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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Sociology department to achieve outstanding student outcomes.
- Company: A highly regarded secondary school in Ilford with a diverse community.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership, professional development, and excellent teaching resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while advancing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in teaching Sociology and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on high expectations and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Ilford, East London
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR (dependent on experience)
We are delighted to be recruiting an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Head of Sociology to lead a successful and well-established Sociology department within a large, high-achieving secondary school and sixth form in Ilford. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Sociology teacher or an existing middle leader seeking their next career step.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for Sociology, driving high-quality teaching and learning and securing outstanding outcomes at both GCSE and A Level. Working closely with senior leaders and fellow heads of department, you will play an important role in whole-school improvement and curriculum development.
The school is a large, popular and highly regarded secondary school with a thriving sixth form, serving a diverse and dynamic community in Ilford. It is recognised for its strong academic outcomes, high expectations and inclusive ethos. Students are motivated, respectful and engaged in their learning, while staff benefit from clear systems, supportive leadership and a collaborative working environment.
Social sciences and humanities are highly valued within the school, with Sociology being a popular and successful subject at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. The school is committed to staff wellbeing, professional development and long-term career progression.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Sociology department, maintaining consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Plan and deliver a coherent, ambitious and well-sequenced Sociology curriculum at GCSE and A Level
- Track, monitor and analyse student progress to inform intervention and raise achievement
- Support, coach and develop staff within the department
- Oversee effective assessment, moderation and examination preparation
- Promote Sociology across the school and sixth form to ensure strong uptake and outcomes
- Contribute to whole-school initiatives and the wider life of the school
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Be an excellent teacher of Sociology with strong subject knowledge
- Have a proven record of securing positive student outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to lead, inspire and motivate colleagues
- Be reflective, organised and committed to continuous improvement
- Share the school's commitment to high expectations, inclusion and equity
- Be enthusiastic about working in a large, diverse secondary school setting
What the School Offers
- A supportive and experienced senior leadership team
- Well-motivated, well-behaved students
- Excellent facilities and teaching resources
- A strong focus on professional development and career progression
- A collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking staff culture
Head of Sociology - Permanent - January 2026 in Ilford employer: Aspire People
Contact Detail:
Aspire People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sociology - Permanent - January 2026 in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and connect with them on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Sociology.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can drive high-quality teaching and learning in Sociology. Have specific examples ready that showcase your leadership skills and how you've positively impacted student outcomes in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for Sociology! During your interview, share your vision for the subject and how you plan to promote it across the school. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sociology - Permanent - January 2026 in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Sociology role. Use specific examples from your teaching career that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to high-quality education.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for Sociology shine through in your written application. Share why you love the subject and how you plan to inspire students, as well as your vision for the department's future.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our Sociology department.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Sociology knowledge and the latest trends in the subject. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead the department and improve student outcomes, as well as any innovative teaching methods you might want to implement.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Think about examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or project. Be ready to share how you’ve inspired colleagues and improved teaching practices, as this role is all about strategic leadership.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the school's values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how you align with their commitment to high expectations and inclusion, and how you can contribute to the wider school community.
✨Prepare Questions
Have some thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school. Ask about their vision for the Sociology department or how they support staff development, which will also give you insight into whether it’s the right fit for you.
