Head of Humanities
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
The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. Staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. Staff will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, a member of staff becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Head.
Online Searches
As part of the shortlisting process, the School will carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. This may help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, that the School may want to explore with an applicant at interview. This forms part of the School’s wider safeguarding due diligence which aims to prevent and/or deter individuals who may be unsuitable to work with children from working in a school environment.
Equality and Diversity
Westbrook Hay is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. Staff are expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and school policies on equality and diversity.
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