Principal Development Lead (Secondary Science)

Reports to: Head of School Support

Start date: September 2026

Contract: Fixed term contract (1 year), 37.5 hours per week; part-time or term-time applications also welcome

Location: White City, West London with one core office day (Mondays). Regular travel to schools required

Interviews to take place w/c 1st June 2026

As a Principal Development Lead (Science) you will be a senior representative of the school development team, bringing high credibility and gravitas and building strong relationships with important partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be proactive in identifying viable opportunities to strengthen the partnership and drive high levels of satisfaction and retention
• Establish strong relationship for science in key accounts (usually Multi Academy Trusts), seeking to understand their priorities and build confidence
• Manage the external Development Lead pool, working to understand need and capacity in order to identify upcoming gaps
• Maintain a strong understanding of the Science programme in order to offer high quality training, PD and support in the programme
• Build and maintain positive relationships with partner schools to drive high levels of school retention, ensuring proactive, effective and timely communication and follow-up

Experience & Knowledge:

• Understanding of the education landscape and issues affecting education
• At least five years' teaching experience across at least two key stages
• Proven record in delivering outstanding achievement in Science, particularly for pupils with low prior attainment in challenging urban schools
• Up-to-date knowledge and use of the current curriculum and assessment requirements and best practice in implementation and delivery of professional development

Qualification Criteria:

• Educated to degree level
• Hold qualified teacher status (QTS)
• Subject specific qualification/further study (desirable)
• Right to work in the U.K.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark's safer recruitment process, please click this link .