Head of Geography (Secondary) Maternity Cover

About The Role

Reports to: Programmes Director

Contract: Fixed term - 1 year, 37.5 hours per week

Location: 2 days per week in London (White City) with some travel to schools; other days can be worked from home or in the office

Interviews will be held on 26 - 27 May, with flexibility available around these dates.

We're seeking a Head of Geography to provide educational leadership for their programme. You will work in both Ark schools and across the wider partnership, as an integrated part of an Ark subject leadership team to establish a shared vision for subject excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to and implement the organisation’s strategy and mission, lead identified cross functional projects and activities as appropriate.
• Ensure there is a strong ongoing subject‑specific learning and development programme for AC+ teams to build and maintain their subject expertise and pedagogical best practice.
• Implement consistent, regular Subject Panels and share notes in a consistent format, in line with structures agreed with Ark stakeholders.
• Work with and through Senior Delivery Managers and Principal Development Leads where relevant.
• Create clear pedagogical rationale and briefs and train subject team members across programmes.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience across Key Stages.
• Demonstrates knowledge of education developments and best practice in teaching.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, negotiation skills and experience of working with external partners.
• Up-to‑date knowledge and use of the current curriculum and assessment requirements.

Qualification Criteria

• Educated to Degree level.
• Right to work in the U.K.

Benefits

• Our hybrid working model aims to offer the best of both worlds, striking the right balance between in‑person collaboration and remote working.
• You will work a minimum of two days per week in our state‑of‑the‑art office in West London allowing you to connect with colleagues, with the flexibility to work remotely, or in the office over the remaining days.
• In addition to our current hybrid working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad.
• Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work‑life balance and personal commitments.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3‑years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to.
• Access to high‑quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face‑to‑face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform.
• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest‑free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests.

Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Safeguarding Statement

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non‑disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

Application Information

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the role may close early depending on demand. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience. Please contact recruitment at recruitment@arkonline.org if you have any questions.