Director of Science and Social Science
Salary: TGS Leadership Scale Points 8–12
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: January 2026
Location: Tolworth Girls’ School & Sixth Form, Surbiton
Inspire. Lead. Achieve.
Tolworth Girls’ School & Sixth Form is an Outstanding, vibrant and inclusive community where high expectations and a strong sense of belonging underpin everything we do. We are seeking a dynamic, visionary Director of Science and Social Science to join our Leadership Team and drive excellence across these key faculties.
The Directorship is a leadership role that is beyond that of a traditional Head of Science and offers the opportunity to experience wider school leadership. This could suit a candidate who is looking to progress into an SLT in the future.
As Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of Science and Social Science, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning, supporting staff development, and fostering a culture of aspiration and achievement. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader who is passionate about curriculum innovation, data-informed improvement, and empowering both students and colleagues to reach their full potential.
About the Department
Our Science and Social Science Faculty is thriving, with 12 fully equipped laboratories and two prep rooms, supported by a skilled team of specialist teachers and technicians. Excitingly, we have begun a 12-month project to completely modernise our Science labs and the new Faculty Leader will be heavily involved in shaping the design of the new labs, giving us outstanding science facilities into the future. Students at all key stages are motivated, ambitious, and inspired through a wide range of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities. Highlights include:
• Science Olympiads at Key Stages 4 and 5.
• A popular Harry Potter Club at Key Stage 3.
• A wide range of activities promoting women in science.
• Guest speakers, such as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society who has collaborated with Tim Peake.
• Practical and creative enrichment, from hatching chicks to welcoming an Urban Farm into school.
The Science department has a strong track record of success with results above FFT20 targets in both Science Trilogy and Combined Science. Science courses at KS5 are highly subscribed and there are established A Level courses of Biology, Chemistry and Physics alongside the AAQ L3 Applied Science. The ethos of the department is to inspire every student to pursue Science and we aim to make our Sixth Form offer as inclusive as possible.
The Director role involves the leadership of the Science Department working closely with Heads of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Science.
Operating mainly at KS5, our Social Sciences Department is the bedrock of our KS5 provision with highly popular courses in Health and Social Care, Early Childhood Development, Sociology, Psychology and Criminology. The Director of Faculty will line manage the Head of Social Sciences playing an important part in the curriculum leadership of this area.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic leadership and direction across the Science and Social Science faculties.
• Support, develop and hold staff accountable to ensure consistently excellent teaching and learning.
• Lead curriculum development and pedagogical innovation from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5.
• Use data insightfully to identify trends, close gaps, and raise achievement for all learners.
• Working with SLT to inform the strategic direction of the curriculum and wider school development.
• Line manage subject leads and promote a collaborative, supportive professional culture.
• Champion student well-being, engagement, and ambition both within and beyond the classroom.
• Contribute fully to the wider leadership and development of the school, including leading a whole-school initiative and being a leadership link for the pastoral team of a specific year group.
About You:
We are looking for an inspirational and strategic leader who:
• Has a proven record of outstanding teaching and leadership within Science, Social Science, or both.
• Demonstrates the ability to build and motivate effective teams.
• Brings creativity, resilience, and the capacity to lead improvement and innovation.
• Models integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to student success.
• Communicates with clarity, confidence, and empathy.
Why Join Tolworth Girls’ School & Sixth Form?
• A school rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2023) and recognised as a Leading School by Challenge Partners.
• Strong support for staff wellbeing, noted by Ofsted, including:
o Teachers’ Pension Scheme
o Employee assistance programme (including free counselling)
o Free flu jabs, eye tests and cycle-to-work scheme
o Discounted membership of our on-site gym and free parking
o Professional development opportunities and coaching
• A friendly, collaborative staff team with a strong sense of community.
Safeguarding and Equality
Tolworth Girls' School & Sixth Form are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of the Academy’s due diligence, shortlisted candidates may be subject to an online search to identify any incidents or issues, which are publicly available, online. If there is anything concerning, candidates will be asked to comment on it at interview.
All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and all safeguarding checks.
Tolworth Girls' School & Sixth Form is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
Tolworth Girls' School & Sixth Form reserve the right to close this advert early, should suitable candidates apply. We therefore advise all potential candidates to submit as early as possible. Application is via Eteach, referees will be contacted prior to interview or as stated in application.
Direct applications only. No recruitment agencies.