Head of Geography

Head of Geography

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Geography department, delivering engaging lessons and developing curriculum for students aged 11-18.
  • Company: Join Cognita, a global leader in education, partnering with Alleyn’s Schools Group.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free lunches, pension, school holidays, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to student welfare and departmental success.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' understanding of geography while fostering their academic growth.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Geography or related subject, PGCE, and experience in teaching and mentoring.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.

Cognita has formed a partnership with the Alleyn’s Schools Group to establish two leading independent day schools in north London. This pioneering collaboration brings together one of the world’s most influential education groups, Cognita, which educates over 100,000 students across 21 countries, and Alleyn’s, south London’s finest co‑educational day school and Co‑educational School of the Year 2025.

As part of this partnership, North Bridge House Regent’s Park Prep and North Bridge House Hampstead are becoming Alleyn’s schools. Alleyn’s Regent’s Park successfully transitioned this September, welcoming pupils aged 3–11. Alleyn’s Hampstead will follow in September 2026, offering an exceptional education for pupils aged 2–18 and bringing the distinctive Alleyn’s ethos of academic excellence, creativity, and care to north London.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Geography specialist to lead the provision of Geography across the 11‑18 age group at Alleyn’s Hampstead. The Head of Geography will manage the department, delivering engaging, challenging and inspiring lessons that develop students’ understanding of the physical and human change in our world. In this role you will lead the Geography Department by example, develop schemes of work, collaborate with other departments, and implement and review department plans, policies, curriculum documents and risk assessments in liaison with the Senior Leadership Team. You will also provide pastoral support, guidance and monitoring to your Form Group and other students, and engage in the school’s enrichment programmes and co‑curricular activities.

Who we are looking for:

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
  • Commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies.
  • Ability to coach colleagues for continuous teaching development.
  • Ability to use data to monitor progress across a key academic department.
  • Undergraduate degree and PGCE (or equivalent) in Geography or a related subject.
  • Experience of mentoring.
  • Experience engaging a wide range of learners in physical and human geography across the 11‑18 age range.
  • Experience as a Form Tutor or similar pastoral role.
  • Experience developing new schemes of work and broadening the curriculum.

Above all, we seek a Head of Geography who is reliable, professional and works with integrity and good humour to support student welfare and departmental success.

Benefits at Cognita:

  • Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience.
  • Free lunch provided during term time.
  • Teachers’ pension.
  • School holidays and public holidays.
  • School fee discount.
  • Exclusive third‑party discounts.
  • Professional development.

How to Apply:

Complete this application before the closing date: 31st May 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on recruitment of ex‑offenders are included within the application guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date for the right applicant.

Head of Geography employer: Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd

Cognita offers an exceptional work environment for educators, particularly in the role of Head of Geography at Alleyn’s Hampstead. With a commitment to academic excellence and a supportive culture, employees benefit from competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a strong emphasis on collaboration and student welfare. Located in vibrant north London, this position not only allows for meaningful engagement with students but also provides access to exclusive discounts and a generous teachers' pension scheme.
Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd

Contact Detail:

Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Geography

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Cognita or Alleyn’s. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for that interview! Research the schools and their ethos, especially how they approach Geography. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision and engage students in exciting ways.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your teaching style! If you get the chance, share examples of your lesson plans or innovative schemes of work. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and engage students in Geography.

✨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 serious about joining the Cognita family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Geography

Excellent Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Organisational Skills
Collaborative Working
Coaching Skills
Data Analysis
Mentoring Experience
Curriculum Development
Experience in Physical Geography
Experience in Human Geography
Pastoral Care Experience
Engagement with Learners
Integrity
Professionalism
Sense of Humour

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Geography: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Geography shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged students in the subject and any innovative teaching methods you've used. We want to see your love for the subject and how you can inspire others.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of Alleyn’s Schools. Highlight your experience with diverse learners and how you plan to contribute to the school's academic excellence and creativity. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our vision!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd

✨Know Your Geography Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on both physical and human geography topics. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage students with these subjects, and think of innovative ways to make lessons interactive and inspiring.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Geography, you'll be leading a department. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team or mentored colleagues. Be ready to share how you can foster collaboration and continuous development within the department.

✨Prepare for Pastoral Questions

Since you'll also be providing pastoral support, consider how you would approach student welfare. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to connect with students and support their personal development, especially in a Form Tutor role.

✨Engage with the School's Ethos

Familiarise yourself with the values and ethos of Alleyn’s Schools. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and care, and how you would integrate this into your teaching and departmental plans.

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