Head of Psychology - Ryde School

Ryde School seeks to appoint a Head of Psychology to provide maternity cover in the Senior School’s successful and popular Psychology Department, teaching A Level and IB Psychology to Lower and Upper Sixth pupils. All teaching staff at the School are expected to be outstanding practitioners in the classroom and to contribute to the busy co-curricular life in the School.

The successful candidate will be able to take up the post in November 2026 until October half term 2027. This is a full-time post covering maternity leave from November 2026 until October half-term 2027 in our well-established and popular Psychology Department which enjoys a strong record of success. The subject is taught at A Level and IB, at both Standard and Higher Level, with around 50 pupils taking it across both the Lower and Upper Sixth. The department follows the AQA specification at A Level, achieving consistently excellent results with 79% A*–B over the last three years. During this time, IB outcomes have also been excellent with 89% of grades at 7–5.

Psychology-related topics are popular for study in the Extended Project Qualification, which is offered as part of our A Level Plus pathway, and in the IB Extended Essay, undertaken by IB Diploma pupils. Consequently, psychology and psychology-related degrees at leading UK universities are popular choices for many pupils each year.

The role would suit an experienced practitioner who could contribute effectively to this highly successful and flourishing department in a busy school. They will be an outstanding classroom teacher with excellent subject knowledge and the ability to communicate their passion for psychology and related academic disciplines, fostering a stimulating and supportive learning environment. The successful candidate will have a track record of achieving excellent outcomes for their pupils at A Level and/or IB. Although desirable, prior experience of teaching IB Psychology is not a prerequisite for this position.

Outside of teaching, full-time members of the teaching staff are expected to be a tutor and all teachers are also expected to contribute to the busy co-curricular life at the School, which will be discussed at interview. There is a wide range of activities offered at Ryde and these take place in dedicated timeslots throughout the week. The opportunity of accommodation on-site is potentially available for the successful candidate. This would include undertaking weekly boarding duties.

Personal Attributes

• Work with integrity and be able to connect with pupils, parents and staff.
• Committed to being involved in the life of a busy school.
• High personal and professional standards.
• Empathetic with the values and aims of the School.

The benefits of working at Ryde School are many. The School occupies a 17-acre site overlooking the Solent with a range of traditional and listed buildings alongside award-winning contemporary architecture. Competitive salaries, private pension arrangements, salary sacrifice, access to electric car and health scheme memberships and to sailing, golfing and gym facilities. A daily lunch is prepared in house. These are some of the benefits enjoyed by staff, whilst working in a happy, rewarding and innovative environment focused on our motivated pupils and their achievements.

Applications, which should include a short letter of suitability (no longer than one side of A4), should be addressed to Mr W Turner, Head Master, by post or emailed to. Candidates must fully complete a Ryde School Application Form (available on the website). Please also include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees including a current employer. If you have any further questions or require further information about this post please contact our HR Manager, Mrs Tracy Green.

Early applications are encouraged with interviews taking place on a rolling basis. The School reserves the right to withdraw this advert should a suitable candidate be found. The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 1 June.