At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students by teaching History and Politics in a dynamic classroom environment.
- Company: Join Fettes College, a prestigious co-educational school in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Part-time role with potential for growth and competitive salary based on experience.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community focused on academic and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Must be GTCS registered or eligible; passion for teaching is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Teacher of History and Politics (from January 2026 or sooner)
Job Reference: schooltalent/TP/285/2153
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term, Part Time, Term Time. Commensurate with skills and experience.
Location: Edinburgh
Closing Date: 29/10/2025
Department: History
Region / Division:
Job Role: Teaching
Package Description
Conditions of the Appointment
The appointment will date from January 2026 or sooner, depending on availability.
The role is part time for the remainder of this academic year, with scope to extend into next year depending on staffing needs.
Salary will be by negotiation and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Employment will be subject to one term’s notice on either side.
All applicants must be either registered with GTCS or eligible for GTCS registration. If you are unsure of your eligibility you should check the GTCS website: www.gtcs.org.uk before applying.
Other details and conditions of service will be discussed at interview.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving History and Politics Department. The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner who can inspire students of all abilities and demonstrate a real enthusiasm for History and Politics.
Academic ability and rigour, a passion for learning and an enthusiastic approach to classroom teaching will be vital qualities for the successful applicant. We are looking for a 0.4 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) to teach History and Politics for the remainder of this academic year due to changes in our staffing needs. There may be scope to continue this role in the next academic year, and even to increase hours, as our staffing needs develop.
Main Responsibilities
Please see the full Job Description for duties and responsibilities for this role.
The Ideal Candidate
The Ideal Candidate
Successful applicants for a teaching post at Fettes would be expected to have the following characteristics:
- Ambitious, diligent, keen to develop their existing talents
- Willing to embrace new experiences
- Understand the commitment required of a boarding environment
- Enthusiastic to become involved in all aspects of school life
About the school/organisation
ABOUT FETTES
Fettes College is a leading HMC co-educational boarding and day school close to the heart of Edinburgh. It has a strong tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence underpinned by outstanding pastoral care. Fettes opened its doors in 1870 and became fully co-educational in 1980: it is now an independent school of some 785 students. There are 594 students in the Senior School (13-18 years) and 191 students in the Preparatory School (7-13 years). Fettes follows the English curriculum of GCSEs, and the dual pathway of A Levels and IB. Our full-boarding ethos ensures weekends are vibrant and fun.
The academic staff in the Senior School consists of the Head and 91 full-time members of the Common Room. Our Prep School shares the same site and consists of a further 29 full-time teaching staff. Fettes is a collaborative community in which every member is working towards fully realising their potential whilst supporting those around them.
The school stands on a stunning and secure 100-acre site, but still within walking distance of Edinburgh’s city centre. The historic main building holds the Chapel, Library, the English, Classics and History Departments as well as the Medical Centre and two boarding houses. A large purpose-built teaching block (the Spens Building) houses Art, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Economics, Geography and Music. The Theatre, Science Laboratories and Dining Hall are adjacent. The Preparatory School and seven further boarding houses (including a purpose-built co-educational U6th House) are also on the campus. Our sports facilities (including extensive playing fields, two all-weather pitches and a private Health Club) are excellent.
We have a commitment to build even more ground-breaking facilities, including a Wellbeing Centre and construction of new Science and Innovation buildings.
As well as our teaching staff we employ over 220 Operational Staff across the many departments, including Estates, Security, Housekeeping, Finance, Admissions and Marketing with a pervading sense of community amongst staff, students and parents alike.
OUR VISION
We have created and developed a bold new vision for Fettes, one which focuses on what we believe Fettesians should aspire to be, the skills they will need in life and the impact we want them to make in the world.
We have called this vision Fettes Moving Forward: A place to live. A place to learn. A place to grow. You can find out more about the vision - and how it shapes and informs Fettes\' future at www.fettes.com/vision
Please also watch (with sound on) our film below - Ode to Place - which complements the vision and captures the ethos of Fettes College and what a Fettes education means.
THE AIMS OF THE COLLEGE
Fettes College will ensure that our students:
Feel valued and respected as individuals
Receive the highest possible quality of education, engaging them in rigorous and relevant opportunities in a dynamic curriculum that creates lifelong learners
Feel safe, have a sense of personal worth, are thoughtful and considerate of the needs of others, while possessing a willingness to take on responsibility
Are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves
Develop a sense of self-confidence, integrity, emotional resilience, loyalty, good manners, leadership skills and teamwork
Value a sense of community
Are surrounded by inspirational caring staff
Feel represented and are provided with equal opportunities regardless of gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or religion.
“Our Students will leave the school knowing themselves, looking out for others, capable of thinking critically and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world. They will be bold and visionary yet compassionate; they will possess a global perspective and be ready to embrace the opportunities of the future” Helen Harrison, Head
Teacher of History and Politics (from January 2026 or sooner) employer: George Watson'S College
Fettes College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and personal development, staff are encouraged to grow professionally while being actively involved in a dynamic school community. The picturesque 100-acre campus, combined with excellent facilities and a collaborative culture, makes Fettes an inspiring place to teach and nurture the next generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of History and Politics (from January 2026 or sooner)
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like George Watson'S College just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at George Watson'S College. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of History and Politics (from January 2026 or sooner)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Teacher of History and Politics (from January 2026 or sooner) role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At George Watson'S College, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at George Watson'S College, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At George Watson'S College, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
