Head of Psychology

Line Manager: Deputy Head (Academic)

Hours: Full or Part Time (0.8 FTE minimum)

Closing date: Friday 16th February, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Thursday 22nd February

The Role

The King’s School, Gloucester, a leading co-educational HMC day School, is seeking to appoint a Head of Psychology, to teach and lead the Psychology Department from September 2024.

The successful candidate will have genuine enthusiasm for Psychology and be capable of teaching bright A-Level pupils. They should be well placed to generate and sustain a high degree of motivation in all students. As Head of Psychology, the successful candidate will have responsibility for the strategic leadership and management of the Department as a whole.

This post is suitable for those already in an academic leadership position, and for experienced teachers looking to progress.

The School

The King’s School, Gloucester has a rich academic tradition dating back to its founding in 1541. It houses the longest-serving classroom in Europe and is held in high esteem amongst the local and wider community, winning Gloucestershire Independent School of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and being Highly Commended again in 2022. Following the 2022 ISI Inspection, King’s was proud to be declared excellent in all areas. 

The Department

The Psychology Department is an energetic and innovative environment in which to work. Teaching occurs mainly in a designated modern classroom in our recently renovated, historic Sixth Form Centre, Dulverton House. Psychology is a popular A-Level choice at King’s, with two classes in both the L6th and U6th, and the subject continues to grow; results are reflective of the calibre of the pupils choosing Psychology, with many having gone on to study Psychology at University over the past five years.

Timetable, induction and training

The School operates to a ten-day timetable cycle, consisting of 60 periods. Full-time members of staff teach 48 periods per cycle.

Experienced applicants without formal teaching qualifications will be considered for this position. The King’s School has a strong record of training and developing teachers in situ, and there are opportunities for further development at every level. For applicants without a teaching qualification, we are looking for a high level of subject knowledge, enthusiasm, good communication skills, patience, an empathy with young people and a desire to get involved in the extra-curricular life of the School.

Main Duties

• First class, innovative teaching in a manner appropriate to pupils' ages and abilities; 
• Assessing and recording pupils' progress in accordance with departmental and School policies;
• Contributing to cross-departmental meetings and sharing of good practice;
• Developing and sharing teaching and learning resources;
• Monitoring the work and progress of pupils, including those with specific learning needs;
• Producing and maintaining an organised and smart learning environment;
• Preparing Oxbridge and Competitive University candidates, and supporting them and others with subject-related University tests;
• Attending Exam Review meetings (internal and external);
• Liaising with the Deputy Head (Academic) and Admissions to provide suitable testing for scholarship students in your subject area;
• Contributing to the extra-curricular life of the School through leading opportunities and experiences (e.g. educational trips) to enrich the learning of pupils in your subject area;
• Initiating and promoting links with other schools and educational organisations where appropriate;
• Supporting the development and training of other members of the department and any ECTs where appropriate;
• Promoting the awareness of relevant career opportunities and experiences for pupils;
• Managing the Department’s annual budget, including providing justification for its assignment;
• Coordinating lesson observations and assisting in the monitoring of Teaching and Learning standards of staff, and any subsequently identified monitoring of targets, coaching and/or mentoring;
• Maintaining professional skills through INSET and our Continuing Professional Development programme;
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
• Taking part in the pastoral life of the School as a Form Tutor or Cover Tutor;
• Any other tasks or responsibilities that may reasonably be assigned by the Headmaster.

Personal Profile

• A degree related to Psychology;
• Experience of teaching A-Level;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the subject, the School and the pupils;
• Dynamic, effective teaching strategies that engage all learners;
• Initiative and resourcefulness, able to produce excellent teaching plans;
• Excellent written and oral communication, numerical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organisational skills, able to work under pressure, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
• Ability to deliver high standards, accuracy and attention to detail, meeting all deadlines;
• Willing to undertake further professional development;
• Further post-graduate qualifications, experience relating to Psychology and/or Leadership, and PGCE / QTS are desirable.

Salary

The King’s School offers its own salary scale, details of which can be discussed at interview. The salary will be commensurate with the significance of this role in a leading HMC school and will depend on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th February 2024 at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Thursday 22nd February 2024.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.

The King’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out for short listed candidates only – this will consist of a Google and social media search. The search is looking for anything that calls into question the candidate’s suitability to work with children, or could cause harm to the reputation of The King’s School. Any information discovered will be shared with members of the interviewing panel prior to interview.