Head of History and Politics in Bedford

At Bedford Girls' School, we believe in empowering our students to become confident, compassionate, and accomplished individuals who aspire to change the world around them. We achieve outstanding academic excellence and are dedicated to offering a truly holistic education.

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and forward-thinking leader to shape the next phase of History and Politics at the school. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership of a department with strong foundations and significant potential for further development, building on existing strengths while bringing fresh ideas, energy and vision.

You will lead the development of an intellectually ambitious and engaging History and Politics curriculum for girls, from KS3 through to KS5, designed to foster curiosity, confidence, critical thinking and a love of scholarly debate. There is scope to innovate in curriculum design, pedagogy and enrichment, and to ensure that teaching reflects both academic rigour and the interests, voices and perspectives of young women.

Working closely with the Headmistress and the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of History and Politics will play an active role in whole-school planning and academic leadership, contributing thoughtfully to the wider life and strategic direction of the school.

This role would suit either an experienced Head of Department seeking a fresh and stimulating context, or a highly motivated teacher ready to step into departmental leadership for the first time and excited by the chance to build, lead and inspire, within a supportive environment.

• Lead and develop the History and Politics department, driving high-quality, engaging teaching and learning across KS3–KS5
• Shape an ambitious, coherent curriculum that inspires intellectual curiosity and academic independence
• Mentor, support and motivate colleagues, fostering a positive and collaborative departmental culture
• Oversee assessment, monitoring and tracking of pupil progress, using data intelligently to inform teaching
• Manage departmental resources, examinations and budget planning effectively
• Act as an enthusiastic ambassador for the department at open events, enrichment activities and outreach opportunities, including playing active roles in events such as Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial and Remembrance Assembly
• Contribute actively to the pastoral life of the school, including as a form tutor
• Develop and support extra-curricular opportunities such as lectures, trips, debates and societies
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and pupil welfare

You will be an exceptional classroom practitioner with a passion for History (and ideally Politics), capable of inspiring pupils through dynamic teaching, strong subject knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. You may already have some leadership experience, or you may be ready to take the next step — what matters most is drive, initiative and vision.

You will be:

• A reflective, creative teacher with experience teaching across KS3–KS5
• Confident in your ability to inspire pupils and earn the respect of colleagues
• Organised, proactive and keen to take responsibility
• Eager to develop as a leader, with a commitment to ongoing professional learning
• Excited by the opportunity to contribute to whole-school initiatives and academic innovation
• Passionate about girls' education and committed to helping pupils think critically, argue persuasively and engage confidently with the world

Be part of an outstanding forward-looking school who have an ambitious vision to develop the next generation of creative thinkers, change-makers and problem-solvers. Become a member of a friendly inclusive community which values its employees, offering opportunities for professional development and growth. We offer a wide range of benefits including, excellent pension scheme, life insurance, hospital surgical treatment insurance, and a cash plan scheme that includes a variety of wellbeing benefits.