Head of History in Wakefield

Head of History Required from 1st January 2026 MPS/UPS plus TLR 2c £8,611 Permanent Full Time Closing date 28th September 2026 @ 9am Interviews will be held 9th October 2026.

An exciting opportunity to inspire, challenge and make a difference. Are you an inspiring and ambitious History teacher ready to lead a successful department? We are seeking a Head of History to play a key role in shaping outstanding teaching and learning at Woodkirk Academy, one of the most successful and high-performing schools in the city.

Working as part of our humanities department you will have the opportunity to teach across the 11-18 age range working across the school including our sixth form whose outcomes this year represent the highest achieved to date. This role is open to experienced teachers who are keen to develop their practice within a supportive and ambitious environment.

About the Role

As Head of History, you will provide professional leadership and strategic direction for the department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning and student achievement. You will:

• Lead, manage and develop a committed History team
• Ensure high-quality teaching and engaging curriculum delivery
• Monitor progress and raise student attainment across all key stages
• Use data effectively to drive improvement and inform planning
• Support and develop staff through coaching, CPD and performance management
• Contribute to whole-school improvement as part of the wider leadership team

About you:

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified History specialist with a strong academic background
• Has a proven track record of excellent teaching and outcomes
• Has experience of leading or developing colleagues
• Is passionate about History and committed to inspiring young people
• Can motivate, challenge and support both students and staff
• Has high expectations and a drive for continuous improvement

About us

Woodkirk Academy is a popular and high-performing school with a strong reputation for academic success and student development. Staff are committed, supportive and work collaboratively to ensure students thrive. As part of Leodis Academies Trust, you will benefit from:

• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Excellent professional development opportunities
• A culture focused on 'forging young futures'
• Blue Light card
• Employee wellbeing support and benefits package including free flu vaccinations, Cycle to Work scheme, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including telephone GP appointments, physiotherapy, counselling and wellbeing support
• Access to pension schemes and enhanced family leave
• Long service recognition
• Free on-site car parking

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a thriving department in a school where:

• Behaviour is excellent and students are motivated
• Staff are valued and supported
• Leadership is strong and forward-thinking

If your application is successful, you will be invited to teach a one-off lesson titled 'JFK: Evidence, Interpretation and the Historians task' to a Year 9 mixed ability group.

All posts are subject to pre-employment checks, two references will be sought, and successful candidates will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check (DBS), medical clearance and provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK and evidence of qualifications. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.