Teacher of History and/or Politics (maternity cover)

We are looking to appoint a well-qualified and enthusiastic teacher for this academically selective school. The successful candidate would be able to teach History at Key Stage 3 and GCSE (and perhaps A Level) and Politics at A Level. However, we welcome applications from those with a specialism in either subject area: we would be willing to craft a timetable consisting of just one of the two subjects for the right candidate.

This is an exciting challenge for a person at any stage in their career: we welcome applications from ECTs and experienced teachers alike, and no experience of working in the independent sector is required. A willingness to participate in the wider life of the school, namely pastoral care duties and co-curricular activities, is expected.

This is a maternity cover position, commencing in September 2025. Both full-time and part-time applications will be considered. It is anticipated that the contract will be for two terms. Early applications are welcome; depending on the number of applications received, we reserve the right to bring the closing date and interviews forward.

The History and Politics Departments

History and Politics are both popular subjects at KEHS. All pupils study History (two forty-minute lessons) in Years 7 to 9. A significant majority of Year 9 pupils chose to continue with History to GCSE, and three sets have become the norm in Years 10 and 11.

At GCSE, we follow the Edexcel International GCSE specification. Pupils study four units: Development of Dictatorship: Germany, 1918-45; A World Divided: Superpower Relations, 1943-72; The USA, 1917-41; and Conflict, Crisis, and Change: China, 1900-89. Results are consistently strong: in 2024, 98% of KEHS candidates who took History GCSE were awarded a grade 7-9, with 79% achieving the top grade.

History is also popular in the sixth form: there are usually two sets in both Year 12 and Year 13. We follow the AQA A-level specification. Pupils study two taught components (The Crisis of Monarchy: Stuart Britain, 1603-1702 and France in Revolution, 1774-1815) and complete a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) on a topic of their own choosing. Results are strong: in 2024, 29% of KEHS candidates achieved an A* and 87% of candidates achieved at least a grade B. Each year, several pupils choose to continue with History (or a similar subject) at university.

Politics is a growing new subject at KEHS and our first cohort will be examined this year. We currently have two sets in both L6th and U6th and a good number have opted to study PPE at university. We follow the Edexcel A Level specification: pupils study both UK and global units.

The Politics Department emphasises discursive, seminar-style lessons that challenge students to think about where power lies and how it is used both nationally and internationally. By teaching political concepts and theories and bringing them to life with case studies both current and historic, we look to engage students and develop their critical understanding of how the political world works. The ideal candidate will enjoy fostering debate and stretching the thinking of capable students whilst ensuring the learning is structured and accessible to those with little experience of the politics beforehand.

Beyond the classroom, we run Model United Nations, debating clubs as well as extension and revision classes.

The History Department comprises the Head of Department and three full-time members of staff; the Politics Department has three members of staff, all of whom teach another subject too (generally History). These departments have specialist teaching rooms equipped with all the ICT facilities for the delivery of the subjects at a high standard. The new member of staff will be expected to make a significant contribution to our co-curricular programme, which includes the provision of departmental lunchtimes clubs and trips to sites of interest.

How to apply 

To apply for this role, please forward a completed application form (available for download at https://kehs.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/) and a covering letter addressed to the Head of School (Dr Paul Arnold) by email to: kesrecruitment@keschools.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is 0800 on Monday 20th January 2025. Interviews are provisionally scheduled for the week beginning Monday 27th January 2025. However, applications will be reviewed on receipt: early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing and interview dates if sufficient applications have been received.  

If you have any queries about the role or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact the Head of History, Neil Haines (n.haines@keschools.org.uk) and the Head of Politics, Steve Lomon (s.lomon@keschools.org.uk).