Rossetti Academic History in London

Reporting to: Assistant Head (Enrichment and Pupil Progress). Intellectual ambition and academic scholarship lie at the heart of a King’s education, and we aim for every King’s pupil to be inspired to achieve their full academic potential. In line with this aim, each year the school employs a small number of graduates, doctoral and post‑doctoral researchers in a part‑time capacity as part of our academic enrichment programme. These roles, called King’s Rossetti Academics, are in honour of Dante Gabriel Rossetti who attended King’s from 1837‑1841. Rossetti is widely known as one of the most important figures in nineteenth‑century British art and a renowned poet. He is also a very important inspirational figure within the academic enrichment programme at King’s: academic scholarships in the sixth form are named in his honour, Rossetti Day is an exciting off‑curriculum day of inter‑disciplinary workshops for the lower sixth, and Rossetti Society comprises a series of lectures on areas of literary interest, culminating in an annual dinner organised by the English department.

The purpose of the King’s Rossetti Academics programme is to inspire our pupils in their academic studies by increasing their access to current, intellectually stimulating and specialist knowledge. We are currently inviting graduates, doctoral and post‑doctoral researchers specialising in History to apply to become a King’s Rossetti Academic. The King’s Rossetti Academic (History) will work to support curricular and co‑curricular activities relating to History, as well as support pupils seeking to make successful higher education applications in History and related subjects. The precise nature of the role will be shaped in accordance with school needs to fit the strengths of the candidate(s) appointed, and we hope, too, that the appointed candidate will relish the opportunity to shape and extend our provision further.

Core responsibilities are likely to include:

• Supplementing current departmental support to pupils with university applications, including:

• Running subject extension sessions
• Providing feedback on draft personal statements
• Preparing pupils for admissions tests
• Conducting mock interviews
• Providing strategic advice on university applications

We expect employment to typically be 8 hours per week across one or two days, and so fit well alongside current research or study commitments.

Required from: September 2026

Person Specification

• A good undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in History or a related subject
• A genuine interest in History as a contemporary academic discipline; this may be as a current doctoral or post‑doctoral researcher
• An ability to work well with others, and to demonstrate initiative
• Excellent communication, organisation and listening skills
• A desire to enrich the intellectual experience of pupils beyond the exam specifications, and to inspire and support pupils to flourish and reach their academic potential
• An understanding of the application process for the most competitive degree courses in the relevant subject area, and the ability and willingness to support pupils with their preparations for admissions tests and interviews
• Prior experience working in a secondary school environment
• A willingness to contribute to the school’s partnerships programme, for instance supporting our partnership with Harris Academy Wimbledon sixth form and/or our international schools programme
• A willingness to contribute to the school’s wider academic enrichment programme

King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first‑class pastoral care and a vibrant co‑curriculum. Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.