Head of Humanities

Head of Humanities

MPS/UPS + TLR - Salary dependent upon qualifications and experience

Start date: April 2025 or sooner

We are seeking to appoint a Head of Humanities. This is a significant middle leadership post in our school, which would naturally suit those who are seeking the next steps in their career and with aspirations of further, senior leadership posts in the future. We are looking for a well-qualified, passionate and committed leader, who will lead a highly successful and experienced team. Humanities (geography & history) is by far the most popular option at GCSE, with a proven track record of success. We are looking to recruit a colleague who will be able to enthuse young people with an interest and passion for Humanities. The successful candidate should be willing to teach key stages 3, 4 & 5.

You will need drive; commitment and excellent subject knowledge to support the needs of our students and lead the team. You will be joining a supportive, successful and highly motivated team that have our school motto of, ‘Aspire to be elite’ at the heart of their enhanced, rich curriculum model. 

We’re looking forward to you bringing your unique teaching qualities and experiences to our friendly and close knit team. If you have the ability to inspire students, lead an effective team, strive for excellence in all that you do, then we want to hear from you! A visit to the school will show you what a vibrant and interesting student body we have, and our plans for how to help them to achieve success in the curriculum.

We are a co-educational school starting from September 2024 for Year 7 (with boys in Years 8-11) and a co-educational Sixth Form. The school has a newly refurbished subject block and subsequently every classroom across the school now has a ViewSonic interactive screen. In addition, we have invested in our all facilities across the school: new heating system reducing our carbon footprint, revamped technology including food room, whole school repainted, new interactive whiteboards, in addition to sporting facilities; upgraded our indoor swimming pool, invested in our sports hall and conditioning centre, all weather pitches: MUGA, an all-weather football dome and our new performance and conditioning centre of excellence, available to both staff and students. Academically the school has a positive progress measure and the students achieve above national average. Our curriculum is clearly mapped and was a strong “good” as part of our Ofsted 2021.

To get a glimpse of our vibrant school community and facilities, check out our school video [here], showcasing our students, staff, and the dynamic environment you'll be a part of.

The Forest School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service clearance being received.

For all information, please visit the school website, and to apply please complete the Support Staff Application Form returning it to mailto:recruitment@forest.academy. Unfortunately, CVs will not be accepted.

The Interview Process 

If selected, the interview process will test and assess your fulfilment of the requirements for this position. The interview process will include consideration of your suitability to work with children and the interview panel will ask questions on safeguarding children/young people. 

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will be ongoing up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, the advert may close early.

The school will complete online searches on all shortlisted candidates and reserves the right to do so on receipt of all applications.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS is Monday, 16th December 2024 at midday.

It is our normal procedure to request references on shortlisted candidates prior to interview. 

The Forest School Support and Professional Development 

A range of support and professional development opportunities are available at The Forest School from working with all other local schools through the secondary federation, the local School Alliance Association and Wellington College. We offer many staff CPD opportunities through the National Qualifications. CPD and Staff wellbeing are highest on our agenda. 

·       Highly effective behaviour and inclusion system with a supportive Centralised detentions to reduce teacher workload 

·       Superb CPD including from our outstanding ‘Teaching and Learning Team’ 

·       OFSTED ‘good’ (June 2021) 

·       Friendly and supportive working environment 

·       An active Staff Association and wellbeing team

·       A comprehensive Induction programme for ECTs and new staff Allocation of a professional mentor (ECTs) 

·       A comprehensive CPD opportunity with National Qualifications

Please note, we may consider and interview as applications are received; we have the right to appoint a suitable candidate on receipt of application. This is policy procedure as we are aware of the competitive market and wish to recruit the correct person. Submissions from agencies will not be accepted.

We look forward to hearing from you.