Woodcote
THE SCHOOL
The Oratory is an HMC independent school for students aged 11 to 18, providing an all-round education of quality and purpose.
We offer small class sizes and outstanding facilities on a wonderful South Oxfordshire country estate and yet we are within easy travelling distance of London, major motorways, railways and airports.
The Oratory School has high academic standards; however, we believe that an education is about more than statistics. We have a clear vision to ensure that each student flourishes and fulfils their maximum potential both in and far beyond the classroom. To this end, a wide variety of co-curricular activities enrich the students’ learning and all students get the opportunity to develop their specific talents to the full.
The Oratory is not a large school, and this enables each and every student to be known, valued and stretched as an individual within our nurturing community.
Founded in 1859 by Saint John Henry Newman - we are a Catholic school which welcomes students of all faiths or none. Visitors often comment on the inclusive community atmosphere of our school, which we believe nurtures confidence, self-expression and a desire to learn and grow.
THE FACULTY
As of September 2026, the Science Department will be responsible for the delivery of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Physical Education. There are currently twelve members of teaching staff involved in the delivery of these subjects. The Faculty is ably supported by the services of two technicians (one part-time) and is housed in seven well-equipped teaching laboratories as well as non-laboratory classrooms in the main building and the Sports Centre.
All students, from 1st to 6th Form, are taught by science teachers according to their specialism. 1st and 2nd Form follow the Springboard Science specification. In 3rd Form students begin their GCSE course, following the AQA (9-1) specification and opt for a Combined Science or Separate Science pathway at the beginning of the 4th Form. At A Level, Biology and Chemistry follow OCR A while Physics, Psychology and Physical Education follow AQA.
THE ROLE
The Oratory School are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Science Teacher (Physics) to join our dynamic and supportive team, delivering high-quality teaching across Key Stages 3 to 5.
The successful candidate will inspire curiosity and a passion for scientific understanding, fostering both academic achievement and critical thinking in students of all abilities. They will demonstrate strong subject knowledge across the sciences, alongside the capability to deliver engaging and effective Physics lessons, contributing to a broad and balanced curriculum. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support students’ intellectual and personal development within a committed and forward-thinking educational environment.
The ability to develop a strong rapport with pupils that promotes high academic standards and intellectual curiosity is paramount, together with the enthusiasm to encourage pupils to pursue the subject further at Sixth Form and beyond. You will also be expected to contribute actively to and represent the department at key school events, including Parents’ Evenings, Open Mornings, Year Assessment Days, Careers Evenings, and the Sixth Form Choices Evening, thereby supporting pupil recruitment and progression.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for pupils of all abilities. You will also be expected to participate in school-wide initiatives and help promote the importance of Science education to parents and the wider community.
Microsoft Teams is used to support teaching and learning, including the sharing of resources, revision materials and the setting of homework.
SALARY
Dependent on qualifications and experience. The school has its own attractive salary scale.
SAFEGUARDING AND COMPLIANCE
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Heads of Department must:
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should complete the school’s application form and send together with a covering letter in PDF format to [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 18 June 2026 with Interviews taking place soon thereafter. Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications or if we find a suitable candidate from early applications.
The interview process will include:
Please send postal applications together with a covering letter to:
Director of People, The Oratory School, Woodcote, Oxfordshire, RG8 0PJ
For any queries, please email [email protected].
The Oratory Schools Association Registered Charity No 309112 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers, online and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exception Order 1975, 213, 2020.