At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Latin & Classics department, delivering engaging lessons and fostering a love for the subject.
- Company: A top secondary school in Hemel Hempstead with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive working conditions, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a successful school with excellent academic outcomes and a vibrant student community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while exploring the fascinating world of Latin and Classics.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching Latin/Classics, leadership skills, and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 38627 - 52490 € per year.
Salary: MPS3 – UPS3 Fringe £38,627 - £52,490 + TLR1
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Start date: September 2026
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
As a result of our recent and continuing school expansion, we are looking for an enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Latin & Classics to lead and develop our thriving department. We believe that Latin and Classics play a vital role in developing pupils’ cultural awareness, critical thinking and appreciation of the ancient world. Our aim is to provide an outstanding holistic education that enables young people to develop the knowledge, confidence and intellectual curiosity needed to fulfil their potential and make a valuable contribution to society. We deliver a challenging and engaging Classics curriculum that inspires pupils through the study of Latin language, classical civilisation, ancient history and literature.
The successful candidate will lead a committed and ambitious department, drive high standards of teaching and learning across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. Pupils are encouraged to develop strong analytical, linguistic and evaluative skills while exploring the influence of the classical world on modern society, politics, literature and culture. The department has a strong record of academic success, and many students continue their studies at leading universities.
You must be passionate about teaching and learning and will be expected to lead colleagues in planning and delivering outstanding lessons across a range of ages and abilities. You must be committed to securing excellent outcomes for all pupils while fostering a love of Latin and Classics throughout the school community.
The right candidate for us will be someone who can demonstrate:
- Experience and knowledge of teaching Latin and/or Classics within a secondary school (ages 11-18)
- The ability to lead, inspire and develop a successful department
- Excellent curriculum knowledge and an understanding of how to sequence skills and knowledge effectively
- A record of outstanding teaching and securing high levels of pupil progress
- Experience of leading initiatives or contributing to wider school responsibilities
- Exceptional interpersonal, leadership and organisational skills
- Qualified Teacher Status
- An appreciation and understanding of a school at the heart of the community
Our Secondary School is one of the most successful schools in the UK!
Reasons to join us:
- Our Pupils: The exemplary behaviour of our pupils is always commented upon by visitors to our school. Our pastoral system is second to none, reinforcing the values and ethos of the school. Pupils understand the importance of mutual respect, compassion for others, discipline, hard work, high expectations, and aspirations.
- Success: We are hugely oversubscribed with a large Sixth Form. Through our provision of a broad and balanced curriculum, and an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities, our pupils achieve excellent academic, social and cultural outcomes, despite living in an area of significant disadvantage. At the end of Year 13, our pupils go on to top University destinations, including Oxford and Cambridge. Many have progressed to employment via apprenticeships or in a variety of industries.
- Working Conditions: Our pupils need the best quality teachers in the classroom, and we support our teachers through enhanced PPA time, minimal bureaucracy, supportive departments, pastoral teams and the leadership team.
To apply for this Head of Latin & Classics, please get in touch today! We are recruiting for this Head of Latin & Classics role now and will be interviewing ASAP.
We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. As a Head of Latin & Classics, you will have a safeguarding responsibility if appointed. The successful Head of Latin & Classics candidate will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service, and employment will be subject to references. This Head of Latin & Classics post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Please see our website page headed ‘About’ and scroll to the bottom to see our ‘Privacy Notice’ for an explanation about how we use information we collect about you.
Head of Latin & Classics employer: Clarus Education
Join our thriving secondary school in Hemel Hempstead, where we prioritise a holistic education and foster a love for Latin and Classics. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, supportive working conditions, and ample opportunities for professional growth, we empower our teachers to inspire pupils and make a meaningful impact in their lives. Our vibrant school community values respect, discipline, and high aspirations, making it an exceptional place to develop your career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Latin & Classics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local teaching events, and connect with alumni from your university. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for Latin and Classics shine through. Share stories about how you've inspired students or innovative lessons you've delivered. We want to see your love for the subject!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would lead a department, tackle challenges, and drive high standards. Practise your responses so you can articulate your vision clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our fantastic school community. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Latin & Classics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Latin and Classics shine through! We want to see how much you care about teaching these subjects and inspiring students. Share your experiences and what drives you to lead a department.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Latin & Classics. Highlight your relevant teaching experience, leadership skills, and any initiatives you've led. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Be specific about your vision for the department and how you plan to inspire both staff and students. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more info about our school and values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarus Education
✨Know Your Classics
Brush up on your knowledge of Latin and Classics, especially how they relate to modern society. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired students in these subjects and how you plan to continue doing so.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare to share your experiences leading a department or initiatives. Think about times when you've motivated colleagues or improved teaching standards, and be ready to explain your vision for leading the Classics department.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the current curriculum and think about how you would enhance it. Be prepared to discuss innovative lesson plans or projects that could engage students and foster a love for Latin and Classics.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Teaching
Your enthusiasm for teaching should shine through. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to student success and how you’ve made learning enjoyable and impactful for your pupils.