Head of Humanities

Head of Humanities

Location: Westbrook Hay School, Hertfordshire

Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience

Start Date: September 2025

Our School and Mission

Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent day school, renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. With a current roll of approximately 380 pupils, the school is expanding its senior section from Year 8 to Year 11 and will begin offering GCSEs. Our mission is to nurture happy, confident, and successful pupils who are well-prepared for their futures. We pride ourselves on delivering a broad curriculum that fosters both academic excellence and the confidence to succeed.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Head of Humanities to lead our Humanities Department through this exciting phase of growth. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to shape the development of Humanities at GCSE level and to influence the academic journey of our first senior cohorts.

The successful candidate will lead a team comprising the Head of Geography, Head of Religious Studies, and semi-specialists in younger year groups. A proven track record of teaching Humanities to GCSE level is essential, and the ability to teach Religious Studies would be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Humanities Department, ensuring a high standard of teaching and learning.
• Inspire and motivate pupils to pursue Humanities subjects at GCSE level.
• Contribute to the Academic Leadership Team (ALT), participating in curriculum review, monitoring pupil progress, and leading initiatives to enhance teaching and learning.
• Organise and support field trips that enrich pupils' learning experiences, such as the Year 7 trip to Canterbury, Geography excursions to Iceland, and senior trips to Rome and Naples.
• Embrace and promote the school's ethos of a welcoming and inclusive community, fostering strong relationships with pupils, staff, and parents.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (currently under consultation).
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Free cooked lunches and refreshments.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme.
• Small class sizes and excellent facilities in a beautiful rural setting.
• 50% fee remission for children of staff, subject to availability.
• Opportunities to participate in events organised by the Staff Social Committee.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Westbrook Hay is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undergo enhanced DBS checks and adhere to the School’s Child Protection Policy. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Application Process

To apply, please complete an application via the TES website. For further information, please contact our HR department at rachel_franklin@westbrookhay.co.uk.

Early applications are encouraged. The school reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

Application Deadline: 12:00 on Thursday 20th March

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 24th March, including a formal interview, a teaching demonstration, and additional tasks. A school tour and lunch will be provided for shortlisted candidates. Overnight accommodation may be available upon request.

Join us at Westbrook Hay as we embark on this exciting new chapter. We look forward to receiving your application.

This appointment is for September 2025