Director of Learning for Science (Darwen Aldridge Community Academy)
Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK
Education Phase: Secondary
Working Pattern: Full-Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Application Deadline: Monday, 24th March 2025
Interview Date: W/C 31st March 2025
About us
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) has a capacity of 1200 in the lower school and also has a developing sixth form provision. The sixth form has enjoyed strong progress in both academic and applied courses and has destinations data that shows NEETs significantly lower than the national picture.
All Aldridge schools place enterprise and an entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of their ethos. In addition, DACA has a strong record of promoting cultural capital through its Technology and Creative Arts departments, where competition, visits and visitors are a regular part of student experience and support the development of cultural capital. DACA is very much a community school with a truly comprehensive intake.
Sitting above the national average, 33% of its cohort are designated as being in the pupil premium category and DACA works hard to support all students to achieve strong engagement and strong outcomes. With a strong focus on our four key improvement levers around culture, coaching, curriculum and data-informed instruction, the DACA team are building towards a consistent provision that supports great progress for all students.
About the Role: Join Our Team as Director of Learning at Science!
Are you an innovative, visionary leader passionate about science education? We are looking for a Director of Learning who can inspire, guide, and lead our science programs to new heights. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the world of scientific discovery and learning. As the Director of Learning, you'll be at the heart of shaping and delivering impactful science curriculum and programs.
You will lead a talented team of educators to:
1. Drive excellence in science learning experiences
2. Collaborate across departments to ensure consistency and innovation
3. Influence educational strategy with your deep expertise in curriculum design
4. Advocate for science education that fosters curiosity and exploration at all levels
5. Continuously improve learning outcomes through feedback and data-driven insights
What We are Looking For:
1. Passion for science and a deep understanding of modern learning methodologies
2. Proven leadership experience in education, curriculum development, or instructional design
3. A forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to innovate and inspire
4. Excellent communication and collaboration skills
5. Ability to analyse and utilise data to drive learning outcomes
6. Strong background in building effective, engaging educational content
Ready to Make Your Mark?
Apply now to join Darwen Aldridge Community Academy as our next Director of Learning. Together, we’ll change the future of science education and inspire learners.
Further details about the role including the full job description and person specification can be found in the document link at the bottom of the page.
Completing the application: Candidates will need to create an account and are asked to complete all the standard information required on the application form. Please also address the mission alignment and capacity to meet the requirements of the Essential and Desirable criteria of the Person Specification and Job Description. CVs are not accepted as part of the application process.
We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date so early application is advised. The Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. The advert may be closed at any time.
Disclaimer:
Any unsolicited CVs sent to any member of our HR team on a speculative basis will not be recognised nor will we accept liability for any fee or commission should we subsequently employ a candidate who applied to us directly or was introduced by an instructed agency that may also have been submitted speculatively by an uninstructed agency.
* Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website.
About Aldridge Education:
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is a member of the Aldridge Education family of schools, which locally also includes Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, Darwen Vale and Sudell Primary School.
Aldridge Education is a charitable Trust of entrepreneurial community schools and colleges that help young people to reach their potential. We support our schools’ Principals and teachers in rapidly improving the quality of education on offer at early years, primary, secondary and sixth-form levels in order to transform the life-chances of our students.
Operating Norms
We believe that the way we operate at all times and with all partners is of paramount importance. Our agreed operating norms are as follows:
Candidates are advised that references will be taken up immediately after shortlisting. Candidates are asked to ensure that their referees are aware of the need to respond within the timescale set. In all cases two professional references are required.
Following successful application, Aldridge Education will carry out the necessary prohibition checks for all teaching staff, as well as for all candidates undertaking regulated activity.
If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, you will be required to complete a Declaration giving details of any relevant criminal offences and other relevant information relating to our safeguarding duty. Further information will be provided on that form.
Given the nature of the Trust’s activities and the regulatory framework it is subject to, any offer of employment will be made conditional upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and barred list check carried out by the Trust (where applicable to the role in question). It is an express condition if you are appointed to the role that you join the DBS update service.
If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, Aldridge Education will undertake online searches (including social media) in accordance with KCSIE 2024.
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means standard and enhanced DBS checks will now always show all unspent records, including youth conditional cautions, meaning some previously unrecorded details will now be disclosed.
Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Equal Opportunities
At Aldridge Education, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and as an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed and thrive.
We believe that diversity in experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds is essential for driving innovation and achieving success. Our commitment to equality and fairness is embedded in all aspects of our recruitment, employment, and educational practices. We continuously strive to maintain an environment that provides all individuals with the opportunity to realize their full potential.
Looking for a fulfilling career with great perks? Here's why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:
Aldridge Benefits Scheme – Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
Employee Assistance Programme – Your well-being matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
Flexible Working Opportunities – Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
Free On-Site Parking – No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
Generous Annual Leave – Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years!
Pension Schemes – Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
Refer a Friend Scheme – Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by referring them.
Desired Criteria
Qualifications
Post-graduate qualification in education or leadership
Experience
Senior leader of teaching and learning at whole school or equivalent
Experience as a successful coach and leader of professional development
Ability to teach up to A’ Level
Understanding of contemporary issues relating to ECTs; professional development; curriculum and attainment
Qualifications
Educated to degree level
Relevant Teaching Experience 11-19
QTS
Experience
Proven track record as a middle leader both in the curriculum and people leadership
Expert classroom practitioner with outstanding outcomes for own students
Senior leader of teaching and learning at whole school or equivalent
Experience as a successful coach and leader of professional development
Experience of building strong culture in an organisation and gaining followship
Ability to teach up to GCSE Level
Other skills and qualities
Ability to communicate verbally with, and write reports for, a range of stakeholders, including Governors and external agencies
Pragmatic equitable approach that hears the views of all and maintains the standard of excellence.
Absolute commitment to Trust operating norms and the Trust mission
Able to build strong professional relationships with colleagues at all levels; building credibility and earning thoughtful followship.
A disposition for learning, willing to listen and self-aware; not taking self too seriously and considering the differing views of others.
Excellent communication skills: accurate, concise, warm, coherent, and clear (both written and oral)
Strong organisational skills and time management, able to adjust and flex and mindful of highest priorities at any point in time.
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