Head of Classics in London

Channing School is seeking to appoint an outstanding and inspiring Head of Classics (1-year maternity cover) to lead our highly successful and well-established Classics Department from September 2026. This full-time role offers the opportunity to teach across Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level within a high-achieving and deeply supportive all-girls environment, while providing strategic leadership to a thriving and ambitious department.

At Channing, we believe that the study of the classical world enables young women to explore the foundations of language, literature, history and culture, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Classics is a flourishing subject, with students achieving excellent outcomes at both GCSE and A level, and many continuing their studies at university. More importantly, pupils develop analytical skills, cultural awareness and confidence, qualities that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Classics Department is a dynamic and collaborative team of four teachers, offering Latin from Year 7, with Classical Civilisation and Ancient Greek introduced from Year 9. Teaching is enriched through a wide range of resources and approaches, including the use of iPads, visualisers and virtual reality. Pupils benefit from a broad co-curricular programme including clubs, competitions, lectures and trips to institutions such as the British Museum, as well as overseas visits. The successful candidate will build on this strong foundation, maintaining high standards while further developing the department’s academic and co-curricular provision.

As Head of Department, the successful candidate will provide clear and inspiring leadership, shaping the vision and strategic direction of Classics in line with the school’s wider educational priorities. They will lead and support colleagues, promote excellence in teaching and learning, and ensure a stimulating and intellectually rigorous curriculum that enables every pupil to thrive. This role requires a balance of subject passion and collaborative leadership, contributing positively to the wider life of the school.

Hours: Full time

September 2026 (maternity cover, fixed-term until end of leave)

Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary, dependent on qualifications and experience. Enrolment into the APTIS pension scheme (10% employer contribution, 2% employee contribution). Laptop and iPad provided. Free lunch and daily refreshments. Use of school sports facilities when available. Annual flu vaccination and Employee Assistance Programme. Extensive CPD and INSET opportunities, with scope for professional progression.

How to Apply: Please complete the TES application form by clicking on Apply below. CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form. Deadline for applications: 12pm, Thursday 16 April 2026. Interviews: Monday 20 April 2026.

Safeguarding commitment: Channing School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school follows a formal recruitment procedure in line with DfE guidance on Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education and the school’s Child Protection Policy. A copy of this procedure is available on request.

Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of a protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act. Ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. In line with our Safer Recruitment Policy, all shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches including social media and third party Safehire.

Awarded ‘Excellent’ in all areas inspected by ISI in 2022, Channing School is summed up by its vision, ‘Girls Enjoying Success’. Girls at Channing enjoy academic success from a tailored educational programme that encourages confidence, independent thinking and provides girls with life skills to take on the next stage of their education as thoughtful, responsive, socially aware adults, prepared for the challenges of the world today.

Founded in 1885 by Unitarian sisters Emily and Matilda Sharpe, supported by Reverend Robert Spears, Channing School, named after notable American Unitarian William Ellery Channing, has been known as a successful, happy community. Remaining true to our Unitarian foundation, the School is an inclusive community that values the individual skills, spiritual beliefs, achievements and contribution of all members of the school community.

Academic achievement: Academic results are excellent – GCSE and A Level results consistently place us amongst the top-performing schools in the UK and London. Virtually all our sixth formers go on to Higher Education, some after a gap year. Girls also excel in a very wide range of co-curricular and extra curricular activities, and especially in Music, Drama, Sport and Art.

Community spirit: The Head and members of staff know every girl personally and as an individual. We have a strong family tradition and an enthusiastic and supportive parents' association. The atmosphere is calm, focussed and purposeful. We set high standards emphasising concern and respect for the needs of others. A major feature of the school is the huge diversity of the extracurricular activities on offer to pupils and it is expected that all staff will contribute to this side of the life of the school. Opportunities exist for involvement in cultural, dramatic, sporting and intellectual pursuits and we like staff to assist in areas where they have a genuine interest and enthusiasm.

Exceptional setting: The school is in an attractive part of Highgate, with convenient transport links by road and underground. Visitors are often surprised at how light, green and open our site is. We have preserved the character of the older buildings, but completely refurbished and redesigned them to provide bright and spacious teaching rooms. Our ambitious £13m building programme, completed in 2017, has provided us with excellent dining facilities, a Music School, a new Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall with fitness suite and a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre.