At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach History and Politics, inspire students, and lead engaging enrichment activities.
- Company: Join Downsend, an innovative independent school with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunch, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Permanent, full-time role starting September 2026 with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of students in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience teaching History and Politics at GCSE and A Level required.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 € per year.
About the School - Downsend: Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world. At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we never hold back. We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be 'excellent in all areas' by the Independent School Inspectorate.
About the Role: To work collaboratively with the Head of Humanities to deliver high-quality teaching of History and Politics at Downsend School. The successful candidate will contribute to a clear ethos, positive atmosphere, and attractive learning environment within the History and Politics departments, ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning across KS3 to KS5. They will support the work of the department by participating in a range of tasks and contributing to a collaborative team culture, developing teaching in line with the school's policies and schemes of work. In addition, the post holder will assist with the History and Politics enrichment programme, including historical visits and trips, as well as politics-related activities such as Model United Nations and debating, and will carry out any other associated duties as reasonably assigned by the Head of School. This is a permanent, full-time role with an anticipated start date in September 2026.
Who We Are Looking For: We are looking for a dynamic and committed practitioner with experience of teaching History and Politics at GCSE and A Level, and a good honours degree in History, Politics or a related field. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to secure continued improvement in pupils' attainment, progress, and behaviour, and will inspire high levels of confidence in their teaching. They will possess excellent communication skills, including strong oral and written abilities as well as ICT proficiency, alongside outstanding organisational and administrative skills. The role requires someone who is calm, efficient, and able to work effectively under pressure, while maintaining high professional standards at all times.
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 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 is 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 prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Teacher of History and Politics in Ashtead employer: Cognita Ltd
Downsend School, part of the Cognita family, is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and innovative work culture, dedicated to inspiring both students and staff. With a commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including a pension scheme and school fee discounts, and a collaborative environment, teachers are empowered to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners. Located in a supportive community, Downsend offers a unique opportunity for educators to engage in enriching activities and contribute to a forward-thinking educational vision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of History and Politics in Ashtead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current teachers or staff at Downsend and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your name on the radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for History and Politics in your interviews. Bring examples of how you've inspired students in the past, and don’t forget to mention any cool projects or trips you've organised!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school's ethos and teaching methods. This shows you're genuinely interested in their vision and ready to contribute to their innovative approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the future!
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of History and Politics in Ashtead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for History and Politics shine through! We want to see how you inspire students and make these subjects come alive in the classroom.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant teaching experience, especially at GCSE and A Level. We love seeing how you've contributed to student success and engagement in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and achievements, as we appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Ltd
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the History and Politics curriculum, especially at GCSE and A Level. Be prepared to discuss key topics, recent developments, and how you can inspire students to engage with these subjects creatively.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
During the interview, demonstrate your teaching philosophy and methods. Bring examples of lesson plans or activities you've used in the past that align with Downsend's innovative approach. Highlight how you can contribute to a positive learning environment.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Downsend's ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your teaching can help shape students into confident individuals who embrace change and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Show them you're on board with their mission!
✨Prepare for Collaborative Questions
Since teamwork is key in this role, think about your experiences working with colleagues. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated on projects or contributed to a team culture in previous roles, especially in relation to enrichment programmes like Model United Nations.
