School Improvement Lead - Science

Shirley High School Performing Arts College · CR0, London

Closing date: 19 November 2026 at 5pm13 days left
Salary: £77,209.00 - £84,769.00 Annually (Actual) L15 - L19
Role: Assistant headteacher
Posted: 5 November 2026

Shirley Church Road

Croydon

Surrey

CR0 5EF

Read the full advert and apply⁠

Apply through the DfE Teaching Vacancies service advert.

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
Website: www.shirley.croydon.sch.uk⁠ (opens in a new tab)

The school's record on Get Information About Schools⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Published school data

Showing 6 of 32 publications we hold, newest first for each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Published school data: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Population: 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: b82db944-44bb-421e-ad2c-11aa1c5ccbd1 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 Population record: Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations Published file	2026/27 · Financial year · source dated 14 May 2026 Population: 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: 4a6546b8-8677-4193-9f09-6af01ab6072c 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 Population record: Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 Geographic level: School sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact Technical source details Edition identifier: d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Population record: {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} Denominator record: sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence)
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Published file	2024/25 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 Geographic level: School sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact Technical source details Edition identifier: d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Population record: {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} Denominator record: sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence)
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Published file	2023/24 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 Geographic level: School sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact Technical source details Edition identifier: d589d60a-7f48-4951-8da9-7db6c499aa60 Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Population record: {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} Denominator record: sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence)
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England Published file	2025/26 · Autumn and spring term · source dated 15 October 2026 Geographic level: School sess_overall_percent; enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent; enrolments; sess_possible; sess_overall; enrolments_pa_10_exact Technical source details Edition identifier: 79b26d03-8e91-4acf-9a3a-ab13e78aea0a Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00: Population record: {"geographic_level":"School","filters":null,"source":"DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England"} Denominator record: sess_possible (absence); enrolments (persistent absence)

Local area context

Showing 6 of 25 publications we hold, newest first for each source. Open the published files for values and definitions.

Local area context: retained periods and publication files
Publication	Period and coverage
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Published file	2031/32 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Population: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geographic level: Local authority Education phase: Secondary National curriculum year group: Secondary total 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Population record: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geography record: Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Published file	2030/31 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Population: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geographic level: Local authority Education phase: Secondary National curriculum year group: Secondary total 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Population record: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geography record: Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Population: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geographic level: Local authority Education phase: Primary National curriculum year group: Primary total 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Population record: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geography record: Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Published file	2029/30 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Population: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geographic level: Local authority Education phase: Secondary National curriculum year group: Secondary total 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Population record: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geography record: Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Population: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geographic level: Local authority Education phase: Primary National curriculum year group: Primary total 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Population record: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geography record: Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Primary · nc_year_group: Primary total
DfE: Local authority pupil forecasts and planning areas Published file	2028/29 · Academic year · source dated 20 March 2026 Population: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geographic level: Local authority Education phase: Secondary National curriculum year group: Secondary total 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. Technical source details Edition identifier: 040dd40c-1a68-4474-8216-3e2c2132e8f7 Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00 Population record: Published primary and secondary phase totals by local authority or planning area Geography record: Local authority · E09000008 · education_phase: Secondary · nc_year_group: Secondary total

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, 20 March 2026
DfE: School capacity — school
2024/25
Population: State-funded mainstream primary and secondary schools in England reported by local authorities in SCAP
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.
Published file
Academic year
Technical source details
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Measure code: school_places
Pupils on roll (SCAP): 7672024/25
Source and value: Pupils on roll (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 20 March 2026
DfE: School capacity — school
2024/25
Population: State-funded mainstream primary and secondary schools in England reported by local authorities in SCAP
Published value: 767. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Academic year
Technical source details
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Measure code: pupils_on_roll_count
Unfilled places (SCAP): 4052024/25
Source and value: Unfilled places (SCAP), 2024/25, Academic year, 20 March 2026
DfE: School capacity — school
2024/25
Population: State-funded mainstream primary and secondary schools in England reported by local authorities in SCAP
Published value: 405. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 20 March 2026.
Published file
Academic year
Technical source details
Publication version: 960750dd-6ed7-4e32-a9df-3cc9132bb1a4:2026-03-20T13:51:55.6118651+00:00
Measure code: unfilled_places_count

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, 15 October 2026
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Geographic level: School
Published value: 9.78642%. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Autumn and spring term
Technical source details
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Measure code: sess_overall_percent
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, 15 October 2026
DfE: Pupil absence in schools in England
2025/26 · Autumn and spring term
Geographic level: School
Published value: 29.59049%. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 15 October 2026.
Published file
Autumn and spring term
Technical source details
Publication version: bc053a9f-7963-4523-9e7b-08df18a929bb:2026-10-15T08:30:05.2587515+00:00:
Measure code: enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent
Permanent exclusions: 22024/25
Source and value: Permanent exclusions, 2024/25, Academic year, 9 July 2026
DfE: Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England
2024/25
Geographic level: School
Published value: 2. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 9 July 2026.
Published file
Academic year
Technical source details
Publication version: 0e388e4d-3748-49a4-984c-08dece27c222:2026-07-09T08:30:02.0602325+00:00:
Measure code: perm_excl

Staff

Teachers (headcount): 532025/26
Source and value: Teachers (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 17 August 2026
DfE: Size of the school workforce
2025/26
Published value: 53. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Academic year
Technical source details
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Measure code: hc_all_teachers
Teachers (FTE): 52.42025/26
Source and value: Teachers (FTE), 2025/26, Academic year, 17 August 2026
DfE: Size of the school workforce
2025/26
Published value: 52.4. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Academic year
Technical source details
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Measure code: fte_all_teachers
Leadership (headcount): 62025/26
Source and value: Leadership (headcount), 2025/26, Academic year, 17 August 2026
DfE: Size of the school workforce
2025/26
Published value: 6. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 17 August 2026.
Published file
Academic year
Technical source details
Publication version: 32476c77-5ff3-4efb-ad1e-a2173e74a4d4:2026-08-17T14:32:16.1351756+00:00:
Measure code: hc_leadership_teachers

Results

KS4: Attainment 8: 38.52025/26
Source and value: KS4: Attainment 8, 2025/26, Academic year · Provisional, 28 October 2026
DfE: Key stage 4 performance tables
2025/26
Geographic level: School
Population group: Total
Population breakdown: Total
Published value: 38.5. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 28 October 2026.
Published file
Academic year · Provisional
Technical source details
Publication version: 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Measure code: attainment8_average
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, 28 October 2026
DfE: Key stage 4 performance tables
2025/26
Geographic level: School
Population group: Total
Population breakdown: Total
Published value: 24.6%. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 28 October 2026.
Published file
Academic year · Provisional
Technical source details
Publication version: 365271b7-7f8e-486b-bfdc-319204b3b8c7:2026-10-28T14:21:37.2073529+00:00:
Measure code: engmath_95_percent
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, 24 July 2026
DfE: 16 to 18 performance tables
2024/25
Geographic level: School
Disadvantage group: Total
Exam cohort: A level
Published value: 26.21. Display values may be rounded.
Source dated 24 July 2026.
Published file
Academic year · Final
Technical source details
Publication version: a918dd51-e050-4e34-9179-d7e9ccc7b15b:2026-07-24T14:11:22.0308999+00:00:
Measure code: aps_per_entry

Money

Latest national finance read: income has failures; expenditure has failures.

Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium: £415,8002026/27
Source and value: Published deprivation FSM6 pupil premium, 2026/27, Financial year, 23 September 2026
DfE: Published school deprivation FSM6 pupil premium
2026/27
Population: Schools with a published deprivation FSM6 allocation in the All_Schools sheet
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.
Source dated 23 September 2026.
Published file
Current conditions of grant
Financial year
Technical source details
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
Measure code: pupil_premium_fsm6
Devolved formula capital: £17,8852026/27
Source and value: Devolved formula capital, 2026/27, Financial year, 14 May 2026
DfE: Devolved formula capital allocations
2026/27
Population: Schools listed by URN in the 2_Schools DFC sheet; excludes NMSS and SPI sheets
Published value: 17885.310000000001. Display values may be rounded.
Published school-level DFC allocation for capital projects. Excludes responsible-body SCA and CIF awards.
Source dated 14 May 2026.
Published file
Financial year
Technical source details
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
Measure code: devolved_formula_capital
Income per pupil: £9,5362025
Source and value: Income per pupil, 2025, Reporting year ending, DfE Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool: CFR/AAR income per pupil
DfE Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool: CFR/AAR income per pupil
2025
Population: The school's published CFR or AAR return identified by URN and reporting year
Published value: 9535.623409669211. Display values may be rounded.
Published file
Reporting year ending
Technical source details
Publication version: response-sha256:2333ced8172a57be8c7efa6bfa9362a93ed8035d655e9fee3d39f18f3be6d900
Measure code: totalIncome

Official school links

Shirley High School Performing Arts College · Predecessor · 2012-01-01GIAS · 5 November 2026

School records and their figures stay separate.

Part of SHIRLEY HIGH SCHOOL (Single-academy trust)

Shirley High School Performing Arts College⁠ (opens in a new tab)

Latest Ofsted inspection

Graded inspection (previous framework)
Inspected 30 November 2022, published 31 January 2023 · 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.