Head of Psychology (Post-16)

St Mary’s Catholic High School is an over-subscribed 11-18 mixed Academy with excellent student behaviour and outcomes. Our most recent OFSTED inspection (June 2024) found the school to be Outstanding in all categories and more recently the Sunday Times Schools Guide 2026 names St Mary’s as the Comprehensive School of the Year East Midlands. All students are encouraged to achieve, and success is celebrated at all levels.

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the top performing schools for attainment and attendance in the country. Academic results are excellent; consistently achieving above average Progress 8 scores as well as impressive Attainment 8, Ebacc average point scores and outstanding A Level results. This role is to teach Year 12 and Year 13 only.

The successful applicant will be an experienced teacher with a proven track record of delivering outstanding outcomes in Psychology, with excellent subject knowledge and a passion for supporting all students to develop their full potential. The role would be suitable for someone looking to move into middle leadership or build upon their current experience at that level.

The successful candidate will be:

• A passionate advocate for your subject. Your leadership will be essential in setting and maintaining high standards for both staff and students.
• Dynamic and innovative; providing professional leadership for the department to ensure high quality teaching and learning; enhancing further the A Level results of our Psychology Department.
• An outstanding classroom practitioner, delivering lessons that motivate and inspire our students to achieve their academic and personal potential, and who will provide strategic leadership within the Psychology department.

We are able to offer you a welcoming and supportive environment led by a leadership team committed to staff wellbeing. A programme of weekly induction sessions provides the opportunity to meet key members of staff and be introduced to school policies and procedures. Bespoke ongoing professional development is a priority, and all staff are able to access high quality, carefully tailored training and development opportunities, including the observation of teaching and the sharing of practice.

We are particularly keen to reflect the diverse nature of our student community in our staff; we welcome applications from all qualified applicants and strongly believe that diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact to our whole school community.

Potential candidates would be most welcome to visit the school prior to applying or have an informal conversation with Mrs Fletcher, Deputy Headteacher and if you would like to do so, please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Mrs Rachel Gilding.

Please note that the school is closed Monday 16 to Friday 20 February for half term holiday.

The job description, person specification and application documents may be downloaded from the documents listed below or alternatively please contact Mrs R Gilding, Headteacher’s PA on 01246 201191 (ext 2011) or e-mail rgilding@stmaryschesterfield.org.uk.

Closing date: 10.00 am Tuesday 24 February 2026. Please note applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to close this position before the date specified above. We therefore urge candidates to apply as soon as possible. Applications must be made using the school’s CES application form – CVs are not accepted. The post is offered subject to enhanced disclosure.