After working for 10 years as a Head of Science in an 11-16 mixed academy, I moved into leadership as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for the strategic lead of science across a local MAT of 8 secondary, 1 primary and 2 junior schools. During my 6 years in that role, I led on various cross-trust initiatives including a disadvantaged strategy to impact students in science, subject specific CPD days involving nationally recognised science education specialists, HOD and technician development meetings, bespoke CPD provision, ITT/ECT support and coaching, implementation of new SOLs at both KS3 and KS4, guidance for departments making separate science entry and tier decisions and results analysis and action planning.

Leading supportive department review processes resulting in measurable actions which directly impact on student outcomes is one of my strengths. I have a professional, supportive manner and I'm willing to spend the time needed to work with heads of department and individual teachers to identify areas of strength and improvement to enhance the science provision of any school.

I have worked with secondary and primary schools in supporting their science teams and I was previously a Specialist Leader of Education, training for NEETSA (the now defunct North East Essex Teaching Schools Alliance).

I am able to provide the following bespoke services to schools wishing to develop their science provision through the support of an impartial, external science consultant:

• Leadership support for the Head of Science including mentoring and coaching of new Heads of Science

• Inspection preparation support including department reviews 

• Support for the implementation of a new SOL or specification

• Impartial exam/mock analysis and action planning alongside the HOD

• Departmental health check against school/department action plans

• Joint student book review or pupil voice activities with the HOD/SLT

• Review of specific aspects of SOL delivery including sequencing, modelling and questioning alongside the school's areas of focus

• In depth scope of assessment analysis highlighting effectiveness and areas for improvement

• GCSE prediction check following mock results collation, for example, including tier entry check and triple candidate challenge

• ECT (year 1 or 2) support

• Bespoke support for non-specialists transferring into science teaching

or any other area of science department support or review as required.

Packages of support are completely flexible and could include, for example, a 1 day review followed up with detailed feedback and meetings with SLT and the Science Lead. Other support might include a regular programme of support visits with feedback and actions communicated quickly to all parties.

Please contact John at education@johnknights.co.uk to discuss your school's needs in more detail. I am able to support schools across Essex and Suffolk.