Trainee Teacher of Science
GOSFIELD SCHOOL LIMITED
Gosfield School
Full-time
2nd March 2026
Listed 2 days ago
Trainee Teacher of Science Application Pack Knowing every child, nurturing potential About us Gosfield School was established at Cut Hedge Park in 1929 when the daughter of the textile manufacturer, George Courtauld purchased the land and buildings from the executors of her late father’s estate. Constance Cicely Courtauld started a Senior Boy’s Boarding School the same year, with pupils relocating from Leigh Hall School in Southend. In 1944, Cicely gifted the School and estate to Headmaster John Turner who continued the work started by Cicely. In 1967, the School became a charitable trust and in 1986, the School became co-educational. A Prep School was opened in 1989 and we welcomed our first Sixth Form pupils in 1994. In 2006, Gosfield School Ltd purchased the freehold of the estate and buildings from the Turner family. In 2015, we opened Meadow Court, a purpose built Prep School, which is home to a Nursery, Reception Class up to Year 5, within the grounds of our 110 acre estate. We continue to develop and upgrade our infrastructure, we opened our Forest School and Cricket Pavilion in May 2017. Our Cricket Academy welcomed its first Scholars in Summer 2018, we opened our new Design Technology workshop in January 2019 and undertook the design led redecoration of the Manor House. The construction of our new Performing Arts Centre has recently been completed. We are committed to the development of our young people in an environment where all pupils feel valued and are able to achieve excellence in all aspects of life. We have non-academic entry criteria and consistently achieve outstanding outcomes when compared to Schools with academic entry criteria. Cicely’s founding principles for the School were to create a family environment in which young people would flourish and we remain faithful to those principles today. Knowing every child, nurturing potential Our Principal Mr Rod Jackson Mr Jackson became Principal of Gosfield in September 2021. He has a wealth of School experience, having spent more than 30 years working in Independent Schools in Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom. He is a passionate promoter of an entirely in which a rigorous holistic approach to learning, approach to academic education, an outstanding programme of extracurricular opportunities, alongside excellent pastoral care and personal development combine to create a world class educational experience for each child. Mr Jackson believes that it is essential not only that we educate our students to be global citizens but that we ensure they have the skills and the desire to change the world for the better, as future leaders. Before joining Gosfield, Mr Jackson served as Head of The International Community School in Marylebone and prior to that he was Head of Secondary at The King Alfred School in Hampstead, earlier leadership roles include Head of Classics at Cranleigh School and Senior Housemaster at Aldenham School. Mr Jackson holds a BA (Hons) degree in Classics from the University of Adelaide and a MEd from the University of Cambridge. Knowing every child, nurturing potential Science at Gosfield School The Science Department currently consists of five teaching staff, supported by one technician and is managed by the Head of Science. There are two well equipped wet laboratories plus a dry laboratory mainly used for teaching Physics. We follow the AQA examination board for Science and currently offer both Combined Science and Triple Science at GCSE and also A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Science Department provides an interesting, engaging and fun experience for pupils. The position is suitable for a trainee teacher of Science. We are keen to find someone who is innovative, enthusiastic and passionate about science. Somebody who will bring new ideas and continue our drive to offer a fantastic science education, not just in the labor- atories but also outside in our amazing grounds and through our extra-curricular clubs including STEM and CREST awards. We also aim to offer a selection of Science school trips which in the past have included the Space Centre, The Science Museum, Science Lectures and University trips. Expectations (Job description) of a classroom teacher · To plan, prepare and teach lessons across the age range according to the timetable and maintaining records of work covered for each set taught; · To write schemes of work and devise shared resources for the agreed syllabuses; · To prepare pupils for tests and examinations, using revision programmes, past examination papers, and other resources as appropriate; · To set homework on a regular basis, following the School’s homework timetable and according to guidelines established by the Principal and Assistant Principal Academic; · To mark pupils’ work regularly and to keep a record of each pupil’s achievements in a mark book; · To monitor pupils’ attendance at lessons and to follow up absences in writing with the Assistant Principal Pastoral; calendar; · To write reports and submit grades as per the deadlines set in the School reporting and assessment · To be available to support those pupils who need additional help with their academic studies and/or to offer extension work to those in need of further challenge; · To keep classrooms, laboratories and equipment used in good order and to report any damage or faults to the appropriate person; · To contribute to the overall work of the School, e.g. participating in fieldtrips or exchange visits, covering classes for absent colleagues as directed by the Vice Principal or Principal; · In the case of absence, to notify the Vice Principal and to set work for classes needing to be covered whenever possible; · To attend all staff meetings called by the Principal and Assistant Principal Academic and parents’ meetings; · To keep abreast of developments in his/her subject area and to support the department’s contribution to the relevant targets of the School Development Plan by attending appropriate INSET and other courses. . To be responsible for Health and Safety in their lessons. Knowing every child, nurturing potential Trainee Teacher of Science You will play a key role in delivering high-quality teaching and fostering a love of science across the school. In addition to carrying out the duties outlined in the School’s classroom teacher job description, you will be responsible to the Head of Science and will undertake the following responsibilities: 1. Teaching and Learning • Teach Science across the age and ability range, including GCSE and A Level (where appropriate). • Plan and deliver engaging, well-structured lessons that promote curiosity, intellectual rigour and aca- demic excellence. • Demonstrate strong subject knowledge and enthusiasm for Science. • Use a range of effective teaching strategies to meet the needs of all pupils, including those who are Able, Gifted and Talented and those with additional learning needs. • Set high expectations for behaviour, effort and achievement in line with the school’s ethos. • Prepare pupils effectively for internal assessments and public examinations. • Contribute to the development and sharing of high-quality teaching resources and schemes of work. Be responsible for health and safety in their lessons and produce risk assessments for them. 2. Curriculum Contribution • Support the implementation of a coherent and ambitious Science curriculum. • Contribute to the ongoing review and development of schemes of work and teaching materials. • To foster and support extra-curricular activities in the interests of the school community, e.g. school concerts, plays, sports fixtures, etc. • Ensure that pupils develop knowledge, skills and understanding progressively and at an appropriate pace. • Promote practical work and investigative science as central to effective Scienceteaching. Contribute to cross-curricular initiatives and enrichment activities where appropriate. 3. Assessment and Monitoring • Assess, record and report on pupil progress in accordance with departmental and whole-school poli- cies. • Provide timely, constructive feedback that supports pupil progress and independence. • Monitor pupil performance and identify underachievement, implementing appropriate interventions in consultation with the Head of Chemistry and pastoral staff. Use assessment data to inform planning and support continuous improvement. Knowing every child, nurturing potential 4. Pastoral Responsibilities • Act as a Form Tutor if required, supporting pupils’ academic and personal development. • Promote high standards of behaviour in accordance with the school’s Code of Conduct. • Support pupils’ spiritual, moral and personal development. • Maintain accurate records of attendance and punctuality. Work collaboratively with colleagues and parents to support pupil wellbeing and achievement. 5. Enrichment and Wider Contribution • Contribute to the wider life of the school, including co-curricular activities and enrichment opportuni- ties such as STEM initiatives, Olympiads or science clubs. • Support educational visits, lectures and other activities that enhance pupils’ learning experiences. Attend parents’ evenings, information events and school functions as required. Note: The duties and responsibilities of this post may vary from time to time according to the changing needs of the school. This job description may be re- viewed at the reasonable discretion of the Principal in the light of those changing requirements and in consultation with the postholder. In any event the Principal reserves the right to review and amend the job description. How to apply Download an Application Form from our website [www.gosfieldschool.org.uk] and send together with a covering letter to Mrs Sara Bowles, EA to the Principal: Sara.Bowles@gosfieldschool.org.uk Deadline for applications: noon Monday 2nd March 2026 Interviews: w/c Monday 2nd March / Monday 9th March 2026 Start Date: 1 September 2026 *Please Note to avoid disappointment applicants are encouraged to apply prior to the deadline as we reserve the right to consider applications as they are received and to ap- point prior to the deadline. Knowing every child, nurturing potential