Possible TLR 2a available for a suitably qualified applicant to lead a key stage in Science. Please express your interest in your application.
This is an exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career in a positive and exciting environment.
Great Western Academy opened in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities in North Swindon in September 2018. The Academy is heavily oversubscribed in all years and has a growing sixth form to match. Our first two sets of GCSE results showed that the progress made by the large majority of students has been excellent, particularly in English and Maths. Benchmark results are well above national averages (2024: 53% grade 5+ in English and Maths, 74% grade 4+ in English and Maths) from cohorts that matched national averages on entry. This reflects progress by students of all abilities, with those with EHCPs particularly successful, several of them progressing to our Sixth Form. The results of our first four A-level cohorts in summer have also been excellent and enabled 98% of university applicants to take up their offers, including four to Oxford and Cambridge; students have also secured prestigious apprenticeships with companies such as with Airbus and Rolls Royce. We believe firmly that strong outcomes follow from high expectations, high quality teaching, and strong support in terms of behaviour structures and targeted academic and pastoral interventions.
We have thriving groups of A-level Biologists, Chemists and Physicists in both Years 12 and 13. The foundations we have laid in Science are excellent; our team of thirteen experienced staff ensure students enjoy their learning, and the progress being made in all year groups is excellent. The Science team benefits from ten new teaching rooms and a fully stocked prep room.
An opportunity has arisen to join our Science Faculty to support the teaching of Science at GCSE and A-level. We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive practitioner, ideally with previous experience of successful A-level teaching. Our priority is very much to recruit the best classroom practitioners who can ensure our students arrive at the Academy excited about the day ahead and leave each day talking about the excellent learning they have experienced.
Our priority is very much to recruit the best classroom practitioners who can ensure our students arrive at the Academy excited about the day ahead and leave each day talking about the excellent learning they have experienced. To this end, staff have the freedom and creativity to develop lessons within GWA’s framework of Teaching and Learning (known as our ‘preferred pedagogy’) and faculty expectations. Whether you are an ECT or an experienced teacher, your input will be valued and integral to all the faculty does.
Why Join Us?
• Strong Results and Progress for All Learners: Our students consistently achieve impressive results, demonstrating great progress at all levels. We are committed to ensuring that every learner, regardless of their starting point, is empowered to achieve.
• Growing A-Level Cohorts: The popularity of science subjects at A-Level continues to grow, reflecting the high-quality teaching and engaging curriculum we deliver. You’ll have the chance to teach motivated and ambitious students who are passionate about science.
• Outstanding Post-18 Destinations: Our students go on to pursue brilliant opportunities after Sixth Form, including top university places, competitive apprenticeships, and exciting careers in STEM fields. Your work will have a lasting impact on shaping their futures.
• Brand-New Facilities and Resources: Our state-of-the-art science facilities include modern laboratories, extensive resources, and fully equipped spaces designed to support practical, engaging, and inspiring science education.
• Be Part of a Growing Faculty: As a relatively new department, you'll have the opportunity to influence and shape our direction while enjoying the autonomy to create and deliver engaging lessons within our well-developed schemes of learning.
• Commitment to Professional Growth: We prioritise continuous professional development, offering opportunities both within and beyond the school. Many of our staff have completed NPQs and are actively pursuing specialist development courses through partnerships with organisations like the Royal Society of Chemistry.
• Innovative Approaches to Teaching: We embrace novel methods in science education, placing practical science at the heart of our curriculum to inspire and engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
• Outstanding Support Team: Our excellent technician team ensures the smooth delivery of practical lessons, enabling you to focus on teaching and inspiring young minds.
• Specialist Expertise: With a well-balanced team of specialist science teachers, you'll collaborate with passionate professionals who share your dedication to excellence in science education.
• A Positive, Welcoming, and Inclusive Work Environment: We pride ourselves on being a workplace where staff thrive. Our team is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive, creating a positive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
• Support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs): Our experienced mentors and robust induction programmes have successfully supported many ECTs in their early career development, ensuring they grow into confident and capable educators.
If you're ready to join a faculty that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, and places practical science at the core of its mission, we’d love to hear from you. Come and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of science education at Great Western Academy.
Additional benefits of working at GWA include:
• Average class sizes of 26 in years 7 to 11
• Flexible working opportunities
• Excellent CPD opportunities
• State of the art facilities
• Leading edge ICT, including a laptop provided for all staff
• Free Health and Wellbeing Support Service
• Cycle to work scheme through Cyclescheme
• Access to EV charging on site. Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme
• Easy access to the A419, and free parking
Further details are available on the Academy website and in the information documents attached. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to contact us.
Applications should be submitted electronically to the recruitment email by 9am on Wednesday 21st May 2025. Interviews will take place shortly after this date.
Please note we may interview before the closing date (and close the advert early) depending on the suitability, and number of, applicants.
Great Western Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.