Second in Department - Science

Role : Second in Department - Science

Academy : Outwood Academy Ripon

Start Date : January 2027

Salary (Actual Salary) : MPS/UPS + TLR 2.1

Working Pattern : 1 FTE, Full Time

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Second in Department to provide cohesive leadership and motivating direction within our faculty. In this pivotal role, you will support the Head of Department in driving innovative strategies to enhance the quality of learning, teaching, and student achievement. As a model of the Academy’s vision and values, you will be a key driver in our journey to becoming an 'outstanding' school, championing best practice and fostering a collective approach to problem-solving and curricular development.

Welcome from the Principal:

We are proud that Outwood Academy Ripon is rated Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted. We are an 11-16 academy based in the cathedral city of Ripon, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the magnificent Studley Royal Deer Park, including the well-preserved Cistercian Fountains Abbey. Our success is one of the most impressive in North Yorkshire, and we have been recognised for our consistently excellent outcomes in progress and attainment.

Judged as Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted in 2024, the inspection stated that “Pupils are supported by caring staff who know them well”, “Pupils know that learning is important and apply themselves diligently to their work” and noted that ”the relationships between staff and students are very strong and behaviour around the academy is of a high standard".

We aim to promote the highest standards of academic achievement through inspiring teaching and learning, with a curriculum designed to stretch and enrich our students’ experience. Our success speaks for itself as we are above the national average for the number of students achieving at a Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs, and we have won numerous awards as a school including the Carnegie Mental Health Silver Award, Anti-Bullying Alliance Bronze Award and being accredited with the prestigious IQM Centre of Excellence status, which highlights that inclusion at all levels is of paramount importance to us.

Put simply, we take pride in serving the local community, ensuring everyone has a right to learn.

About the Department:

Our Science department is a team full of passionate individuals with a love for science and learning. A broad range of experience means that we constantly learn from and support each other.

Based in the 4th smallest city in the UK, surrounded by the countryside and hills of North Yorkshire. In close proximity to World Heritage sites such as Fountains Abbey and within easy reach of Harrogate and bigger cities such as Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and York; Ripon is a great place to work.

We pride ourselves on our supportive nature and passion for science. Practical science is at the heart of what we do and we are ably supported by an experienced technician who has the patience of a saint.

Joining our dynamic Science Department means being part of a team committed to fostering a love of science and a deep understanding of the subject. We believe that through outstanding teaching, students will leave with a better understanding of the world around them and therefore be able to make informed decisions about their life.

We run an extra-curricular programme that supports what students learn in class as well as affording them opportunities to experience science beyond the classroom.

As a member of our team you will have the opportunity to:

Innovate: Develop creative and interactive lessons that inspire a passion for science in your students.

Collaborate: Work with a diverse team of educators who share best practices and ideas to continually improve your teaching skills.

Grow: Benefit from professional development opportunities and pathways to advancement within our school.

Impact: Make a lasting impression on the lives of young learners as you nurture their scientific curiosity.

At KS3 our students study an exciting course that takes our students beyond the National Curriculum requirements. This has been developed using the collective expertise of staff across the Trust.

At KS4 we teach

AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics

AQA Combined Trilogy Science, and

AQA Entry Level Certificate

If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact Alastair Martin, Head of Science - [email protected] .

Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).

What will we do for you?

We offer a comprehensive package focused on career development, fair pay, and well-being:

Competitive Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Teachers' Pension Scheme.

Professional Growth: Access extensive CPD, progression to Masters level, and development via the Outwood Institute of Education and National Institute of Teaching.

Workload & Support: Committed to a manageable workload via our Workload Charter and guarantee a minimum of two hours of CPD each week.

Wellbeing & Flexibility: Enhanced occupational leave, flexible family policies, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Take the next step in your professional journey and apply now to access these exceptional development and system-wide impact opportunities.

'Apply' to access the working links on the Outwood Careers page

Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.