At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing Geography department and shape outstanding learning from KS3 to KS5.
- Company: The Elms Academy, part of United Learning, dedicated to high-quality education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Inspire students and colleagues while driving excellence in teaching and learning.
- Qualifications: QTS and a good honours degree in Geography or related discipline required.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Inner London United Learning Teachers' Pay Scale
Accountable to: Assistant Principal
Closing date: Monday, 23rd February, 11am
About the Role
The Elms Academy is seeking an exceptional Head of Geography to lead a committed, high-performing department and shape outstanding learning from KS3 through to KS5. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious, innovative leader with a strong track record of raising achievement and driving excellence in teaching and learning. As Head of Geography, you will provide strategic vision and leadership for the department, ensuring an engaging and rigorous curriculum, consistently high-quality teaching, and excellent student outcomes. You will inspire colleagues, model exemplary practice, and drive continuous improvement - balancing challenge with support while holding staff to high expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the Geography department across KS3 to KS5.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a high-quality curriculum aligned to examination requirements.
- Raise standards of attainment and progress through effective teaching, assessment, and targeted intervention.
- Line-manage, coach, and develop staff to promote professional growth and outstanding classroom practice.
- Use assessment data to monitor student progress and inform departmental improvement priorities.
- Champion literacy, reading, and oracy within Geography and across the wider academy.
About You
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold QTS and a good honours degree in Geography or a related discipline.
- Be an outstanding classroom practitioner with deep subject knowledge and a history of securing excellent student outcomes.
- Have experience leading a department or team, with demonstrable impact on improving teaching and learning.
- Inspire and motivate colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high aspiration.
- Demonstrate a relentless commitment to raising standards and ensuring every student achieves their full potential.
- Lead by example - bringing enthusiasm, professionalism, and a passion for Geography to staff and students alike.
Safeguarding Commitment
The Elms Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff are expected to share this commitment. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for all successful applicants.
About United Learning
United Learning is a subsidiary charity of United Church Schools (UCS), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to managing schools that provide students with high-quality education.
Head of Geography employer: The Elms
Contact Detail:
The Elms Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Geography
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! Bring along examples of your past successes in raising standards and improving teaching. Whether it’s data, testimonials, or innovative projects, let them see the impact you've made in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Geography
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Geography. Use specific examples from your past that demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to raising standards.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for Geography shine through in your written application. Share why you love the subject and how you inspire students and colleagues alike. We want to see your passion for teaching and learning!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and vision for the department.
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 at The Elms Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Elms
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Geography curriculum from KS3 to KS5. Be ready to discuss how you would design and implement a high-quality curriculum that meets examination requirements. This shows your strategic vision and understanding of what’s needed for student success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led a department or team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate colleagues, and how you’ve fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Geography department effectively.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you use assessment data to monitor student progress and inform improvement priorities. Discuss specific strategies you’ve implemented to raise standards and how you’ve targeted interventions to support students who need it most.
✨Passion for Geography and Education
Let your enthusiasm for Geography shine through during the interview. Share your vision for promoting literacy, reading, and oracy within the subject. This not only reflects your passion but also aligns with the academy's commitment to high-quality education.