Head of History in Witham

Lift New Rickstones is graded 'Good' (November 2023) and has a state of the art building offering fantastic facilities for both students and staff. Over the last 8 years, the school has seen a huge increase in student numbers, with the number of students on roll more than doubling. The school is a popular choice in the local area, is oversubscribed, and has added another new building to meet this demand. Lift New Rickstones is a great place to work with a friendly and supportive team. Staff numbers have also increased and the school is proud to boast high retention rates. Development is a priority with an extensive and successful CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme to further develop our excellent staff. Every member of the team is a vital part of our committed and ambitious team and we have been very successful at developing teachers and leaders with progression both within, and beyond the school.

Our 'Curriculum Drivers' guide everything we do, encouraging students to be safe, happy, proud and reach their full potential. Ambition sits at the heart of our curriculum. We are committed to high expectations for all and to providing the right scaffolding and support so that every student, whatever their starting point, can achieve their very best. Character underpins our pastoral care, our TPP approach and our behaviour systems. It is about more than rules and routines; it is about developing resilience, responsibility and integrity, helping students to learn from mistakes and grow into confident, respectful young people. Opportunity ensures that all students benefit from rich personal development and enrichment, both within and beyond the classroom. We want every young person to recognise the possibilities open to them and to leave us equipped with the knowledge, experiences and confidence to take their next steps.

About the Role: We are seeking an inspiring Head of History to lead our established team and shape the strategic direction of the subject across the school. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed practitioner with strong subject knowledge and a clear vision. The History department delivers a rich, engaging and forward-thinking curriculum that promotes historical curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the past. Our aim is to build confident learners who have a love for learning. To do so, they need to be equipped to analyse, interpret and question the world around them. Using a knowledge-based, skills-rich curriculum, we also delve into the hidden stories of minority groups, bringing their valuable stories to life through the use of a range of sources, evidence and opinions in increasingly challenging and sophisticated ways.

About You: We welcome applications from experienced teachers with proven impact in History, and experience of subject leadership or additional responsibility within a History department, who are ready to lead a successful team. If this advert, our website, and the job description sound of interest to you, Amy Knott, our Vice Principal, welcomes you to contact her for an informal discussion about the position at aknott@liftnewrickstones.org. Closing date: 15th February 2026.

Who is Lift Schools? We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career. Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application. Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Information about the School: Lift New Rickstones, located in Witham, Essex, is a vibrant secondary school with a thriving sixth form. We are proud to be part of Lift Schools, a family of 57 schools united by the mission to provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day. At Lift New Rickstones, we prepare students for an ever-changing world by equipping them with the skills, resilience, and ambition to embrace future opportunities. We believe that who you become is just as important as what you achieve, and our goal is to ensure every young person is supported, challenged, and inspired to thrive both academically and personally.

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Ambition: the drive to learn, improve, and succeed.
• Character: confidence, resilience, kindness, and integrity.
• Opportunity: experiences that broaden horizons and open new paths.

We offer an ambitious and inclusive curriculum from Year 7 through to Year 13, delivered through high-quality teaching and exceptional pastoral care. Beyond the classroom, our students benefit from a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including sport, the arts, leadership programmes, and trips that create lasting memories and broaden perspectives. We are proud of our strong partnerships with parents, the local community, and further education providers, which help us ensure our students leave Lift New Rickstones prepared, confident, and proud of who they are. Everything we do is designed to make sure our students are safe, happy, and ready to succeed in the 21st century.

Who is Lift Schools? Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

• We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
• With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
• We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.