricular activities programme.
•  To oversee the character education of a tutor group through group tutorials, individual coaching sessions, goal

setting, and communication with parents.

Expectations as a member of Barnard Castle School Common Room

•  To  have  high  professional  standards  and  so  be  an  appropriate  role  model  of  reliability,  behaviour  and

appearance;

•  To relate to children in an atmosphere of trust, frankness and ambition and to engender a climate of mutual

respect;

•  To make sure that pupils meet the School’s expectations of them;
•  To facilitate the development of children’s confidence, self-esteem, determination, responsibility and personal

pride in achievement, behaviour and appearance;

•  To understand  that offering a  well-rounded education means engaging beyond the classroom, and  therefore

contributing to the wider life of the Barney education;

•  To contribute to marketing the school and to promote the School to prospective pupils and parents;
•  To establish and maintain high standards of communication with pupils, staff and parents;
•  To uphold all the policies of Barnard Castle School;
•  To  take  an  interest  in  how  the  School  functions  and  to  convey  suggestions  for  improvement  to  the  Head  of

Department, Senior Management Team and Headmaster from time to time;

•  To subscribe to the Common Room’s ethos of inclusivity, collegiality and helpfulness.

This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. Teachers may
be required to carry out such other duties as the Headmaster may reasonably require from time to time.

Duties and responsibilities, may be subject to change and development, the job description will be reviewed periodically
and subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

Support

The Teacher will be appraised by the Heads of Department and will also have a review with the Headmaster but routine
communication will be on going. Professional development is expected and will be discussed as part of the Teacher’s
Review and Development cycle.

Role Criteria

In order to meet the high standards expected of a teacher in our School, the Headmaster is seeking to employ a
person with the following qualities, experience, skills and abilities.

Essential Criteria:

•  A good honours degree, with excellent linguistic competence in Biology & Chemistry;
•  Ability to teach both Biology and Chemistry to Year 11;
•  Evidence of either being or having the potential to be an excellent teacher;
•  The ability to inspire and motivate children;
•  Clear and effective communication skills;
•  An ability and willingness to make a contribution to the extra-curricular life of the School;
•  An ability to relate well to colleagues and children;
•  Approachability, accessibility and flexibility, with high levels of organisation;

Desirable Criteria:

•  A higher degree or experience of educational or subject-specific research ;
•  Ability to teach either Biology or Chemistry to A Level;
•  Ability to teach Physics at KS3;
•  A record of and commitment to continuing professional development;
•  The possession of QTS;
•  Experience of working in a boarding school;
•  The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the school community;
•  Sympathy with the Christian values of the School and the nature of working in a boarding environment;

Recruitment Process

Enquiries
If you have any questions about the role in advance of applying, please contact the current Head of Biology,
Rebecca Gibson, rkg@barneyschool.org.uk, or the current Head of Chemistry, Carla Lavery,
CEL@barneyschool.org.uk  who will be pleased to arrange a call for an informal discussion.

The School offers a pension package. Other benefits include fee remission for children in the School, use
of our gym, sports facilities and swimming pool, free meals during term time, free parking and access to
various social activities throughout the year.

Applications

If you feel that you can meet the above requirements, then please submit a letter of application along with the
Barnard Castle School application form to the Headmaster. Only applications containing the requested
information will be considered.

Applications should be sent to:

Mr D J Cresswell
Barnard Castle School
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8UN

Information about Interviews:

Telephone: 01833 696098

Email: hr@barneyschool.org.uk

Deadline for applications:  9.00 am Monday 2nd March 2026

Shortlist Interviews at School:  Week commencing Monday 9th March 2026

Applicants should read carefully the application procedure – guidance for applicants, Policy on the
Recruitment of Ex-offenders and the Disclosure policy and the Safer Recruitment policy.

Barnard Castle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and

young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from
the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening,
including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and
Barring Service.

Barnard Castle School is an equal opportunities employer.