Head of Chemistry

Salary: PT1-EPT3 (MPS1-UPS3) TLR Allowance

Contractual hours: 37.5

Basis: Full Time

Region: London

Job category/type: Chemistry

Date posted: 16/02/2026

Job reference: REQ
004752

We are seeking an ambitious and highly skilled teacher of Chemistry to take on the role of Head of Chemistry within our large and successful Science department. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner or emerging leader to play a key role in shaping the Chemistry curriculum and driving excellence in teaching and learning across the subject.

Paddington Academy is a high‑performing school with a relentless focus on high standards in all that we do. We believe that every student can succeed, regardless of their starting point, and we have built a strong culture of excellence to make this a reality. Students make exceptional progress during their time with us, and we are consistently placed in the top 1% of schools nationally for student progress.

We ensure that classrooms are disruption‑free so that teachers can focus on teaching and learning. Our behaviour systems are clear and effective, teacher time is protected, and we are known for the positive environment and strong relationships between staff and students. We keep systems simple and purposeful to reduce unnecessary workload.

Chemistry is a high‑performing and popular subject at Paddington Academy. A Level Chemistry attracts a large cohort each year and has a strong track record of outcomes. The Chemistry curriculum from KS3 through to KS5 is carefully sequenced and well resourced, ensuring strong conceptual understanding, secure practical skills, and confident application of chemical principles. Students develop deep knowledge of core areas such as atomic structure, bonding, energetics, rates of reaction, equilibrium, organic chemistry, and analytical techniques, alongside the mathematical and practical competencies required for success at A Level.

As Head of Chemistry, you will work closely with the Subject Leader for Science and other subject leaders within the department to support the strategic leadership of Science. You will lead on the development and implementation of the Chemistry curriculum across the key stages, with particular oversight of A Level Chemistry. You will play a central role in curriculum planning, assessment design, and resource development, ensuring that schemes of work are coherent, knowledge‑rich, and aligned with examination requirements.

At Paddington Academy, teaching is research‑informed and rooted in strong pedagogy. The Science department engages in regular Curriculum Masterclasses to develop subject knowledge, share best practice, and collaboratively plan high‑quality lessons and resources. As Head of Chemistry, you will contribute to and lead elements of this professional development, modelling expert practice and supporting colleagues with subject‑specific pedagogy including the teaching of complex chemical concepts, required practical work, extended responses, and exam technique.

You will also support the mentoring and coaching of colleagues, including early career teachers and trainees, helping to build consistency and excellence in teaching across Science.

Paddington Academy is a mixed Academy for 1,200 students aged 11–18 and was judged Outstanding by Ofsted in March 2023, maintaining its outstanding judgement from 2011. The Academy has been described as a jewel in the crown of state education. Our thriving and oversubscribed Sixth Form has over 300 students, with excellent outcomes and very strong university progression, including a high proportion of Russell Group destinations.

Paddington Academy is the lead school for United Teaching national SCITT and a designated Teaching School Hub. Staff benefit from high‑quality training and development at every stage of their career. As Head of Chemistry, you will also have access to and contribute to a national network of Science teachers and leaders across United Learning, supported by specialist Science Subject Advisors.

• Is passionate about Chemistry and subject excellence
• Has strong subject knowledge and understanding of Chemistry pedagogy
• Is committed to continually improving teaching and learning
• Has high expectations of all students
• Has a strong track record of impact at KS4 and/or KS5
• Is able to contribute to curriculum development and team development
• Works collaboratively and supports colleagues
• Is motivated to take on subject leadership responsibility