At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop an inclusive PSHE/RSE curriculum while prioritising pupil welfare.
- Company: St Catherine's School, a supportive and collaborative educational environment.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities, supportive team, and a chance to inspire young minds.
- Why this job: Empower students to thrive in life beyond school and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong teaching record, excellent PSHE knowledge, and leadership potential.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to the wider school community.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
The successful candidate will place safeguarding and pupil welfare at the heart of all practice, demonstrating a thorough and up-to-date understanding of:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
- Statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance
- Wider safeguarding responsibilities, including contextual safeguarding
Leadership of PSHE and RSE
The Head of PSHE will:
- Champion PSHE and RSE as essential curriculum areas across the School
- Lead and deliver a coherent, progressive and inclusive PSHE/RSE curriculum
- Respond sensitively to pupils' needs and lived experiences
- Use appropriate assessment and evaluation approaches in line with whole-school policy
- Ensure provision remains compliant with statutory requirements, current guidance and best practice
Departmental Leadership Responsibilities
The post holder will:
- Maintain and develop the PSHE/RSE departmental handbook, including:
- Aims and rationale
- Schemes of work and curriculum maps
- Subject development and review plans
- Standardise lesson approaches, resources and shared teaching expectations
Staff Development and Quality Assurance
The successful candidate will:
- Support and develop all staff delivering PSHE/RSE, including colleagues teaching the subject alongside other disciplines
- Organise and attend relevant INSET
- Carry out routine lesson observations and marking scrutiny to support professional development and consistency
- Appraise departmental colleagues in line with School policy
Wider School Responsibilities
The Head of PSHE will:
- Attend Parents' Evenings, Open Mornings/Evenings and respond to parental queries
- Liaise with senior leaders, House staff, tutors, the Academic Mentoring Department, Careers and Oxbridge teams as appropriate
- Attend twice-termly Twilight Heads of Department meetings
- Lead weekly departmental meetings and ensure minutes are circulated promptly to the Senior Leadership Team
- Contribute to ITT/ECT and new teacher induction where relevant
- Engage actively with the GSA South Central Region Cluster Group, hosting events on a rotational basis
- Contribute to the wider development of the School community
St Catherine's School seeks to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Head of PSHE (Life Matters and Grey Matters) from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding classroom practitioner with strong leadership potential or experience, and a genuine passion for empowering young people to thrive both in and beyond school. The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic and effective teacher with a strong record of high-quality classroom practice. They will demonstrate the ability and ambition to lead PSHE within a highly academic environment, promote the subject across the School, and manage and inspire a team of staff. They will also contribute positively to the wider team of Heads of Department. Experience of teaching Life Matters and Grey Matters from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5, or similar courses, would be an advantage, though not essential. Most important is energy, flexibility, warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. The successful candidate will work closely within a small, busy, and collaborative department. The precise teaching commitment will be sensibly devised to reflect the strengths and interests of the appointed candidate. Opportunities for training and professional development are actively encouraged and supported, including attendance at internal and external courses, some of which may take place beyond the usual contractual week.
The Successful Candidate will:
- Hold a good degree and demonstrate a proven track record of excellent teaching
- Possess excellent PSHE subject knowledge and be a dynamic, engaging classroom presence
- Be self-motivated, highly organised, resourceful, and an effective team player
- Show a passion for empowering young people and preparing them for life beyond school
- Inspire and challenge academically bright and capable girls
- Keep abreast of current research, including developments in AI and its impact on relationships, as well as evolving government guidance
Head of PSHE in Guildford employer: St Catherine's School
Contact Detail:
St Catherine's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PSHE in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who are already in leadership roles. They might have insider info on openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend educational events, workshops, or conferences related to PSHE and RSE. This not only boosts your knowledge but also helps you meet key players in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a school that aligns with your values, don’t wait for a job ad. Reach out directly to express your interest and share how you can contribute to their PSHE programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and showcase your achievements in PSHE and RSE. Make sure it reflects your passion for empowering young people and your leadership potential.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PSHE in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for PSHE and RSE shine through! We want to see how you can empower young people and make a real difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in teaching and leading PSHE/RSE. We’re looking for someone who understands the curriculum and can demonstrate a strong record of high-quality classroom practice.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your ideas and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit the role.
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 ensure everything is in order for review.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Catherine's School
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest KCSIE guidelines and RSE guidance. Brush up on contextual safeguarding too, as it’s crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your commitment to pupil welfare.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in PSHE or similar areas. Think about how you can inspire and manage a team effectively, and be ready to discuss your vision for the PSHE curriculum.
✨Engage with Real Experiences
Be ready to talk about how you’ve responded to pupils' needs and lived experiences in your teaching. Share specific instances where you’ve adapted your approach to support students, as this will highlight your sensitivity and understanding.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for PSHE and empowering young people shine through. Discuss current trends in education, including AI's impact on relationships, and how you plan to keep the curriculum relevant and engaging for students.