Teacher of Geography (maternity cover)

We are looking to appoint a well-qualified and enthusiastic teacher for this academically selective school. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Geography at Key Stage Three and GCSE; there is the potential for A Level teaching for the right candidate. This is a full-time maternity cover position, commencing in September 2025. It is anticipated that the contract will be for two terms. 

We seek a Geography graduate who is keen to develop further their experience in the teaching of the subject. 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.

Early applications are most welcome; depending on the number of applications received, we reserve the right to bring the closing date and interviews forward.

The Geography Department

Geography is a popular subject at KEHS and pupil outcomes are strong. All pupils study Geography (two x forty-minute lessons) in Years 7 to 9. A significant majority of Year 9 pupils chose to continue with Geography to GCSE, and three set has become the norm in Years 10 and 11.

At GCSE, we follow the Edexcel International GCSE specification. Results are consistently strong: in 2024, 91% of the 56 KEHS candidates who took Geography GCSE were awarded a grade 7-9, with 63% achieving the top grade; in 2019 and 2022-23, 98% achieved grades 7-9; in 2019 and 2022, 87% achieved grade 9.    

Geography is also popular in the sixth form: there are usually two sets for Geography in both Year 12 and Year 13. We follow the OCR A Level specification. Results are strong: since 2018, 97% of our candidates have been awarded grades A*- B. In 2022 and 2023, all KEHS candidates achieved a grade A or A*; in 2022, this was an A* for 19 out of the 22 candidates. Each year, several pupils choose to continue with Geography at university.

The Geography Department comprises the Head of Department and three full-time members of staff, all of whom have additional responsibilities (in our service programme, as Head of PSHE, and as a Deputy Head). There are three specialist teaching rooms, equipped with all the ICT facilities for the delivery of Geography at a high standard. The Geography Department runs a highly regarded fieldwork programme, including a biennial A Level expedition to Iceland. The new member of staff will be expected to make a significant contribution to our co-curricular programme, including departmental trips and visits.

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. However, applications will be reviewed on receipt: early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date and interview date 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 Kate Cowan, Head of Geography, by email: k.cowan@keschools.org.uk.