Teacher of Philosophy & Critical Thinking (full-time or part-time)

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks enjoys a global reputation as a centre of academic excellence and a flagship school for the International Baccalaureate. A co-educational day and boarding school, it offers a stimulating, intellectually demanding and balanced education for over 1200 students from ages 11 to 18.

Sevenoaks is one of the world’s leading IB schools, having taught the International Baccalaureate for over 40 years. For nearly 20 years, all Sixth Form students have taken the full IB Diploma with consistently outstanding academic results which are testament to the school’s experience and commitment to the programme.

Sevenoaks is the top large-cohort IB school in the UK and among the top five globally. In recent years it has been the second highest achieving large-cohort IB school in the world. Sevenoaks is also the top fully co-ed all-IB boarding school in the UK, according to Best Schools (Education Advisers Ltd). The Sunday Times named Sevenoaks School Co-educational Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2023.

The school is one of the largest employers in the local area, employing staff in a wide variety of roles, and aiming to be an employer of choice for top staff from around the world. We offer our staff a competitive range of benefits and are in the process of developing a range of progressive employment policies and opportunities for personal and professional development. All Sevenoaks staff are encouraged to enjoy facilities such as our sports centre and pool, attend performances at our performing arts centre, and get involved in service activities within the local community. We strive to promote the positive mental and physical health of all staff, and are committed to ensuring that equality, diversity and inclusion are at the very heart of our culture and community. We believe every member of the school community should feel welcomed, included and valued.

Teaching at Sevenoaks:

Teaching here is immensely rewarding: we work in high-performing teams towards a shared endeavour.  Everyone appointed to teach at Sevenoaks School is expected to engage actively in all aspects of our broad and well-rounded education.

We want all our pupils to enjoy their subjects, to be inspired by their teachers and to become independent, lifelong learners.  Teachers are enthusiastic and well-qualified graduates.  We have an exceptionally lively, talented and committed staff body. We welcome applications from experienced teachers and newly-qualified teachers, but can also provide training including PGCE for those joining the profession at whatever stage.  All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme.  Sevenoaks is committed to supporting its staff with training and professional development tailored to staff needs and interests.

All teachers are involved in proactive pastoral care.  All teachers participate in the co-curriculum and, as our outreach activities expand, contribute to our work with local pupils and schools.  Teachers at Sevenoaks are innovative and forward-thinking many are involved in the Institutes of Teaching and Learning, Higher Education and Professional Insight, and Service and Partnerships, shaping further development and initiatives for students and staff alike.

What people say about us:

‘Tough for any university not to be an anti-climax after Sevenoaks.’ Good Schools Guide.

The International Baccalaureate

All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme.  No previous experience of teaching the International Baccalaureate, which we have taught since 1978, is necessary; gaining experience of teaching the IB, an internationally recognised qualification which we believe offers outstanding preparation for university and beyond, is stimulating and undoubtedly a valuable career asset.  Information about the IB can be found on the website www.ibo.org.