Teacher of Biology

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking for a Teacher of Biology to join us at Harris Westminster Sixth Form on a fixed-term contract to August 2027.

Our school is one of the top sixth forms in the country, with the aim to deliver high quality education and outstanding outcomes to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We expect applications for this job to be competitive so recommend getting an application in early, as we will interview as and when suitable applications are received.

Our school is one of the top sixth forms in the country, with the aim to deliver high quality education and outstanding outcomes to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. HWSF is selective on both ability and disadvantage and places first go to academically able students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is a wonderful school with an ethos of “learning is amazing”, where staff truly care about the progress their students make over their two years with us.

We are based in the heart of Westminster, and work in collaboration with the Harris Federation and Westminster School. Our location gives us many benefits; we hold our assemblies in St Margaret's Church and Westminster Abbey, and we offer students weekly lectures from visiting speakers.

Interviews for this role will take place when suitable applications are received, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will

• Hold a good degree or equivalent in a relevant Biology and/or related science subject.
• Hold QTS (or equivalent relevant experience) or plan to join the Initial Teachers Education programme
• Understand the theory and practice of effective teaching and learning.
• Understand how the most-able students learn
• Understand the importance of having high expectations for all students, both of behaviour and academic achievement
• Understand inclusive provision and practices which offer equality of access to the curriculum for all students, including special educational needs and English as an additional language
• Have knowledge and experience of writing lesson plans, developing resources and assessing students' work
• Understand the importance of being a Tutor

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

What the school offers its staff

Our examination results and student destinations (2026 leavers: 50 of our students attended Oxbridge, 81% Russell Group) are outstanding and are testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff and students. I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about the unique aspects of our curriculum and student offerings which make HWSF so special. Our newsletters give a great insight into day-to-day life at HWSF.

HWSF is selective on both ability and disadvantage and places first go to academically able students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is a wonderful school with an ethos of “learning is amazing”, where staff truly care about the progress their students make over their two years with us.

Our school is one of the top sixth forms in the country, with the aim to deliver high quality education and outstanding outcomes to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We expect applications for this job to be competitive so recommend getting an application in early, as we will interview as and when suitable applications are received.

We want the best people to join our community and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive student and staff body. If you are passionate about making a difference and feel you have the right experience and expertise, I encourage you to apply to join us.

Teacher Development

At Harris, we have curated professional development pathways that will guide you towards achieving your career ambitions. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. With a strong network of passionate educators, expert development initiatives and a multitude of opportunities for career progression, your journey with Harris could be the most rewarding one yet.

We offer a wide range of high quality teacher professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership.

Benefits

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance (usually £2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London), an Annual Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Further details about the role

You will implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant, differentiated and inspiring curriculum for students and support the subject area as appropriate. You will monitor and support the overall progress and development of students and provide a motivating and structured learning experience, which will provide students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.

As a teacher and Form Tutor you will contribute significantly to raising standards of student attainment and support the process of application to university. You will contribute significantly to the Cultural Perspectives programme and to the wider life of the school, including extra-curricular and enrichment activities.

You will report to the Head of Life Sciences and liaise with other teachers within the Faculty (Biology and Chemistry), Tutors, the Head of House, relevant teaching and non-teaching staff, including those with particular curriculum and pastoral responsibilities, parents and Governors and other stakeholders.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.