Head of Science
Junior School
Candidate Information Pack
Contents
ā¢ About Us
ā¢ A Warm Welcome
ā¢ Academic Life
ā¢ Our Campus
ā¢ Living in Cairo
ā¢ The Role
ā¢ About You
ā¢ Benefits
ā¢ Application Process
About Us
Uppingham Cairo opened to pupils aged 3 to 13 in New Giza in September 2024 in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is the first overseas branch of Uppingham School, a leading co-educational independent boarding school in the UK and will expand over time to cater to pupils aged 3 to 18.
Based on the values and ethos of Uppingham School, Uppingham Cairo embraces Egyptās rich history and culture to bring a school of exceptional quality.
We care about who our pupils become. We believe in the transformative power of education. Yes, our priority is to deliver a wide-ranging curriculum; however, in the context of the 21st century, it will be our pupilsā personal qualities and values, not just exam results, that will set our pupils apart.
A Warm Welcome
I am delighted that you are considering joining Uppingham Cairo as the Junior School Head of Science.
This is a tremendously exciting time to be joining the School. Our first pupils joined us in September 2024, and they are already thriving in our ground-breaking Day Boarding environment. For the first time since 1584, there is another Uppingham. Not only in name but in character, philosophy, values and ambition - the connection is genuine, it is wholehearted and it is exciting.
āWe are building something extraordinary For the young people of Cairo.ā
As you will see from the wealth of information In this briefing pack, we are unashamedly ambitious for our new school. We were awarded full British Schools Overseas (BSO) Accreditation through inspection by ISI as well as membership of HMC, IAPS, BSME, COBIS and many other world leading organisations, in our Founding Year.
We know that we are building something extraordinary for the young people of Cairo, and we know how significant and important a task that is.
We are looking for exceptional people to join us, as our school expands in all year groups, and our current 3rd Formers began studying their GCSE courses in September 2025.
If this role represents a challenge and an opportunity that genuinely excites you, I would be delighted to hear from you.
With all good wishes,
Emma Webb Headmistress
Academic Life
Our commitment to a holistic education is as wholeheartedly held here in Cairo as it is in historic Uppingham School in Rutland, UK. Intellectual rigour, exploration, critical analysis, creativity, risk taking, communication, teamwork - all are central to the way we guide, nurture and inspire our young people.
Our role is to give our pupils the skills, confidence and capabilities to navigate their own paths through life - and the unshakeable sense of self they need to influence the world around them.
Every child navigates through education differently. Pupils thrive when they follow a curriculum that is right for them. Through our innovative teaching and wide range of options, we create a curriculum suited to each childās interests, aptitudes and aspirations.
Academic rigour and aspirations matter to us and through our unique Day Boarding Programme, social and community initiatives, we encourage and inspire pupils to become self-aware, thoughtful and independent.
We help them to explore their motivations, strengths and ambitions; to find the right path for them. Our size means we offer unrestricted subject choices. We challenge and stretch all pupils - in the classroom and beyond.
We keep our curriculum fresh and relevant by embracing new technology and collaborating with leading institutions around the world to develop state-of-theart learning and sporting programmes
Our Campus
Uppingham Cairo is located in the prestigious New Giza area in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Our outstanding campus is genuinely world leading; encouraging curiosity, discovery, self-expression and excellence in every pursuit.
Our facilities include:
ā¢ The Leonardo Art and Design Department, including bespoke facilities for Fine Art, Ceramics, Photography, Design & Technology, Computer Aided Design and Textiles as well as individual Studio Spaces for pupils from the 4th Form
ā¢ The Donald Campbell Sportsā Centre, including an indoor swimming pool, Multi-Purpose Sportsā Hall, indoor and outdoor Performance Gym and Indoor Running Track
ā¢ Natural grass Sportsā Pitch, Tennis, Mini-Tennis, Padbol, Paddle, Squash and Basketball Courts
ā¢ The Barbara Matthews Theatre, with a full size theatre, Black Box Theatre, Music Department classroom and Individual Music Practice Rooms
ā¢ The Johnson Early Years Department, with a Senior indoor swimming pool, beach, school farm and garden
ā¢ The Thring and Abercrombie Buildings house the Senior School academic department classrooms alongside Biology, Physics and Chemistry laboratories, computer science suites, the House Common Rooms, the Thring Dining Room, Dance Studio and the Thring Senior Library
ā¢ The Queen Elizabeth II Senior School Building house the Upper Pre-Prep and Lower Prep Departments alongside the QEII Dining Room, Music Room, Art Room, Exhibition Hall and Senior Library
ā¢ The Rutland Sixth Form Building, with bespoke study group classrooms, the Sixth Form Common Room, Sixth Form Laboratories and academic libraries
Living in Cairo
Uppingham Cairo is located in a safe haven of open spaces and suburban communities yet close enough to the capital for staff to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this extraordinary city.
Cairo is a very vibrant and welcoming city, rich in culture and history. Well used to tourists from all over the world, many of the locals speak English. It has a very Western feel with all the modern conveniences and services you are used to ā home delivery, Amazon, Uber, shopping centres and restaurants to cater for every taste.
The working week is Sunday to Thursday. Friday is much like a Sunday in the UK so services may vary slightly to the rest of the week.
The cost of living in Egypt is very low, compared to the UK (around 86% less). Domestic help and services are very affordable; utilities are around Ā£15ā20 per month and eating out is extremely reasonable. This means that staff can save whilst enjoying a high quality of life on their expatriate salaries.
Uppingham Cairo is located in 6th of October City, approximately 30km southwest of the capital, just 12km from the Pyramids of Giza (which are visible from the school) and 13km from the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
The area offers a relaxed, suburban lifestyle of spacious, upscale accommodation in secure communities or compounds with large, landscaped grounds and cleaner air.
Communities are walled and gated, with security at each entrance, making them extremely safe and family friendly. Many have amenities such as parks, play areas, lakes, shops, restaurants, cafes, gyms, pools and golf courses.
The Role
CONTEXT
Heads of Departments (HoDs) are responsible for ensuring the quality of academic standards for each pupil studying their subjects, whilst drawing the highest professional standards from those who teach in their department.
Uppingham Cairo strives for the highest academic outcomes, and demands that teaching is creative, inspirational and innovative. A culture of self-reflective and collective professional development is at the heart of our professional values, and it is a core responsibility of HoDs to lead and promote that culture.
On a day-to-day basis, HoDs will initially be accountable to the Deputy Head (Academic), Junior School. There will be key working relationships with the Head of Junior School, Head of Professional Learning, Head of Learning Enhancement and the Senior School Science Department
The role of HoD is supported by several business units responsible for marketing, business development, human resources, IT, finance, health and safety, operational services and estates.
The School reserves the right to adapt the needs of the role as circumstances demand or opportunities arise.
PURPOSE
The Head of Science leads the development and delivery of Science across the Junior School, from Early Years to Year 6.
The role is responsible for curriculum coherence, high standards of teaching and learning, and preparation for transition into the Senior School science curriculum. The postholder ensures that pupils develop curiosity, secure scientific understanding and confidence in enquiry, and that progress is carefully tracked and supported.
This is a curriculum leadership role and does not include line management responsibility.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Curriculum Leadership:
ā¢ Lead the design, development and review of the Junior School Science curriculum.
ā¢ Ensure clear progression from Early Years through to Year 6.
ā¢ Maintain alignment with British independent school expectations.
ā¢ Ensure strong preparation for transition into Senior School Science.
ā¢ Promote curiosity, enquiry and secure scientific knowledge.
Teaching and Learning
ā¢ Model excellent classroom practice in Science.
ā¢ Support colleagues in delivering high-quality Science teaching.
ā¢ Promote consistency in scientific vocabulary, expectations and methods.
ā¢ Encourage enquiry-based learning and careful observation.
ā¢ Support the development of investigative and practical skills.
This role does not include formal performance management or appraisal responsibilities.
Practical Science and Scientific Enquiry
ā¢ Ensure that practical science is embedded across the Junior School.
ā¢ Promote safe and effective use of equipment and materials.
ā¢ Support colleagues in delivering practical investigations confidently.
ā¢ Develop pupilsā skills in observation, prediction and explanation.
ā¢ Encourage scientific curiosity and independent thinking.
Assessment and Tracking
ā¢ Oversee assessment systems in Science across the Junior School.
ā¢ Track pupil progress and attainment across all year groups.
ā¢ Analyse assessment information to identify trends and areas for development.
ā¢ Support identification of pupils requiring stretch or additional support.
ā¢ Work closely with the Deputy Head (Academic) and Head of Learning Enhancement to ensure appropriate provision.
Transition to Senior School
ā¢ Liaise with Senior School Science colleagues to ensure continuity and progression.
ā¢ Ensure that pupils enter Year 7 with secure knowledge and strong habits.
ā¢ Prepare pupils for the expectations of laboratory-based learning.
ā¢ Promote independence, curiosity and academic confidence
Enrichment and Scientific Culture
ā¢ Promote enthusiasm for Science across the Junior School.
ā¢ Support participation in science-related activities and events.
ā¢ Encourage wider scientific reading and curiosity.
ā¢ Contribute to the development of STEM opportunities where appropriate.
Professional Standards
ā¢ Uphold high academic and organisational standards in Science.
ā¢ Promote consistency in expectations and presentation.
ā¢ Support professional dialogue around effective Science teaching.
ā¢ Model professionalism and commitment to the ethos of Uppingham Cairo.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate will:
ā¢ Be an excellent practitioner of Junior School Science teaching.
ā¢ Demonstrate strong subject knowledge and enthusiasm for Science.
ā¢ Understand progression towards Senior School science.
ā¢ Be confident in tracking pupil progress and attainment.
ā¢ Work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues.
ā¢ Be committed to high standards and intellectual curiosity.
Key Expectations
All staff are expected to:
ā¢ Uphold and actively promote the ethos and values of Uppingham Cairo.
ā¢ Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
ā¢ Contribute positively to the life of the school community.
ā¢ Engage fully in appraisal, professional development and school improvement.
ā¢ Undertake additional duties reasonably requested by senior leaders.
Wider Professional Responsibilities
Uppingham Cairo is a Day Boarding School, open from 7.30am ā 9.00pm Sunday to Wednesday, and until 4.30pm on Thursdays.
All staff are expected to:
ā¢ Be aware of and committed to the ethos and values of Uppingham Cairo as a Day Boarding School
ā¢ Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the School and contribute to the Day Boarding Programme which runs until 9pm Sunday āWednesday; this includes active participation in House activities, assemblies, duties, the Co-Curricular Programme, Parentsā Evenings and other related commitments.
ā¢ Carry out any task that can be reasonably be expected of them in their role
ā¢ Take an active role in the development and implementation of school policies and in the whole life of the School
ā¢ Ensure that there are equal opportunities for all
ā¢ Follow school procedures as outlined in the staff handbooks
ā¢ Promote environmental awareness across the School.
ā¢ Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, exercising sound judgement in seeking advice and specialist support, and deploying support staff appropriately.
ā¢ Take responsibility for the continuous improvement of teaching through appropriate professional development and respond constructively to advice and feedback from colleagues.
ā¢ Communicate promptly and professionally with parents regarding pupilsā achievements, behaviour and wellbeing, in accordance with the Schoolās communication procedures, and make purposeful use of the Schoolās electronic communication systems to support teaching, learning and engagement with the wider community.
ā¢ Be fully committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
About You
Essential
Education, skills, training and qualifications
ā¢ University degree from a recognized academic institution
ā¢ Recognised teaching qualification, UK PGCE or other teaching qualification giving QTS
ā¢ Strong pedagogical knowledge, including AfL
ā¢ Working knowledge of the National Curriculum
ā¢ Understanding of UK Safeguarding and Child Protection protocols
ā¢ Demonstrable commitment to professional development
ā¢ Strong ICT skills; an interest in and enthusiasm for the use of technology in education
ā¢ Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with the ability to deal confidently with a wide range of people including staff, pupils and parents
ā¢ Outstanding planning and organizational skills
ā¢ Able and willing to contribute to the Co-Curricular Programme
Experience
ā¢ Comfortable working as part of a team
ā¢ Experience of, or a clear understanding of UK Independent Schools and/or British International Schools
Personal Qualities
ā¢ Commitment to the ethos of the school as a Day Boarding School and a belief in the unlimited potential of every pupil
ā¢ Ability to embrace and manage change
ā¢ Emotional intelligence. An ability to relate well to children and develop effective professional working relationships with adults
ā¢ Passion, resilience, integrity and optimism
ā¢ Approachable and empathetic to the needs of others
ā¢ Enthusiasm and an ability to use own initiative
ā¢ Ability to prioritise and work flexibly as workloads require, and a willingness to take ownership of tasks
ā¢ Attention to detail and ability to actively question and clarify information
ā¢ A role model who demonstrates professionalism at all times
ā¢ A positive outlook on life combined with energy, thoughtfulness, resilience, patience and a lively sense of humour
Desirable
ā¢ Knowledge of international accreditation, inspection and evaluation framework
ā¢ Experience using educational technology such as iPads and Virtual Learning Environment
Benefits
ā¢ Competitive Salary
ā¢ Fully furnished and equipped high quality accommodation in close proximity to the School
ā¢ Airconditioned transport to and from the School during term time
ā¢ Meals when on duty, including lunch for all teaching staff
ā¢ Annual return flights
ā¢ Comprehensive Private Healthcare Scheme Membership
ā¢ Free access to primary healthcare at the on-site Medical Centre
ā¢ Free annual flu vaccination
ā¢ 100% School fee discount for up to 2 children and 15% uniform discount
ā¢ Free membership to the Uppingham Cairo Sports Centre, including use of gym and swimming pool
ā¢ Comprehensive Professional Development Programme with ongoing mentoring and coaching
ā¢ Employee Assistance Programme and access to Occupational Health Services
Application Process
Applications should be made by sending a fully completed Uppingham Cairo Application Form, including at least 2 referees and Cover Letter, to recruitment26@uppinghamcairo.com.
CVs may also be sent to support the Application Form.