Amid ongoing educational reforms, this insightful article delves into the pivotal role of secondary science leads in shaping the future of science education. It explores the complexities they face and their crucial responsibilities in teacher development. With practical suggestions and a focus on professional growth, this piece is essential reading for those looking to navigate and thrive during times of change, ensuring a forward-thinking, enriched science curriculum.

References & Further Reading
Bennett, N., Newton, W., Wise, C., Woods, P. A. and Economou, A. (2007) Understandings of middle leadership in secondary schools: a review of empirical research. School Leadership and Management, 27(5), 453–470.

Busher, H. (2005) Being a middle leader: exploring professional identities. School Leadership and Management,
25(2), 137–153.

Kennedy, A. (2014) Understanding continuing professional development: the need for theory to impact on policy and practice. Professional Development in Education, 40(5), 688–697.

Leithwood, K. (2016) Department-head leadership for school improvement. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 15(2), 117–140.

Lipscombe, K., Tindall-Ford, S. and Lamanna, J. (2023) School middle leadership: a systematic review. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 51(2), 270–288.

Maguire, M., Braun, A. and Ball, S. J. (2015) Where you stand depends on where you sit: the social construction of policy enactments in the (English) secondary school. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 36(4), 485–499.

Mishra, P. and Koehler, M. J. (2006) Technological pedagogical content knowledge: a framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054.

RSC (2023) Concerns over quality of science education as more than half of schools report understaffing of subject specialists. www.rsc.org/news-events/articles/2023/feb/the-teaching-survey-2022

Stone, P. and Stone, R. (2024) Professional development leadership: the importance of middle leaders. Professional Development in Education, , 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2024.2383442