CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK Teacher of Biology
BOLD BEGINNINGS START HERE
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD Thank you for your interest in LEH and in joining our team. At LEH, we combine ambition with joy to create something extraordinary. We want our pupils – and our staff – to reach for the highest goals in a happy and supportive environment. With almost a thousand pupils from Year 3 to Year 13, our girls are some of the most academically able in the UK. We have a moral imperative to help them realise their potential and to provide an education that gives them the confidence to feel brave and undaunted about their future achievements and impact. Our strategy, Facing the Future Undaunted, captures what we stand for: brave learning, imaginative thinking, and joyful discovery. We are one of the UK’s leading independent girls’ schools, and we are proud that our pupils consistently achieve some of the best results in the country – but what matters most is that they leave us feeling fulfilled, confident, compassionate, and ready to take on the world. We are looking for colleagues who share our excitement, our high expectations, our ambition and our sense of fun. If that resonates with you, we would love to hear from you. Best wishes Rowena Cole Head
OUR VISION
LEH provides girls with a distinctive education that prepares them to take their place at the table, in the room and in the world, in their chosen sphere.
OUR MISSION
LEH fosters a culture that supports every pupil to achieve excellence and success, both shared and individual, to be fulfilled, and to have significant impact in every way she chooses.
OUR VALUES •
We choose to succeed.
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We rise to challenges.
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We lift those around us.
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We inspire trust.
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We encourage personal agency.
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We embrace joy and laughter.
OUR STRATEGY In an external environment as changeable and unpredictable as ours, knowing the strength, capability and character of our pupils, their ambitions for the future and the impact we know they will have in the years to come, is what fuels us with much-needed hope and optimism. This is what sits at the core of LEH’s strategy: Facing the Future Undaunted. It’s a declaration of our aims and ambition for LEH and for every pupil, and it sets out our collective goals as a school community over the next few years. Shaped with the involvement of our pupils, parents, staff, alumnae and governors, our strategy embodies all that we stand for as a school for highly capable girls.
Our four core strategic objectives are what guide the work of everyone at LEH:
1. A Bold Voice for Girls’ Education
We will push forward the boundaries of educational knowledge, informed by research that focuses on delivering the best possible education for girls.
2. Academic Excellence in Every Area We will deliver consistent academic excellence and provide an outstanding educational experience for bright girls, offering stretch and challenge in a context of kindness and care.
3. A Culture of Success for All
We will enable a culture of success for all, where everyone is expected to deliver their best for themselves and for each other.
4. A One-School Approach
We will harness the strength of being one school, delivering an outstanding joined-up education.
ABOUT LEH
LEH is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, providing highly capable girls with a distinctive education that prepares them to take their place at the table, in the room and in the world, in their chosen sphere. As a selective independent school for girls aged 7 to 18, we believe that academic ambition and personal happiness are not mutually exclusive. In our classrooms, corridors, and across our 24 acres of playing fields, you’ll find a culture of relaxed excellence; a place where pupils are encouraged to think deeply, question boldly, and engage in spirited, respectful debate. Here, challenge is not something to be feared but embraced – because it comes with the right support. Our teaching goes beyond the curriculum, nurturing curiosity, independence, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We don’t just teach girls what to think, but how to think – equipping them with the critical thinking skills and intellectual confidence to thrive at school and far beyond. LEH was founded more than 300 years ago. Today, we are proud to be a school like no other with a rich history and a forward-focused vision.
WHY WORK AT LEH? Working at LEH means being part of something extraordinary.
• Exceptional Pupils: Our girls are
highly capable, curious, spirited, and full of potential. They are a joy to teach and inspire us daily with their enthusiasm, kindness, and determination.
• Academic Excellence: LEH
consistently ranks among the top schools in the UK, with pupils achieving outstanding results and progressing to leading universities around the world.
• Innovation and Ambition: We
don’t stand still. Our teaching and learning is forward-looking, creative, and research informed. You’ll have the freedom to
innovate – and the support to make it a success.
• A Community that Celebrates
Joy and Laughter: LEH is alive with energy. Whether it’s on the sports field, in the theatre, the music studio, or in the lab, our pupils throw themselves into school life with passion and fun and we’re proud that they perform at the highest levels.
• Professional Growth: We invest in our people. From leadership opportunities to excellent professional development, we want you to thrive here just as much as our pupils do.
• E xceptional Facilities: From
state-of-the-art science labs to a professional theatre and outstanding sports complex, you’ll have the tools and spaces to bring learning to life, all set in 24 acres of green fields. We also have parking and bike racks on site for all staff.
• R eward and Recognition:
Competitive salary and benefits, complimentary tickets to outstanding drama and music productions, free lunch, and access to our superb facilities are just the start.
LEH is a place where careers are enriched, where talent is celebrated, and where joy is part of every day.
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
All staff working at LEH will have some contact with children and will therefore be in regulated activity. Staff with teaching duties will be responsible for the pupils that they teach and may also have additional specific pastoral or other responsibilities for other pupils they do not teach. In addition, all staff will regularly interact with pupils who may seek assistance or otherwise interact with them whilst moving around LEH. In all cases, the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the pupils is to adhere to and ensure compliance with LEH’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and LEH is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. LEH is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES At LEH, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and the importance of diversity to enrich these transformations. We are committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for all that celebrates the unique identities, abilities, and aspirations of each member of our school community.
LEH TEACHING STANDARDS
Plan lessons that maximise learning Provide assessment and feedback • Establish clear success criteria that moves learning on • Plan effectively and flexibly for the needs of all learners, providing challenge and support
• Provide opportunities for independent and collaborative work
In order to create a culture of academic excellence and success, LEH teachers will:
• Be aware of and promote cross curricular links
Create a purposeful and challenging learning environment
• Use questioning techniques (e.g. No hands
Apply effective teaching strategies up) that encourage deeper thinking, embrace struggle and enhance the learning environment
• H ave clear and high expectations; promote and model the ‘pupil academic expectations’ and • Use appropriate exposition (considering ‘pupil pledges’ cognitive load); model concepts and provide examples • Show care for all learners; build relationships modelling respect, empathy, professionalism and academic integrity
• Consistently use routines, transitions and
instructions to encourage excellent behaviour
• Use seating plans and assign pupils for all
group activities, changing them frequently
• Consistently use the school systems for rewards and sanctions
• Embrace difficulty and celebrate mistakes as part of the learning journey
• Allocate time for practice using tasks and
scaffolding designed to facilitate learning
• Establish effective routines such as:
Think-Pair-share; See-think-wonder; Use of mini-whiteboards; Pose-Pause-Pounce-Bounce
• Be adaptive in your teaching in response to the pupils’ progress
• Use a variety of assessment techniques to
provide useful feedback and to inform planning (MS forms quizzes, mini-whiteboards, regular retrieval practice/low stakes testing, no hands up questioning, homework tasks and whole year group assessments)
• Use available data to monitor and secure progress
• Assess your pupils’ needs; Ensure you are aware of their prior knowledge
• Offer regular comment-based feedback (both written and verbal)
Inspire lifelong learning
• Model lifelong learning and passion for your subject in order to deliver challenging and engaging lessons which are intellectually stimulating and inspire pupils
• Promote Fundamental British Values • Be open to, and stay up to date with, new ideas and educational research
• Be reflective in your practice, seeking appropriate feedback
ABOUT THE SENIOR SCHOOL
At LEH, we believe that academic ambition and personal happiness go hand in hand. Our selective Senior School welcomes highly academic pupils from Year 7 to Year 13, achieving some of the highest public examination results in the country. But our focus extends beyond academics, with a strong emphasis on balance, joy and personal fulfilment. In our classrooms, corridors, and across the playing fields, you’ll find a culture of relaxed excellence – a place where students and staff are encouraged to think deeply, question boldly, and engage in spirited, respectful debate. Challenge is embraced, supported by a community that values curiosity, creativity, and care. Our teaching goes beyond the curriculum, nurturing a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We equip pupils with the intellectual confidence and critical thinking skills to thrive at school and beyond. Life at LEH is enriched by an outstanding co-curricular programme, where girls flourish in the creative arts, on stage, in music, on the sports fields, and through countless opportunities to pursue their passions and develop new talents. Whether performing in our theatre, creating in our studios, or leading clubs and societies, pupils – and the staff who inspire them – are encouraged to explore their full potential. Joining LEH means becoming part of a vibrant, forward-looking community that values excellence, wellbeing, and the joy of lifelong learning.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Science Department Science at LEH is very well-resourced with eighteen teaching staff and seven technicians in the faculty. There are currently fourteen state-of-the-art laboratories and five preparation rooms. In Years 7 and 8, pupils have eight periods of Science per fortnight with one teacher, following a bespoke KS3 course. All Science Departments contribute to the teaching at this level. From Year 9, separate sciences are taught and pupils have four lessons per subject per fortnight. Approximately 85% of pupils choose to study Separate Science with the remainder taking Combined Science. The number of pupils opting to study science subjects at A Level is very high, with at least two groups of Physics, and three in both Chemistry and Biology in each year group. The Biology Department The Biology Department is currently staffed by four full-time and three part-time specialist teachers. There are also two full-time dedicated Biology technicians. The atmosphere within the department is friendly and collaborative. The Biology Department meets weekly. GCSE Biology There are at least five GCSE Biology classes and one Combined Science Biology class. Both follow the respective Edexcel GCSE specification. A Level Biology There are at least three Biology groups in each year with two teachers teaching thirteen lessons in Lower 6 (year 12) and fourteen lessons in Upper 6 (year 13). We currently follow the Edexcel B syllabus. Super-curricular Biology and Enrichment The Biology Department currently runs several super-curricular activities. At GCSE, there is Biology Society (BioSoc) that meets fortnightly as well as bespoke opportunities to inspire their interest. Sixth Form students can attend Biology+ where we explore super-curricular theories and ideas to help prepare Biology applicants for university interviews and entrance tests. Attending Brain Day as well as attending trips, conferences and lectures all help to develop their interest beyond the curriculum. The school site has extensive grounds for potential ecology-based work including a pond and a wildlife area, and we are within walking distance of Bushy Park.
ABOUT THE ROLE
THE ROLE
Teacher of Biology
REPORTING TO
Head of Biology
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Permanent, Full-Time
START DATE
September 2026
SALARY
Competitive
LOCATION
Hampton,London
OVERVIEW At LEH, we combine ambition with joy to create something extraordinary. As one of the UK’s leading independent girls’ schools, we educate highly capable pupils, empowering them to think boldly, learn bravely and leave us confident, compassionate and ready to make their mark on the world in every way they choose. We are seeking an exceptional Teacher of Biology to join our thriving, committed, reflective and ambitious school community, teaching pupils from Year 7 to Year 13, from September 2026 on a full-time basis. Applicants should have experience of teaching at A-level. Most students take Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences at GCSE and all three sciences are popular choices at A level, with many going on to take sciences at university.
KEY
RESPONSIBILITIES
• To plan, prepare and teach lessons as required by the department.
• To keep records of books distributed.
• To set, supervise and mark school examinations and course work for public examinations.
• To maintain good order and discipline among pupils and safeguard their health and safety.
• To assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils and to communicate this information to parents via written reports and Parents’ Evenings. To provide written information for the UCAS and other similar forms.
• To consult Assistant Heads or Form Tutors about serious discipline problems or any other difficulties pupils may cause or may appear to be having.
• To provide guidance and advice when subject choices are made.
• To attend Departmental, Year, Staff, Parents’ and Inset meetings.
• To review methods of teaching and programmes of work and participate in arrangements for further training and professional development.
• To attend assemblies.
• To encourage as much use as possible of the school libraries and other resources. • To set homework and mark written work regularly and ensure that the correct procedures are followed if work is missing, • To invigilate and undertake administration associated with public examinations. incomplete or late.
• To contribute to departmental extra curricular activities. • To consult your line manager about any problems occurring over academic matters, such as aspects of the curriculum or the syllabus for GCSE or A-level. • To keep records of attendance at lessons as required.
• To contribute to Life Advice programmes as required.
• To provide cover for absent staff, especially within the department, and to carry out other duties as required. • To act as a Form Tutor if required. • To adhere to school policy on safeguardingand update training as required. • To ensure the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people at the school in accordance with school policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION: Teacher of Biology
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
A strong academic background and a good honours degree or equivalent in Biology or related subject A teaching qualification e.g. PGCE
A teaching qualification e.g. PGCE The ability to teach two sciences to GCSE and biology to A level Very good teaching, communication and interpersonal skills
A willingness to participate in extra-curricular activities and trips
Experience of success in preparing students for Oxbridge entrance tests and interviews Excellent written and spoken English
Good ICT skills
Efficiency and reliability
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
PERSON SPECIFICATION: SAFEGUARDING AND PASTORAL CARE CRITERIA
Active support of the ethos and aims of the school
Committed to the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
OUR STAFF BENEFITS Teachers’ Pension Scheme / LEH Group Pension Scheme Access to the generous Teachers’ Pension Scheme, ensuring long-term financial security in retirement. Non-teaching staff are eligible to join the LEH Group Pension Scheme, a defined contribution scheme (with life assurance) designed to support long-term financial wellbeing. Healthcare cash plan A healthcare cash plan is provided to help with the cost of everyday health expenses such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy treatments. Cycle to work scheme Take advantage of the Cycle to Work Scheme, enabling savings on bicycles and accessories while encouraging a healthier commute. Relocation assistance package Financial support is available to assist with the costs of relocating, making your move to the area as smooth as possible. School fee reduction Significant reductions in school fees are available for staff members with children enrolled at the school. LEH also has an arrangement for fee reduction for staff with children attending Hampton School.
Employee Assistance Policy A confidential Employee Assistance Programme offers free support, advice, and counselling for both personal and work-related matters. Free lunches, tea and coffee Complimentary lunches are provided daily, along with unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day. 24-acre campus with superb facilities Enjoy working in a beautiful 24-acre campus featuring modern teaching spaces, sports grounds, and tranquil outdoor areas. Free parking on site Free and secure on-site parking is available for all staff. On-site library access Staff have full access to the well-stocked on-site library for personal and professional development. Use of swimming pool Enjoy use of the school’s swimming pool at designated times, supporting health and wellbeing. Annual flu jab An annual flu vaccination is offered to staff on-site to help maintain health during flu season.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and aim to employ a culturally diverse workforce. Application Method:
Please complete an application form via the link: (CVs will not be considered and should not be submitted)
Closing Date:
Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Shortlisting Date:
Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Interview Date:
Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
APPLICATION FORM
LEHSchoolOfficial @lehjuniors @LEHSchoolOfficial
BOLD BEGINNINGS START HERE
LADY ELEANOR HOLLES HANWORTH ROAD, HAMPTON, TW12 3HF personnel@lehs.org.uk T: 020 8979 1601 www.lehs.org.uk