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.
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.
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:
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 - a.martin@ripon.outwood.com .
The Teacher is expected to implement and use a wide range of teaching and learning strategies within the classroom, applying techniques like Assessment for Learning (AfL) to continually improve student performance. A core duty involves effectively using student level data to identify areas for development and raise standards.
This professional must be aware of strategies available for improving the learning and achievement of all students, alongside possessing a good understanding of curriculum developments within their specific subject area. The role requires maintaining high expectations for all students and effectively communicating with students and their parents, both orally and in writing. The teacher is expected to work collaboratively as part of a team, sharing good practice across the department, and demonstrating creativity in problem solving and a willingness to adopt new approaches.
Essential qualifications include a degree in an appropriate discipline related to the relevant subject and a teaching qualification coupled with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Required experience includes recent and relevant teaching experience (either in employment or training) and experience of assessment at Key Stage 3 and 4.
The successful candidate will be confident in using standard computer packages (word processing, email, and spreadsheets) and understand how these tools can enhance student learning. The role demands high levels of professionalism, including the ability to relate to students in a pleasant and sympathetic manner, and a capacity to recognise potential child safeguarding issues.
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:
Take the next step in your professional journey and apply now to access these exceptional development and system-wide impact opportunities.
Note: If applying from an external job board, please click '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.
We are an award-winning multi-academy education trust with passion, purpose and people at our heart. We manage 41 transformative primary, junior, secondary and Post 16 schools up and down the North of England, from Redcar to Nottinghamshire, each celebrating very different identities but driven by a shared vision. Each academy is individually shaped around the community and children it serves.
We’re incredibly proud of how far our kind, creative and talented teachers and support staff go to make life better for our pupils and their families. It’s why we have built such a leading reputation in education and taken failing schools to Ofsted-rated outstanding in a record amount of time.
We are committed to putting students first, raising standards and transforming lives.
