We are seeking a dynamic and inspirational teacher of Chemistry to support the general science programme. The ability to teach at a more senior certificate level would be an advantage.

This post is available from August 2026.

Department Details

There are five teachers of Chemistry plus a full-time Technician. All staff teach across the full age and ability range. Staff are encouraged to continue developing their subject knowledge and skills through both internal training and outside courses.

Science Curriculum offered:

P7-S2

The curriculum is taught in P7 (Geits) as Science, with three periods of Science per week. Practical experimental Science is a significant component of the course and pupils also develop communication, IT and scientific report writing skills. All pupils have iPads.

Year groups in S1 and S2 are arranged into five or six sets per year group, with classes containing up to 18 pupils. Their curriculum broadly follows the CfE Broad General Curriculum, but with some other topics as well.

S3-S4

Uptake of Chemistry at this stage is high. In each year typically five sets of 15-20 pupils follow the National 5 Chemistry courses. These pupils are taught for three periods per week. All pupils usually take at least one separate science at National 5.

S5-S6

In S5, pupils can opt to take the QS Higher Chemistry courses. Typically, there are four sets of Chemistry on an allocation of five periods per week. A smaller number, usually 20-25 pupils, continue to Advanced Higher in their final year, arranged into two sets.

Both Higher and Advanced Higher Chemistry have a lot of practical work, and a component of their Project will be practical-based research.

Departmental development

A weekly departmental meeting is timetabled to plan and take forward new teaching and learning initiatives and to monitor pupil progress. The department is keen to embrace and further take forward the opportunities provided by the modern facilities in the Science Centre. All staff have iPads. Pupil interest in Chemistry is also stimulated by participation in external lectures, courses, national competitions and university days.

Reporting

The Teacher of Chemistry will report to the Head of Chemistry on all aspects of classroom management, timetabling, teaching and learning, reporting and pupil discipline. The Teacher will report to a Deputy Rector on matters of whole school commitments, professional development and personal absence.

Accommodation and resources

The Chemistry Department is housed in the James Clark Maxwell Science Centre. Members of the department have their own teaching laboratory for most of their classes and the departments also have their own prep room and chemical store. Each laboratory has a white board, an apple tv and a desktop computer.

Main Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy are:

To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time-to-time reasonably request.
To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.

To play a full part in the co-curricular life of the School.

Ideal Candidate:

Our ideal candidate will have the following qualities and qualifications:

GTCS registered (or ability to be) with an appropriate degree and relevant teaching qualifications, able to teach from P7 up to Advanced Higher level
Excellent organisational and communication skills
Able to work as part of a team as well as under own initiative
Be proactive and imaginative in developing new ideas and resources as well as flexible in adapting to curriculum changes
The ideal candidate will have experience of teaching Chemistry to Higher level
Willing to get involved in the wider life of the school and participate in the co-curricular programme

Committed to, and fully conversant with, the safeguarding, child protection and pastoral care responsibilities required of all teachers.

Package Description:

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
Access to onsite gym
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
Fee discount
A three course lunch is provided during term time

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this post therefore candidates must have the right to work in the UK via other means.

Edinburgh Academy

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Teacher of Chemistry