Lead Practitioner for Geography & Humanities in Crawley

(Y)Our Opportunity

We are looking for a dedicated Lead Practitioner for Geography & Humanities who brings energy, vision, and a clear moral purpose to our team at Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley. We are seeking an exemplary classroom practitioner and middle leader ready to inspire our pupils and lead colleagues to drive standards across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5.

In our Trust, a Lead Practitioner is far more than a head of subject; you are a key architect in shaping curriculum vision, driving high-quality teaching and learning, and ensuring every young person fulfills their ambitions. Driven by a commitment to serve the young people who need us most, you will lead by example, coach and mentor department staff, and build a cohesive, high-performing Humanities department.

Whether you have established experience in middle management or are looking to take the next step in leadership with an NPQ qualification, your talent and dedication will be deeply valued here. In our community, leaders are vital partners in elevating academic achievement, promoting inclusion, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Together, let’s unlock potential, drive educational standards, and ensure every pupil gets their chance to shine.

The ideal Lead Practitioner for Geography & Humanities will be someone who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree in a relevant subject area, with proven success teaching across Key Stages 3 and 4 (and Key Stage 5 where applicable).
• Provides strategic leadership and management for Humanities across the school, overseeing the design, sequencing, and implementation of an ambitious, high-quality curriculum.
• Models exemplary teaching and learning, utilizing engaging strategies, robust subject knowledge, and effective assessment data to secure excellent progress for pupils of all abilities.
• Coaches, mentors, and line manages colleagues, delivering high-quality professional development, conducting lesson visits, and supporting staff performance.
• Adapts teaching and curriculum strategies to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including SEND, high prior attainers, and disadvantaged pupils.
• Oversees exam board specifications and assessment systems, ensuring accurate moderation, internal standardization, and thorough exam preparation.
• Fosters positive, collaborative relationships with pupils, parents, primary feeder schools, and Trust-wide subject networks to build sustainable success.

Great Support Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk—it’s our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

Career Development & Leadership

• Exceptional Development: Access high-quality middle leadership training, coaching, and pedagogical research tailored to your role.
• Leadership Pathways: Receive active encouragement to grow your skills, with clear routes toward further professional leadership qualifications (such as NPQLT or NPQSL).
• Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.

Financial Wellbeing & Savings

• Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.
• Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial Teachers' Pension Scheme contributions.

About Thomas Bennett Community College

Thomas Bennett Community College is a dynamic secondary school located in Crawley, West Sussex. Guided by a strong moral purpose, we are deeply committed to providing a rich, inclusive education that empowers young people from all backgrounds to overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve their full academic potential.

To discover what makes Thomas Bennett Community College special, visit our website or contact our recruitment team to arrange a tour.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support and Trust-wide subject networks because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working – Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Application Details & Next Steps – Interview dates for this role are listed in the key vacancy details above; please ensure you hold this date in your diary when applying. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged.

Be Who You Are: Interview & Workplace Adjustments – Should you be selected and invited to interview, please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate fully. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments within both the recruitment process and the workplace to support every candidate.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment – Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.