School Improvement Lead - Science
Shirley High School Performing Arts College · CR0, London
- Closing date
- 14 days left
- Salary
- £77,209.00 - £84,769.00 Annually (Actual) L15 - L19
- Role
- Assistant headteacher
- Posted
You apply on the DfE Teaching Vacancies service advert, not here.
Job description
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT LEAD (AP) - SCIENCE SALARY: L15 - £77,209 to L19 - £84,769 (Subject to pay award) FULL TIME - Required: April 2027 (September 2027 will be considered for the ideal candidate) (Part-time will be considered for the ideal candidate) "Leaders’ ambitions and high expectations of students, teachers and parents cascade throughout the community." - OFSTED This is a unique and exciting opportunity to oversee the development, improvement and outcomes of Science at a strategic level and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people. We are seeking an exceptional leader who will drive excellence, inspire others, and transform outcomes across all phases of learning. In this role, you will work closely with the Assistant Principal responsible for Teaching and Learning and will act as a consultant, mentor, and coach, empowering our subject team to deliver for our students. You will champion a culture of ambition, equipping colleagues with the tools, confidence, and expertise needed to secure exceptional outcomes across all phases or learning. With a sharp focus on curriculum innovation, you will lead the development of a forward-thinking, evidence-informed curriculum aligned with the latest educational research and the Ofsted framework. We are looking for a proven leader who has held roles such as Head of Department, Director of Faculty, Lead Practitioner, Senior Leader, or Consultant across more than one school setting. You will bring a track record of impact, a relentless commitment to raising standards, and an unwavering belief that every child can succeed. This is not just a leadership role, it is an opportunity to influence, inspire, and leave a legacy. Shirley High School is a proud, multicultural community with a strong and well-established reputation for integrity and excellence. We are on an exciting journey of sustained improvement, with rising academic outcomes, growing student numbers, and an increasing proportion of students progressing to university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge destinations. We are deeply committed to investing in both our people and our environment, with over £1.5 million recently dedicated to enhancing our facilities, site, and resources. At the heart of a vibrant and diverse community, our school offers an inspiring setting where students thrive, supported by our extensive site and beautiful leafy surroundings. Combined with our clear values and strong ethos, this creates a positive, purposeful environment for both students and staff. We also benefit from excellent transport links to London and surrounding areas, alongside an onsite gym and ample free parking. We have high expectations in everything we do and firmly believe that every student can achieve excellence in whatever path they choose. Through hard work, determination, leadership, and compassion, we empower our students to realise their full potential. Our broad and ambitious curriculum, complemented by a rich programme of extracurricular opportunities, ensures that both students and staff are supported to grow, succeed, and flourish both within and beyond the classroom. We are seeking a leader who shares this vision, someone who will bring energy, creativity, and determination to drive rapid and sustained improvement. Applications from Science specialists are essential. We are looking for someone who: Has a proven track record of exceptional results and strong knowledge of how schools make young people successful. Is a motivated and inspirational leader with excellent communication skills Is up to date on the latest curriculum development and evidence based research that will support the progress and development of our students has the energy to significantly improve on recent GCSE results and will help to drive forward our high-quality post-16 provision; is a positive role model for young, developing and impressionable minds; Can clearly demonstrate whole-school impact; Actively wants to develop their leadership qualities; Is an exceptional classroom practitioner; Is creative, innovative and solution-focused; A visible member of SLT who leads by example and is accessible, responsive and accountable. We offer excellent working conditions with key benefits that include: Cycle to Work scheme; An environment of providing the resources required for the benefit of our students; Staff Mentoring; Staff car park on-site; Fully refurbished Fitness Suite; A strong focus on the professional development of all staff within our school; A dedicated staff well-being programme, including Mental Health first-aiders. Should you believe you have the skills to perform this role to the highest possible standards and are truly passionate about joining us on our journey, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us to arrange a tour of the school or to speak with the Principal. We strive to achieve a diverse workforce, fully representative of our society and ethnic makeup. We are keen to attract applicants from a diverse pool of candidates and are determined to be a fully inclusive employer and a great place to work for all staff, regardless of heritage or background. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. More information can be downloaded from our website www.shirley.croydon.sch.uk. Closing date: Thursday 19th November 2026 - 5pm Please be aware that the listing will be closed as soon as sufficient applicants have been received.
School at a glance
Shirley High School Performing Arts College
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Local authority
- Croydon
- Region
- London
- Religious character
- None
The school's record on Get Information About Schools (opens in a new tab)
Published school data
Showing 6 of 32 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.
| Publication | Period and coverage |
|---|---|
| DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition b82db944-44bb-421e-ad2c-11aa1c5ccbd1 · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file | 2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards. |
| DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Edition 4a6546b8-8677-4193-9f09-6af01ab6072c · https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00 Published file | 2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards. |
| DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file | 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact |
| DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file | 2024/25 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact |
| DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file | 2023/24 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact |
| DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Edition 79b26d03-8e91-4acf-9a3a-ab13e78aea0a · bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Published file | 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} · sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence) sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact |
Local area context
Showing 6 of 25 retained publications in source order, newest editions first within each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.
| Publication | Period and coverage |
|---|---|
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2031/32 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2030/31 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
| DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Edition 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 · 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Published file | 2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total · Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Local authority pupil forecasts, with 2024/25 actuals, for the published phase total. Future periods are forecasts, not observed pupil counts. Planning area codes belong to this SCAP edition and are not assumed stable across editions. |
Showing 15 of 28 published figures, up to three per group. Open each source for the full published data.
Pupils
- School places (SCAP)
- 1,1722024/25
Source and value: School places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 1172. Display values may be rounded.
Published school capacity survey places, including sixth form and excluding nursery places; not the current GIAS capacity.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
- Pupils on roll (SCAP)
- 7672024/25
Source and value: Pupils on roll (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 767. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
- Unfilled places (SCAP)
- 4052024/25
Source and value: Unfilled places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Published value: 405. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Academic year
Attendance and behaviour
- Overall absence
- 9.8%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Overall absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 9.78642%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
- Persistent absence
- 29.6%2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Source and value: Persistent absence, 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term, Autumn and spring term, bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Published value: 29.59049%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Autumn and spring term
- Permanent exclusions
- 22024/25
Source and value: Permanent exclusions, 2024/25, Academic year, 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Published value: 2. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England
Source dated 9 July 2026.
Publication version: 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Academic year
Staff
- Teachers (headcount)
- 532025/26
Source and value: Teachers (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 53. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
- Teachers (FTE)
- 52.42025/26
Source and value: Teachers (FTE), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 52.4. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
- Leadership (headcount)
- 62025/26
Source and value: Leadership (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Published value: 6. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Size of the school workforce
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Academic year
Results
- KS4: Attainment 8
- 38.52025/26
Source and value: KS4: Attainment 8, 2025/26, Academic year · Provisional, 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Published value: 38.5. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 4 performance tables
Source dated 28 October 2026.
Publication version: 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Academic year · Provisional
- KS4: English and maths at grade 5 or above
- 24.6%2025/26
Source and value: KS4: English and maths at grade 5 or above, 2025/26, Academic year · Provisional, 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Published value: 24.6%. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: Key stage 4 performance tables
Source dated 28 October 2026.
Publication version: 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Academic year · Provisional
- 16–18: A level points per entry
- 26.212024/25
Source and value: 16–18: A level points per entry, 2024/25, Academic year · Final, a918dd51-e050-4e34-9179-d7e9ccc7b15b:2026-07-24T14:11:22.0308999+00:00:
Published value: 26.21. Display values may be rounded.
DfE: 16 to 18 performance tables
Source dated 24 July 2026.
Publication version: a918dd51-e050-4e34-9179-d7e9ccc7b15b:2026-07-24T14:11:22.0308999+00:00:
Academic year · Final
Money
- Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
- £415,8002026/27
Source and value: Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Published value: 415800. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level deprivation FSM6 allocation only; excludes looked-after and previously looked-after children, alternative-provision census allocations and service pupil premium. This is not total pupil premium.
DfE: Published school deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
Source dated 23 September 2026.
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ab0f5733f8e4e96a6a66a8e/pupil-premium-allocations-for-the-2026-to-2027-financial-year-september-2026.xlsx:2026-09-23T12:00:01+01:00
Financial year
- Devolved formula capital
- £17,8852026/27
Source and value: Devolved formula capital, 2026/27, Financial year, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Published value: 17885.310000000001. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations
Source dated 14 May 2026.
Publication version: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0330cdcd2e0e8b5b20b4ae/school-capital-funding-allocations-for-2026-to-2027.xlsx:2026-05-14T11:00:06+01:00
Financial year
- Income per pupil
- £9,5362025
Source and value: Income per pupil, 2025, Reporting year ending, response-sha256:2333ced8172a57be8c7efa6bfa9362a93ed8035d655e9fee3d39f18f3be6d900
Published value: 9535.623409669211. Display values may be rounded.
DfE Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool: CFR/AAR income per pupil
Publication version: response-sha256:2333ced8172a57be8c7efa6bfa9362a93ed8035d655e9fee3d39f18f3be6d900
Reporting year ending
Official school links
- Shirley High School Performing Arts College · Predecessor · 2012-01-01GIAS · 5 November 2026
These are separate school records. Their figures are not combined.
Part of SHIRLEY HIGH SCHOOL (Single-academy trust)
Latest Ofsted inspection
Graded inspection (previous framework)
Inspected , published · Requires Improvement S5 Reinspection Visit 1 · number 10241131
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding is effective
- Yes
- Sixth form
- Good
Ofsted's inspection reports for this school (opens in a new tab)
Sources
- Get Information About Schools (Department for Education) (opens in a new tab) · 5 November 2026
- Ofsted monthly management information: state-funded schools, latest inspections (opens in a new tab) · 30 September 2026
- DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations (opens in a new tab) · 2026/27 · Financial year · 14 May 2026
- DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · 15 October 2026
- DfE: School capacity — school (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 20 March 2026
- DfE: Schools, pupils and their characteristics (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 4 June 2026
- DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England (opens in a new tab) · 2024/25 · Academic year · 9 July 2026
- DfE: Pupil to teacher ratios (opens in a new tab) · 2025/26 · Academic year · 17 August 2026
8 further sources are not listed here; displayed figures retain their own source links.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Prepare for your interview
Vacancies are from the DfE Teaching Vacancies service (opens in a new tab), as the school published them. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.