Director of Science
Contract term: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: Competitive plus benefits
Required from: September 2026 or January 2027
The role
Wimbledon High School is seeking an ambitious and dynamic leader to take on the role of Director of Science.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving and highly successful Science faculty at one of the UK's leading girls' schools. Science occupies a central place within the life of Wimbledon High School and, in 2025, 47% of Year 13 students progressed to STEM-related degree courses. At a time when women remain underrepresented across many STEM disciplines, Wimbledon High School has a strong tradition of encouraging girls to pursue ambitious scientific pathways and careers.
As Director of Science, you will provide strategic leadership for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, working with a talented team of teachers and leaders to shape the future direction of Science across the Senior School. You will champion academic excellence, scientific enquiry and intellectual curiosity, ensuring that students are inspired by both the fundamental principles of science and the discoveries shaping the modern world.
You will play a key role in curriculum development, staff leadership, enrichment and partnerships, whilst helping to maintain the outstanding culture of teaching and learning for which Wimbledon High School is known. You will also work closely with colleagues to ensure that practical science is delivered safely, effectively and to the highest professional standards.
Beyond the classroom, you will help strengthen opportunities for students to engage with the wider world of science, building upon the school's strong tradition of supporting girls into Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Natural Sciences and other STEM-related disciplines.
About you
You will possess excellent subject knowledge, strong leadership and management skills, and a deep understanding of science education. You will have a proven track record of successful middle leadership, including experience of managing and developing staff, leading curriculum development and driving improvements in teaching and learning.
A thorough understanding of curriculum design, assessment and teaching and learning is essential, as is experience of developing enrichment opportunities, external partnerships and wider academic initiatives. In addition to this, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety and will have experience of leading and maintaining effective health and safety practices within a science department or faculty.
You will be an intellectually curious and collaborative leader, excited by the opportunity to champion Science within a school where academic ambition, curiosity and a love of learning are deeply valued.
About Wimbledon High School
Since 1880, Wimbledon High School GDST has been educating girls to go out into the world and make a difference. Our acclaimed pastoral programme GROW, enriching co-curricular opportunities, character-forging partnerships and our ‘playful scholarship’ approach to academic life make for a compelling environment where every individual can flourish and be herself. Located in the heart of Wimbledon, we are less than 20 minutes from central London.
Benefits
As part of the Girls' Day School Trust, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• GDST Flexible Pension Plan
• Training grants for qualifications
• Free life assurance benefit
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season tickets
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and an application form please click the apply button.
The closing date for applications will be 5pm on Sunday 14th June 2026
Interviews will take place on Monday 22nd June 2026.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.