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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Sociology department and inspire students to excel in their studies.
- 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 student success.
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.
About the School
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
Applications are welcomed from both current Heads of Sociology and experienced Sociology teachers ready to take on a leadership role.
Head Of Sociology - Permanent - January 2026 in London 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in sociology or similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision for the Sociology department aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the whole school culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led a team or improved student outcomes. We love to hear about your successes and how you can bring that energy to our Sociology department.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate educators ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Sociology - Permanent - January 2026 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sociology: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Sociology shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students and contributed to the subject's popularity in your previous roles.
Highlight Leadership Experience: If you've led a team or department before, make sure to mention it! We want to see how you've motivated colleagues and driven improvements in teaching and learning. Use concrete examples to illustrate your impact.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and values mentioned in the job description. Show us why you're the perfect fit for our school!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨Know Your Sociology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and theories in Sociology. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your teaching and curriculum development. Showing a deep understanding of the subject will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you've inspired colleagues or improved student outcomes. This role is all about leadership, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop others.
✨Engage with the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the school's values and commitment to inclusion and high expectations. Be prepared to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with their ethos and how you can contribute to their community.
✨Plan for the Future
Think about your vision for the Sociology department. What innovative ideas do you have for curriculum development? Be ready to share your thoughts on how you would track and monitor student progress to ensure outstanding outcomes at both GCSE and A Level.
