Head of Science Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Head of Science interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 12 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Head of Science interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How do you ensure health and safety in science lessons, and what are your responsibilities as Head of Science?

Why they ask: Safety in practical science is one of the biggest legal and moral responsibilities of the role.

2. How would you structure the science curriculum at Key Stage 3 and 4 so that it is ambitious, coherent and prepares pupils for GCSE?

Why they ask: Curriculum leadership is core to the role and Ofsted deep dives focus on it.

3. Your Year 11 combined science results are well below the previous year and the headteacher asks for an explanation. What do you do?

Why they ask: Heads of department are held accountable for outcomes and must analyse and act rather than excuse.

4. What are the required practicals in GCSE sciences and how are they assessed?

Why they ask: Heads of science must know the assessment rules and how practicals are evidenced.

5. How do you support non-specialists teaching outside their own science discipline, for example a biologist teaching physics?

Why they ask: Specialist shortages mean this is routine for science departments.

6. A early career teacher has a minor accident in a lesson when a pupil is splashed with dilute acid. What do you do?

Why they ask: They are testing health and safety knowledge and leadership under pressure.

7. Tell me about a time you improved the quality of teaching in a department, and how you knew it had worked.

Why they ask: Heads of department are judged on their impact on colleagues' practice and pupils' outcomes.

8. Why do you want to be Head of Science, and what do you think makes a good one?

Why they ask: They want to see leadership aspiration and an understanding of the responsibilities beyond teaching.

A sample answer to question 1

How do you ensure health and safety in science lessons, and what are your responsibilities as Head of Science?

As Head of Science, I'd make sure every practical is risk assessed, using the CLEAPSS Hazcards and Student Safety Sheets, which most schools subscribe to, and that the department's risk assessments are accessible and reviewed. I'd comply with COSHH regulations for hazardous substances, and the Health and Safety at Work Act. Staff would have training on safe practice, including demonstration of techniques like Bunsen burner use, eye protection, and management of spills, and I'd monitor through lesson visits. I'd work closely with the lead technician on storage, labelling, disposal and equipment checks, such as electrical testing and fume cupboards. I'd keep an accident log and review incidents for learning, and ensure that new or non-specialist staff are supported. I'd also teach pupils to take responsibility for safety, so that rules are understood rather than just obeyed. Finally, I'd liaise with the school's health and safety officer on audits.

Common mistake to avoid: Treating risk assessment as paperwork; Forgetting the technician team

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Head of Science interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.