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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Humanities team and inspire students to achieve their best.
- Company: Join Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, a nurturing family focused on education and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, wellness support, and a range of exciting perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in the most improved school in England.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for Humanities education.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit a Head of Humanities. This is an exciting time to join us and a great opportunity to be involved in the next stage of development of this strong team.
In this role, you will:
- Set high expectations which motivate and challenge students in a productive learning environment
- Promote good outcomes by students, planning well-structured lessons
- Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge
- Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all students
- Make accurate and productive use of assessment
- Fulfil wider professional responsibilities with high standards of personal and professional conduct
About us
Our recent Ofsted inspection shows we have improved in all areas. Leadership, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing were all graded ‘expected standard’, and we are committed to building on this success. The Ofsted visit in January 2026 found that Smith's Wood Academy is the most improved school in England – after a dramatic and fast-paced turnaround.
Key points from the report included that:
- "Staff know that their wellbeing and professional development matters deeply to leaders: They value the training that they receive and the opportunities that they have to pursue leadership qualifications. Leaders have ensured that staff and pupils benefit from a happy and collaborative place to learn and work."
- "Pupils' increasingly positive behaviour reflects the high expectations that leaders have of them."
- "Pupils are calm and happy around the school. The school is a friendly, respectful community where pupils can be themselves. Pupils and staff share warm relationships. Increasingly, more pupils enjoy coming to this inclusive school. They speak positively about the support and care that they receive from staff. Pupils feel safe and well looked after."
Please click here for a link to the academy website to see the full Ofsted report.
Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust
At Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, we enrich lives and transform futures. Our four academies in and around Birmingham offer an outstanding quality of education, recognising that all our children are individuals and delivering exceptional pastoral care to ensure their happiness. Whilst we place strong emphasis on academic achievement, we take a holistic view of education and maintain exciting extracurricular programmes to create the well-rounded young adults of tomorrow.
We’re also creating outstanding careers that could take you anywhere within our network – and take your future anywhere you want to go.
Benefits
When you join Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, you join a nurturing family where your professional satisfaction and personal happiness really count. You can expect heavy investment in your career development alongside an outstanding package of benefits, including:
- Educational support
- Flexi perks
- Salary sacrifice scheme
- Perkbox subscription
- Professional learning and regular training
- Counselling, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a Wellness Hub
- Wellbeing updates and stress management guidance
- Menopause awareness training
- Free flu jabs
- Access to fitness programmes, including yoga, HIIT and more
- Access to physical activities during our Trust-wide Wellbeing Week
- Diet and nutrition webinars
Closing date 9.00am on 23 March 2026. Interview date w/c 23 March 2026.
Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as well as providing evidence of qualifications.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
Head of Humanities in Birmingham employer: Smithswood
Contact Detail:
Smithswood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Humanities in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the academy. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's recent Ofsted report. We should highlight how our teaching philosophy aligns with their vision of high expectations and student wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our adaptability! Be ready to discuss how we can tailor our teaching methods to meet diverse student needs, reflecting the inclusive environment they pride themselves on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Humanities in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the Humanities shine through in your application. We want to see how you can inspire students and create a vibrant learning environment, so share your experiences and ideas that demonstrate your commitment to education.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Humanities role. Highlight your subject knowledge and how you've successfully planned and delivered lessons that engage students and promote good outcomes.
Be Professional: We value high standards of personal and professional conduct, so ensure your application is polished and free from errors. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically to make a strong impression on us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team at Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smithswood
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Head of Humanities, you'll need to demonstrate strong subject knowledge. Brush up on the latest curriculum changes and be ready to discuss how you would structure lessons that engage and challenge students. Think about specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to adapt teaching methods to meet diverse student needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about setting high expectations and motivating both students and staff. Be prepared to share your leadership philosophy and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any professional development initiatives you've implemented that have positively impacted staff wellbeing and student outcomes.
✨Prepare for Assessment Discussions
You'll need to make accurate and productive use of assessment in this role. Familiarise yourself with various assessment strategies and be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform your teaching and improve student performance. Bring examples of how you've adapted your approach based on assessment results.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Wellbeing
Given the emphasis on staff and student wellbeing at Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, be sure to express your commitment to creating a supportive learning environment. Share any initiatives you've been involved in that promote mental health and wellbeing, and how you plan to contribute to the positive culture at the academy.