Head of Physics / Teacher of Physics (Maternity Cover)

The role:

Northwood College for Girls is seeking a talented, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic Head of Physics or Teacher of Physics to teach students from KS3 through to A Level.

We are looking for an individual who will be able to communicate their enjoyment of the subject, maintain the highest academic standards and inspire a genuine passion for science and its relevance in today's world.

You will deliver engaging and stimulating Physics lessons across the age range, including KS3, GCSE, and A Level, with the potential opportunity to teach STEM classes throughout the school. A commitment to contributing to the wider life of the school is also expected.

For Head of Physics applicants, we are looking for an individual of energy and vision who can lead our dynamic Physics Department. Working closely with our ambitious Director of Science, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the science curriculum from KS3 through to KS5.

You will be an engaging and impactful teacher who leads by example. As a dynamic and strategic thinker, you will be committed to developing a rigorous and engaging Physics curriculum. You will also be both an inspiring leader and a flexible team player, committed to supporting departmental colleagues and working collaboratively within the wider Science Department. While the ability to teach a second science subject at KS3 would be advantageous, it is not essential.

This position is to cover a maternity absence for a minimum of two terms. We are open to candidates seeking either full-time or part-time (0.8) employment.

The Department:

This is an exciting time to be joining our Science Department and/or leading our Physics Department. We have a newly opened Science building (The Alvarium) at the heart of our school, with state-of-the-art labs and facilities, offering a cutting-edge teaching and learning environment. We have a dedicated Maker Space lab, which includes 3D Printers and a Laser Cutter, as well as a dedicated Junior School Science Lab.

In recent years we have had a team of Sixth Form students compete in and win the TfL Innovate programme and one of our Year 6 students was a finalist in the Young Imagineers competition. Students regularly prepare for and compete in the Royal Society's Biology and Chemistry Olympiads; we also hold annual 'Biology Week' and 'Science Week' events in line with national celebration of these subjects where students participate in competitions and engage with activities to further develop their scientific interest. As part of the GDST, we are able to offer the GDST Space Technology Diploma to our High Flyer students. The Physics Department has also led trips to Switzerland to visit CERN.

About the School:

Northwood College for Girls is an independent, academically selective day school for approximately 860 students aged 3-18. At NWC, we value character and academic rigour equally. Our curriculum ignites intellectual curiosity and fosters emotional intelligence, building resilience through challenge. An NWC education enables every individual to lead a purposeful life and feel successful in their learning.

Both pupils and staff are encouraged to find and develop their passions and talents, through clubs, societies and an extensive programme of CPD. All members of the NWC community are expected to act with compassion and integrity, with respect for others and the environment and an awareness of global responsibility.

Benefits:

As part of the GDST, 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
• Training grants for qualifications
• Generous pension scheme
• Free life assurance benefit
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest-free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
• Access to the school gym and swimming pool
• Free school lunches during term time
• Retail and lifestyle discounts via Pluxee
• Financial guidance and support

For further details and an application form please click the apply button.

Applications must be received by 9am on Tuesday 6th January 2026.

Interviews will be held later that week.

Studies have shown that women and people from under-represented ethnicities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single aspect of a job description and person specification. At NWC we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so we encourage you to apply even if your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification or experience in the information provided.

Northwood College for Girls and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.