Information for Applicants Teacher of Chemistry/Physics Required for September 2026

Battle Abbey School, High Street, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0AD

Tel: 01424 772385

www.battleabbeyschool.com

For further information please contact Hannah Blake at Headteacher@battleabbeyschool.com

CONTENTS

• Letter from the Head

• The Science Department

• Job description

Person specification

• Key dates

LETTER FROM THE HEADTEACHER

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in our exciting vacancy for a Teacher of Science. This is a part-time position (17– 24 hours per week) within a core and highly valued subject area, and we are looking for a candidate with the enthusiasm, subject knowledge and commitment to inspire students across all key stages.

Battle Abbey School is an all-through school for children from 3 months to 18 years of age. We are an independent, co-educational day and boarding school in East Sussex, with the Senior School located at the historic English Heritage site of Battle Abbey. This unique setting provides a rich and inspiring backdrop to a modern, forward-thinking education.

Our size creates a caring and supportive family environment in which a strong community of pupils and staff focus on the wellbeing and potential of each individual child. We are a mixed-ability school that embraces inclusive teaching and values progress as highly as attainment. The successful candidate must support the School’s ethos and become an active, caring and committed member of our community.

We are seeking an excellent Teacher of Science with a Chemistry or Physics specialism to join our Senior School from September 2026. The successful candidate will teach across Key Stages 3 and 4, with the opportunity to teach at A Level (OCR A) depending on experience. This role would suit both experienced teachers and Early Career Teachers.

Science is a key area of development within the School, and there is significant scope for the successful candidate to contribute to the continued growth of the department, including curriculum development, enrichment opportunities and cross-curricular teaching. We welcome candidates who are keen to contribute to the wider life of the School, including societies, clubs and enrichment activities.

Battle Abbey School continues to grow and develop, with ongoing investment in teaching and learning, facilities and professional development. We are proud of our staff and students, and of the positive and ambitious culture we are building together.

I hope this information will support your application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I look forward to receiving your application.

Yours sincerely,

Hannah Blake Headteacher

THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

The Science department at Battle Abbey School is a developing and ambitious department, playing a central role in the academic life of the School. Teaching takes place in well-resourced laboratories that support practical work, investigation and the development of strong scientific thinking. With Heads of each subject area, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, students receive a detailed and thorough Science education throughout their time in the Senior School.

At Key Stage 3, students develop a broad foundation across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with an emphasis on curiosity, experimentation and scientific literacy. At Key Stage 4, students currently follow the Edexcel GCSE specification, with a planned transition to AQA for first examination in 2028. At A Level, students study OCR A specifications in Chemistry and Physics, with strong preparation for further study in STEM disciplines.

We aim to foster a love of Science alongside strong academic outcomes, encouraging students to think critically, apply their knowledge and engage with the subject beyond the classroom. The department is committed to high-quality teaching, effective assessment and the continuous refinement of curriculum and pedagogy. Students who complete their A-levels with us go on to University courses at some of the finest institutions in the UK, studying subjects such as Engineering, Medicine, and Natural Sciences, along with specialist disciplines.

Enrichment is an important part of the department’s work, and we welcome contributions to clubs, societies, competitions and wider scientific engagement. There is also scope to contribute to crosscurricular teaching and interdisciplinary learning, reflecting the School’s broader educational approach. Each year, students have the opportunity to take part in our Science Society Christmas Lectures, as well as wider participation events such as Science Fairs and the festivities for Science Week. There are regular trips to Iceland, CERN and the Science Live lectures, as well as occasional larger trips such as the planned Costa Rica excursion later this year.

This is an exciting time to join the department, with opportunities to shape its future direction and contribute meaningfully to the School’s ongoing development.

TEACHER OF SCIENCE Job Description

The Headteacher expects Battle Abbey School teachers to uphold the high standards of personal and professional conduct laid down by the Department for Education Teachers’ Standards and the Battle Abbey School Staff Code of Conduct and Handbook.

Teachers’ Standards

Teachers make the education of their pupils their first concern and are accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. Teachers act with honesty and integrity; have strong subject knowledge; keep their knowledge and skills up to date; are reflective practitioners; forge positive professional relationships; and work with parents in the best interests of their pupils.

Part One: Teaching Responsibilities

A Teacher of Science at Battle Abbey School is expected to:

1. Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils in Science.

2. Promote good progress and outcomes through effective planning, explanation and modelling.

3. Demonstrate strong subject and curriculum knowledge, particularly in Chemistry and/or Physics.

4. Plan and teach well-structured lessons that develop scientific understanding, practical skills and analytical thinking.

5. Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils.

6. Make accurate and productive use of assessment to support progress.

7. Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a safe and purposeful learning environment.

8. Contribute positively to the Science department and wider School.

Part Two: Professional Responsibilities

Teachers are expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct.

In addition, teachers are expected to:

Other Activities

• Contribute to the wider life of the School, including enrichment, clubs or societies

• Attend key school events (e.g. Open Days, Parents’ Consultations)

Participate in meetings and INSET

Departmental Contribution

• Contribute to schemes of work, resources and assessment

Support intervention, extension and enrichment opportunities

Professional Development

Engage fully with appraisal and CPD

• Contribute to whole-school development where appropriate Absence / Cover

Undertake a fair share of cover responsibilities

This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed annually.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Attribute	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications	Good honours degree in Chemistry or Physics or aclosely related subject areaRecognised teaching qualification (or workingtowards for ECTs)	Evidence of recent, relevantprofessional development inScience education
Experience	● Proven ability to deliver high-quality classroomteaching in Science● Experience of teaching mixed-ability classes acrossat least one key stageStrong understanding of Science curriculum,pedagogy and assessment0 Ability to use assessment and data to monitorprogress and inform teachingEffective classroom management and positivebehaviour strategiesWillingness to contribute to extra-curricular orenrichment activities	● Experience teaching across KS3,GCSE and/or A Level ScienceExperience with relevantexamination boards (e.g. AQA,OCR)Experience of supportingintervention or extensionprogrammesExperience of workingcollaboratively within adepartment or across subjects
Skills andKnowledge	● Ability to use a range of teaching strategies,including adaptive teaching, to support all learners● Strong subject knowledge with the ability to explainconcepts clearly and accurately● Good written, oral and IT skillsEffective organisation and time-management skillsAbility to work successfully within departmental andpastoral teams	Confidence using data trackingsystems or assessmentplatformsExperience contributing todepartmental resources orcurriculum development
PersonalCompetencies	● High expectations of self and students• Commitment to professional development andreflective practiceResilient, flexible and solutions-focused approachPassion for Science and educationWillingness to engage positively with schoolinitiatives and wider school life	● Interest in currentdevelopments in Scienceeducation● Openness to innovation andnew approaches to teaching andlearning● Sense of humour and positivepersonal presence
Interests	● Willingness to contribute to the wider life of aboarding school● Willingness to offer something beyond theclassroom that enriches pupils'experience	● Evidence of involvement inextra-curricular or enrichmentactivities

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE

Battle Abbey School has its own salary scale. Experience and qualifications are considered when setting starting salaries. The School offers a generous defined contribution APTIS pension scheme for staff. All staff benefit from a staff discount on basic tuition fees of 50% for full-time staff, pro-rata for part time staff, and qualify for this benefit immediately.

Other Staff benefits include:

Lunch throughout term time and tea and coffee available throughout the day. Meals are provided for staff who are required to work in the evening for school events or boarding activities.

• Free on-site parking is provided.

CPD is encouraged and the school has current membership of the Society of Heads, PiXL and other academic, pastoral and safeguarding agencies that offer training and support. PGCE placements are offered through various universities, and current staff are able to complete these and QTS programmes as part of their own career development.

Staff have agreed access to the swimming pool and gym.

APPLICATION FORM AND KEY DATES

Closing date for receipt of applications: 03/06/2026

Interviews for shortlisted candidates: Week beginning 08/06/2026

Applications must be made on the attached application form and should be emailed, together with a short covering letter, to Mrs Hannah Blake (Headteacher) at headteacher@battleabbeyschool.com.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your application or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school via headteacher@battleabbeyschool.com.