Teacher of Modern Studies and History - The Royal High School in Edinburgh

We are looking for a new Teacher of Modern Studies and History to join The History and Modern Studies department at The Royal High School. The Royal High School is one of the oldest schools in Scotland, with a strong sense of history while also being a school of innovation. It is a non-denominational, 6-year comprehensive school, with students drawn from four catchment primary schools: Blackhall, Clermiston, Cramond, and Davidson’s Mains.

The school was the subject of a HMIE inspection in December 2022. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) comprises the Headteacher, four Depute Headteachers, and the Business Manager. The current teaching staff complement is 100 FTE, with 21 FTE staff other than teachers, including Pupil Support Assistants who support the integration of young people.

There is an integrated Additional Support for Learning Team combining the Guidance and Support for Learning teams, as well as our Enhanced Support and Wellbeing Bases. The school was refurbished in 2004 and enjoys a high standard of accommodation, although social areas are limited, and teaching space has to be rigorously timetabled. The facilities are used extensively outside of normal school hours by the school and the community. The school is designated a Community Sports Hub, and the PE facilities were refurbished in 2015 to support this.

There is an excellent extra-curricular programme, with partner clubs and staff offering a range of opportunities for young people to participate. Due to our rising roll, we currently have six huts in our playground and a new extension opening Easter 2024. The school has positive links with parents, local businesses, and the local community. The Parent Council and Parent Fundraising Group play an important role in the life and work of the school. Meetings are well attended, and discussions are always lively and informative. The school is also supported by an active Former Pupils’ Club.

The Royal High School supports every young person to achieve and attain their very best. We respect individuality and celebrate diversity. We provide opportunities for success through a variety of curricular and extra-curricular options and pathways. We encourage creativity and support our young people to build the skills and resilience they need for the future. We have the courage to aspire to be the very best we can be. We belong to our school and we are very proud of our tradition and heritage.

This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of three months or more outwith the UK in the last five years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

Salaries will be in accordance with the Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for Teaching Staff in School Education. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers, and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to ensure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility into your ways of working.

Happy to talk flexible working.