HEAD OF SCIENCE

Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong is China’s longest-standing British international school, delivering outstanding educational opportunities to our community for more than two decades, and ensuring our students, aged 2 to 18, their families and our staff are central to everything we do. Our aim is to develop creative, confident and considerate learners who are prepared for their futures beyond school and a huge part of being able to deliver these values come through our Nord Anglia Education network of schools and its unique set of collaborations with leading global organisations such as Juilliard, MIT, UNICEF and IMG Academy.

Head OF SCIENCE

Location: Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong – a Nord Anglia Education school and the world’s leading private school’s organisation is recruiting a Head of SCIENCE (with Biology or Chemistry Specialism)

At Nord Anglia Education, our teachers inspire students to achieve more than they ever imagined possible. As part of our global family, you’ll deliver transformational learning focused on academic excellence, creativity, wellbeing, and international connectedness. We empower our educators to innovate, embrace change, and shape their roles in a fast-growing, dynamic environment.

The teacher is expected to support curriculum implementation, student engagement, and innovation within a dynamic, inclusive international environment.

If you have a global mindset, enjoy thinking outside the box and are prepared to go above and beyond to find solutions, then a career at Nord Anglia is for you.

The role:

To provide outstanding leadership and strategic direction for the Science department, while delivering exceptional teaching and learning in Science across KS3, IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). As Head of Science, you will be the driving force behind the curriculum, responsible for inspiring scientific excellence and fostering a culture of rigorous enquiry across the school. You will lead our collaborative Science team, manage resources, and ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Departmental Management:

*   To provide clear vision, strategic direction, and effective day-to-day management for the Science department.

*   To lead, mentor, and line-manage teaching staff, fostering a collaborative, high-expectation culture focused on continuous improvement and professional growth.

Driving Excellence in Science Education & Outcomes:

*   To ensure the planning and delivery of a high-quality, coherent, and challenging science curriculum across all key stages that leads to outstanding student progress and attainment.

*   To oversee rigorous assessment practices, utilising data effectively to monitor departmental performance, measure instructional impact, and implement targeted interventions.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation & Engagement:

*   To champion outstanding teaching, learning, and practical scientific investigation across the department, promoting critical thinking and a love for the subject.

*   To develop and enrich the science curriculum through co-curricular clubs (e.g., STEM Club), competitions, trips and science projects and events.

*   To ensure a safe, supportive, and stimulating learning environment in all science facilities.

Whole-School Contribution & Global Engagement:

*   To be an active member of the school’s Middle Leadership Team contributing to whole-school strategy, policy, and development.

*   To act as the principal ambassador for science within the school community, building strong relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and external partners.

*   To actively engage with and leverage opportunities within the Nord Anglia Education global family, particularly collaborations with MIT, to enhance the science provision and offer unique experiences for students and staff.

Person Specification:

Essential

*   A recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, BEd, or equivalent) and a strong academic degree in **either Biology or Chemistry**.

*   Substantial and successful experience teaching your subject specialism at IGCSE and IBDP level.

*   Proven, successful experience in a middle leadership role within a science department (e.g., Key Stage Coordinator, Second in Department).

*   A demonstrable track record of raising standards and improving student outcomes through data-informed practice and team leadership.

*   A deep understanding of curriculum development, assessment, and effective pedagogical strategies in science education.

The Successful Candidate will possess:

*   Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, HDipEd, or equivalent).

*   Hold a current Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure (or equivalent) for all countries lived in.

*   Compliance with visa requirements for working in China.

*   A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, and a willingness to undertake appropriate child protection training when required.

*   A proven track record of success with at least two years’ experience in a science middle leadership role.

See full job description, here.

About Us

Nord Anglia Education is the world’s leading international schools organisation. Our 80+ international schools are located in the Americas, Europe, China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Together, they educate more than 90,000 students from kindergarten through to the end of secondary education.  We are driven by one unifying philosophy: we are ambitious for our students, our people and our family of schools.

Our exclusive collaborations with prestigious institutions such as UNICEF, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), IMG Academy and the world-leading performing arts school Juilliard mean we’re at the forefront of educational thinking, while creating life-changing experiences for students.

By joining Nord Anglia Education you will become part of a committed and innovative team.  As a member of the world’s leading premium schools group you will be joining an active network of like-minded people across the world.

We encourage individuals to join us with our “Create your Future” mindset – we will provide you with a range of experiences and opportunities to enhance your skillset and you will be given the autonomy to grow your career. 

To Apply

On-line applications need to be directly through the Nord Anglia Education careers page and should include a CV.

At Nord Anglia Education, we are an equal opportunities employer dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. In our schools and offices around the world, we treat all colleagues fairly based on their skills and qualifications, without discrimination.

We value individuals from all backgrounds, including those with different abilities and neurodivergent conditions, as well as those who identify with protected characteristics.

Nord Anglia Education is committed to ensuring the highest possible safeguarding standards in our schools and we expect every employee to share this commitment.

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world-class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils where we embrace all race, abilities, religions, genders, and cultures.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

We welcome applications from suitable qualified persons from all diverse backgrounds.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.