Head of Geography – Independent School – York

A highly respected independent co-educational school in York is seeking an accomplished and visionary Head of Geography to lead its successful department. The school is known for strong academic results small class sizes and a culture that promotes intellectual curiosity global awareness and academic ambition.

Geography is a well-established and popular subject at both GCSE and A-Level with strong uptake and excellent university progression including students moving on to study Geography Environmental Science and related disciplines at leading institutions.

The Role

This is a senior academic leadership position combining departmental oversight with high-quality classroom teaching. You will lead curriculum development monitor performance and drive continued excellence across KS3KS5.

Your responsibilities will include:

Leading and managing the Geography department
Teaching Geography through to A-Level
Designing and refining schemes of work across all key stages
Monitoring assessment and academic progress
Supporting staff development within the department
Promoting fieldwork and geographical enquiry
Contributing to whole-school academic strategy

Leadership time is built into the role to allow strategic focus on departmental growth and innovation.

The Geography Department

The department benefits from a stable and experienced team structured curriculum planning and a strong tradition of fieldwork. Students regularly participate in local and residential field studies and there is scope to further expand enrichment provision.

Department strengths include:

Strong GCSE and A-Level outcomes
High levels of Sixth Form recruitment
A well-sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum
Regular internal moderation and assessment review
A collaborative academic culture

There is opportunity to further develop stretch and challenge provision and deepen global citizenship themes across the curriculum.

The School

Located in York within attractive grounds the school combines historic architecture with modern facilities. Students are engaged articulate and accustomed to seminar-style learning at Sixth Form level.

The school offers:

Small teaching groups
A well-equipped Humanities teaching corridor
A strong pastoral and house system
Extensive co-curricular provision
Professional autonomy within a supportive leadership structure

Staff describe the culture as collegiate ambitious and intellectually vibrant.

Who Were Looking For

The successful candidate will:

Hold QTS or equivalent qualification
Have experience teaching Geography to A-Level
Demonstrate previous middle leadership experience
Show strategic thinking in curriculum development
Promote academic scholarship and enrichment

Independent school experience is desirable but not essential for an outstanding candidate with strong leadership credentials.

Whats On Offer

Competitive independent school salary with leadership allowance
Small academically motivated classes
Strategic leadership responsibility
Strong CPD and career progression opportunities
A prestigious York independent school environment

This is an exceptional opportunity for a Geography specialist ready to lead a respected department within a highly regarded independent school.