Prep School Science Specialist

Duncombe School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent preparatory school in Greater London is seeking an enthusiastic Science Specialist to teach from Year 3 to Year 8. You will inspire students with engaging lessons, promote curiosity in science, and prepare pupils for senior school exams. The successful candidate will contribute to a supportive Science Department and engage in enrichment activities. This is a permanent position starting September 2026, offering a competitive salary and benefits such as professional development and school fee discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on qualifications

Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme

Free lunch during Term Time

Generous school holidays

School fee discount

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Experience teaching science at Key Stage 2 and/or Key Stage 3.
• Passion for practical, enquiry-based and innovative science teaching.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Teach science from Year 3 to Year 8 and promote curiosity.
• Plan and deliver high-quality lessons.
• Lead clubs, workshops, and enrichment activities.

Skills

Strong subject knowledge

Excellent classroom practice

Passion for science education

Strong classroom management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in a science-related subject

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

About the School – Brighton College Prep Kensington

Welcome to Brighton College Prep Kensington. We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we offer a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that combines academic excellence with outstanding pastoral care.

As part of the Brighton College family of schools, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our own distinctive character. In 2025, the school was proud to be named a London Independent School of the Year finalist, reflecting our commitment to innovation, excellence, and pupil wellbeing.

Situated beside Exhibition Road, at the heart of London’s scientific and cultural quarter, we make exceptional use of our location to enrich learning and inspire a lifelong love of discovery.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries— in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East—serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can ‘Thrive in rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.

We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and inspiring Science Specialist to teach science from Year 3 to Year 8, while actively promoting curiosity and excitement for science across the whole school.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and expanding Science Department of three specialists, working alongside a dedicated science technician. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an ambitious and forward‑looking department, with new and enhanced science facilities planned for the near future, and to take full advantage of the school’s exceptional location beside Exhibition Road.

You will plan and deliver high‑quality lessons that spark curiosity, deepen scientific understanding, and prepare older pupils for senior school entrance exams, including scholarship assessments. Working within a supportive and expanding Science Department, you will collaborate with fellow specialists and a dedicated science technician to deliver engaging practical work and contribute to a progressive, well‑sequenced curriculum. You will also play an active role in promoting science across the whole school – leading clubs, workshops, themed days and enrichment activities – and making the most of the school’s exceptional location beside Exhibition Road by incorporating visits, workshops and partnerships into the learning experience.

This is a permanent, full‑time position with a proposed start date in the new academic year in September 2026.

Who We Are Looking For

You will be an enthusiastic and committed science educator who brings strong subject knowledge, excellent classroom practice, and a genuine passion for inspiring young learners. To thrive in this role, you will need:

• A degree in a science‑related subject
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent teaching qualification
• Experience teaching science at Key Stage 2 and/or Key Stage 3
• A passion for practical, enquiry‑based and innovative science teaching
• Strong classroom management and excellent interpersonal skills
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Desirable attributes

• Experience preparing pupils for senior school entrance exams and scholarships
• Experience working in an independent or preparatory school environment
• A track record of contributing to curriculum development within a department
• Enthusiasm for enriching learning through London’s cultural and scientific resources

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme
• Free lunch and refreshments provided during Term Time
• Generous school holidays and public holidays
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third‑party discounts
• Ongoing professional development

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date: 9am, Friday 27th February 2026.

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.