Head of Geography – Independent Senior School – Birmingham

A distinguished independent senior school in Birmingham is seeking an accomplished and strategic Head of Geography to lead a thriving and academically ambitious department. Geography is a well-established and respected subject within the school with strong uptake at GCSE and A-Level and a long-standing tradition of excellence in both academic outcomes and fieldwork provision.

This is a rare opportunity to lead Geography within a school that values intellectual curiosity scholarship and global awareness. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the academic direction of the department while contributing to the wider strategic vision of the school.

The Role

As Head of Geography you will be responsible for the strategic leadership curriculum development and academic performance of the department across Key Stages 35. You will teach across the age range including A-Level modelling high standards of subject expertise and classroom practice.

The Geography curriculum is designed to develop both disciplinary knowledge and applied understanding. It balances physical geography human geography and environmental systems with a strong emphasis on analytical writing critical thinking and independent research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and refining a coherent ambitious curriculum from Year 7 to Year 13

• Leading on assessment moderation and examination preparation

• Monitoring academic progress and maintaining strong outcomes

• Mentoring and developing departmental colleagues

• Expanding enrichment provision and super-curricular opportunities

• Contributing to whole-school academic planning and leadership discussions

Academic & Fieldwork Strength

Fieldwork is embedded as a core pillar of the department. Pupils undertake structured investigations locally and nationally with residential trips forming part of the GCSE and A-Level experience. The schools Birmingham location provides rich urban case study opportunities while established links with rural and coastal study centres broaden fieldwork exposure.

The department encourages students to engage with contemporary issues including sustainability climate policy migration and geopolitics. Sixth Form students frequently pursue extended research projects university-style seminars and external competitions.

The School Environment

This independent senior school educates pupils aged 1118 and has a strong regional reputation for academic excellence. Examination results are consistently high and university progression includes leading Russell Group institutions and international universities.

Class sizes are small enabling meaningful academic dialogue and high levels of individualised feedback. Behaviour is exemplary and the culture is one of mutual respect and intellectual engagement.

The campus blends traditional architecture with modern teaching spaces including a dedicated Sixth Form centre seminar rooms and well-equipped classrooms with digital projection and mapping software.

Professional development is taken seriously. Leaders are encouraged to pursue subject mastery curriculum innovation and wider educational research. There is a collegiate culture among Heads of Department with regular strategic collaboration.

About You

• Qualified teacher with a strong academic background in Geography

• Experience teaching Geography to A-Level with a record of strong outcomes

• Proven leadership experience or readiness to step into departmental leadership

• Passion for fieldwork sustainability and global scholarship

• Strategic thinker with high expectations and strong organisational skills

Whats on Offer

• Competitive independent-sector salary with leadership allowance

• Small class sizes and academically engaged pupils

• Strong administrative and pastoral support

• Generous CPD and leadership development opportunities

• Access to school facilities and staff benefits typical of the independent sector

This is an exceptional opportunity for a Geography leader seeking to shape a successful department within a prestigious and intellectually vibrant independent school in Birmingham.

Applications are welcomed from experienced leaders or ambitious second-in-department candidates ready to take the next step.