Head of Physics

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Head of Physics

Full-time · Senior School Leidschenveen

We are seeking an exceptional and innovative leader to take on the role of Head of Physics at our Senior School Leidschenveen (SSL) campus from August 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced educator with a passion for academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and team leadership.

As Head of Physics, you will be responsible for leading a dedicated team of teachers, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning, and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. You will also play a key role in curriculum development, staff mentoring, and resource management, helping to shape the future of Physics education at BSN.

This role is ideal for a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who is ready to make a significant impact within a vibrant international school community. You will be a passionate educator who is able to inspire students across Key Stages 3 to 5, including GCSE and IBDP Physics.

About Us:

The BSN is one of Europe’s leading British international schools and the oldest non-profit international school in the Netherlands. Established in 1931 and spread across four stunning campuses, the BSN has a well-earned reputation for providing outstanding education to over 2,000 students aged 3 to 18, representing more than 80 nationalities. As a non-selective school, we are proud to be an innovative role model, promoting high-quality educational practices.

Science is taught in mixed ability groups in Years 7 and 8 before being taught as the discrete subjects from Year 9. At GCSE, students either follow AQA Trilogy Science or the separate sciences. In the Sixth Form, we offer the IB Diploma Programme and Physics is a popular options with two or three classes in each year. Overall, there are 12 members of the science team, including four technicians, who all work in a very collaborative and well-resourced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

  • Drive innovation and change within the Physics department.

  • Take a strategic view of the subject’s role within the wider school curriculum.

  • Lead and motivate a team of teachers, ensuring a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

  • Work closely with colleagues in Biology and Chemistry to ensure consistency across the Science faculty.

Curriculum & Teaching Excellence

  • Develop and maintain a high-quality, engaging curriculum that meets national and international standards.

  • Oversee lesson planning, assessment policies, and curriculum delivery to ensure the highest standards of learning.

  • Lead lesson observations and quality assurance reviews to continuously enhance teaching effectiveness.

  • Provide guidance on student assessment and progress tracking, ensuring effective intervention strategies.

Student Experience & Enrichment

  • Organize exciting field trips and enrichment activities to bring Physics to life.

  • Encourage student participation in competitions and extracurricular opportunities, such as COBIS competitions.

  • Foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and independent learning among students.

Staff Development & Resource Management

  • Provide mentorship and professional development for Physics teachers, supporting their career growth.

  • Manage department resources and budget allocation, ensuring effective use of equipment and facilities.

  • Support the recruitment, induction, and training of new staff members.

Communication & Engagement

  • Engage with parents, students, and school leadership on academic progress and curriculum matters.

  • Represent the department at open evenings, options events, and school transition programs.

  • Ensure that health and safety protocols are upheld in all teaching and lab environments.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have strong English national curriculum knowledge, a successful track record in teaching science at Key Stage 3, as well as Physics up to post-16 level (A level or IB – IB training will be provided if necessary). A willingness to fully subscribe to our school mission, Academic Excellence, Breadth of Experience and Character & Community (ABC) is fundamental to our appointment to this post.

In addition, as Head of Department we are looking for:

  • A qualified and experienced Physics teacher, ideally with some leadership experience.

  • A visionary leader with the ability to drive innovation and inspire others.

  • A track record of high-quality teaching and curriculum development.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage students, parents, and staff.

  • Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with a commitment to professional growth.

  • A passion for science education, with a commitment to inclusion, differentiation, and student success.

Life in The Netherlands:

The Netherlands is one of the most welcoming of all EU member countries to professionals working abroad and is a very pleasant country in which to live and work. The Netherlands regularly tops surveys on child wellbeing.

The working language of The BSN is English. The Dutch are excellent linguists and English is widely spoken to a high standard by around 70% of the population.

Transport services and connections are excellent - our campuses are located in The Hague, just 30 or so minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol airport, or in the other direction, from the Hoek of Holland ferry terminal. Public transport is fast, reliable and generally good value for money, but many choose the truly Dutch option of cycling, making good use of the highly developed network of cycle paths.

There is much more you can find out about the school and living in The Netherlands from our website - www.britishschool.nl

Application Process:

If you’re excited about this opportunity, please follow these steps to apply:

  1. Download and complete the Application Form on your desktop*. 

  2. Submit your application by clicking the "Apply" button below, where you will be able to upload the completed Application Form along with any additional documents that support your application.

  3. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please feel free to contact us at Recruitment@britishschool.nl.

*If you are applying through an external job board (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.), please navigate to our Careers Site to download the Application Form, as the link may not function via these platforms.

Important: Please do not send documents directly to the schools or submit CVs, as these will not be considered. Only Application Forms submitted via this platform will be reviewed.

Closing date for applications: Friday, 4 April 2025, at 08:00 CEST.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to appoint and close the advertisement prior to the deadline if an exceptional candidate is identified.

Safer Recruitment

The BSN is an equal opportunities employer and is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All applicants are subject to a rigorous screening process that includes: verification of qualifications; obtaining two supervisory references (including current employer's) and obtaining current and previous Police Checks. For the majority of positions, initial video interviews will be conducted via Cammio. Any employment gaps in CVs will be addressed during interview. 

As one of Europe’s leading British international schools, the BSN is a vibrant, diverse and well-established yet innovative employer. We have 4 school campuses in and around The Hague. Careers at BSN are challenging, rewarding and there’s a real opportunity to make a difference. You’ll work within a thriving community of more than 80 different nationalities (students and staff). We offer competitive salaries, attractive benefits and we recognise that our staff deserve excellent professional development opportunities and support.

For more information, please visit our website.