Job Description
Leigh Academy Wilmington is seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Learning - Science. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an outstanding practitioner ready to drive academic excellence and shape the future of scientific inquiry across our academy and the wider Trust.
We are looking for a visionary leader who can harness the curiosity of our students and the expertise of our staff. As a key member of our leadership team, you will receive bespoke CPD and unparalleled support to further your own professional trajectory.
Why Join Our Team?
It is an inspiring time to join Leigh Academy Wilmington. You will lead a hardworking, passionate faculty within an environment defined by high aspirations, academic excellence, and exemplary behaviour.
At Wilmington, we believe that learning never stops - for students or staff. Success here is built on a foundation of teamwork; our subject teams collaborate closely to share innovative resources and pedagogical strategies, ensuring our students achieve the highest possible outcomes.
Our Faculty
You will lead a collaborative and forward-thinking Science department that delivers a rigorous and engaging curriculum across all Key Stages:
- KS3: Integrated Science following the MYP/IB framework, focusing on inquiry-based learning.
- KS4: GCSE Combined Science and Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
- KS5: A-Level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, alongside Level 3 Applied Science.
Note on the IB Framework: As Science is delivered as part of the MYP/IB framework, experience in delivering or leading this inquiry-based model is highly desirable. We are looking for a candidate who can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Who We Are Looking For:
- An expert practitioner with a deep love for Science and a proven track record of raising attainment.
- A leader who builds strong professional relationships and fosters a culture of shared success.
- Able to motivate both students and staff to push the boundaries of their potential.
- Possessing high energy, a "can-do" attitude, and the resilience to lead a core subject area.
- Confident in their leadership with clear career goals and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Fully committed to safeguarding and the wellbeing of the entire Academy community.
- Prepared to lead or support co-curricular activities that bring Science to life beyond the classroom.
Working with us at Leigh Academy Wilmington
Leigh Academy Wilmington, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in May 2023 and 'Leading' by Challenge Partners in March 2026, provides a world-class education with a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. As an IB World School, we integrate the International Baccalaureate philosophy throughout our curriculum.
Our students, from diverse backgrounds, achieve exceptional results, with our value-added scores placing us in the top national band for similar schools. We offer the IB Career-related Programme for sixth formers and the IB Middle Years Programme for Key Stage 3. Students benefit from a calm, purposeful environment, extensive enrichment opportunities, and a strong pastoral program that prepares them for university or high-level apprenticeships.
We are a forward-thinking and supportive community, committed to professional development for our staff. We work collaboratively to ensure all students flourish and are well-prepared for a complex world.
Please click here to view our website, to find out more about Leigh Academy Wilmington.
Applying for this Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor): charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 245.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about it on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.