At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach Geography to enthusiastic students and inspire their love for the subject.
- Company: Join a supportive community at Heriot’s, where every contribution is valued.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced sick pay, family-friendly policies, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a high-achieving department with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a well-resourced environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified teacher with a passion for Geography and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of school - distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school. Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people.
This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for our teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, includes:
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Continued professional development opportunities
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Teacher of Geography to join our successful Geography Department on a part‑time, maternity cover basis from the end of the new session in August 2026 to December 2026. The Geography Department comprises four staff in addition to the Head of Department. The Department is well‑resourced, with three dedicated Geography classrooms all with state‑of‑the‑art technology. We seek to make the teaching and learning of all aspects of Geography challenging and rewarding and encourage the development of knowledge and understanding and problem‑solving skills in a variety of contexts including fieldwork.
At Heriot’s Geography is taught to all pupils in S1 and S2 and in S3 and S4 pupils can opt for National 5 Geography. In S5, Higher Geography is offered and in S6 Geography is offered at Advanced Higher level and at Higher level. This is a high‑achieving Department, which has enjoyed outstanding success rates in SQA National Examinations at all levels. The successful candidate must be willing to teach across all levels and appropriate support will be provided in line with his/her level of teaching experience. Previous experience of teaching Advanced Higher level, and competency in the use of technology applications and programs such as GIS, may be advantageous.
In addition to curricular commitments, the successful candidate will be required to participate fully in the extra‑curricular life of the School.
Responsibilities
- Teach Geography across all levels (S1 to S6) with appropriate content for each stage.
- Plan, deliver, and assess lessons using modern technology, including GIS.
- Support pupils’ development of knowledge, understanding and problem‑solving skills, including fieldwork.
- Participate fully in extra‑curricular life of the School.
Qualifications
- Appropriately qualified and successful teacher – registered with/eligible for registration with GTCS (essential attribute)
- Proven ability to relate well to and communicate effectively with pupils, staff and parents
- A collegiate working style with the ability to work well as part of a team
- Understanding and commitment to the Heriot’s aims and values.
- Ability to prioritise effectively and to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidate will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme. Please note that parking is not available on our campus. George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463.
Teacher of Geography, Part-time (Circa 0.6 FTE), Maternity Cover, from August 2026-December 2026 employer: The Independent Schools Council
At Heriot’s, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive community where every member is valued. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous benefits package, including enhanced sick pay, professional development opportunities, and family-friendly policies. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and a high-achieving environment, we offer a rewarding experience for educators looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Geography, Part-time (Circa 0.6 FTE), Maternity Cover, from August 2026-December 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Heriot’s through LinkedIn or social media. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Heriot’s ethos. Familiarise yourself with their motto, 'distribute chearfullie', and think of examples from your teaching experience that align with this value.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! Since the Geography Department uses state-of-the-art technology, be ready to discuss how you’ve integrated tech like GIS in your lessons. We want to see your innovative side!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your extra-curricular involvement! Heriot’s values a well-rounded candidate, so share any clubs or activities you've led or participated in that showcase your commitment to student development.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Geography, Part-time (Circa 0.6 FTE), Maternity Cover, from August 2026-December 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Geography:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching Geography shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged students in the subject and any innovative methods you've used to make learning fun.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of Heriot’s. Highlight your commitment to kindness, support, and generosity, as these are at the heart of our community.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your qualifications and experiences without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures that you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand Heriot’s motto of 'distribute chearfullie'. Think about how you can embody this ethos in your teaching and interactions. Be ready to share examples of how you've contributed positively to a school community in the past.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience teaching Geography across different levels. Highlight any innovative methods you've used, especially with technology like GIS. Bring along lesson plans or examples of student work that demonstrate your ability to engage and inspire pupils.
✨Engage with Extra-Curricular Activities
Heriot’s values involvement in extra-curricular life, so think about how you can contribute beyond the classroom. Be prepared to discuss any clubs or activities you've led or participated in, and how you plan to get involved at Heriot’s.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the Geography Department works closely together, show that you’re a team player. Share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student learning or improve departmental outcomes. Emphasise your willingness to support and learn from others.
