Teacher of Psychology - Independent Senior School - York

A highly regarded independent senior school in York is seeking an inspiring and knowledgeable Teacher of Psychology to join its successful Humanities/Social Sciences provision. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate psychologist to teach motivated pupils in a setting that values academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and high-quality classroom practice.

The school offers an exceptional learning environment with strong pastoral care, excellent facilities and a culture where staff are trusted and supported to deliver ambitious, enriching lessons. Pupils are engaged, respectful and eager to learn, making this a rewarding role for a teacher who enjoys stretching and inspiring young people.

The Role

As Teacher of Psychology , you will teach primarily at Key Stage 5 , with potential opportunities to contribute to broader enrichment or related subjects depending on experience. The department delivers a rigorous and well-planned programme that develops pupils’ understanding of psychological theory, research and debate.

You will teach a range of topics that may include:

• Research methods and scientific enquiry

• Social influence, obedience and conformity

• Memory, attachment and psychopathology

• Approaches in Psychology and biopsychology

• Issues and debates, including ethics and cultural considerations

Lessons are designed to develop confident thinkers who can analyse evidence, evaluate studies and construct well-supported arguments. Pupils are encouraged to discuss and debate psychological ideas, engage with contemporary research and apply theory to real-world behaviour.

You will contribute to carefully sequenced schemes of work, high-quality assessment and stretch-and-challenge practice that supports strong outcomes and academic progression.

The Department

The school’s Psychology provision sits within a collaborative and academically strong team that values scholarship, subject expertise and excellent teaching. Teachers work together to plan ambitious programmes, share resources and support pupils to achieve high grades and strong university pathways.

Psychology is a popular subject at sixth form, and pupils are supported to develop:

• Confident academic writing and evaluation skills

• Strong understanding of research design and methodology

• Independent study habits and intellectual curiosity

The department encourages enrichment and wider engagement through reading groups, guest speakers, university links and research-based activities where possible.

The School

This independent senior school is known for its high academic standards and excellent pastoral provision. Pupils benefit from small to medium class sizes, strong relationships with staff and a culture that celebrates effort and achievement.

Staff are supported through high-quality professional development, collaborative working and a leadership team that values teacher autonomy alongside consistently high expectations. The school also offers a rich co-curricular programme, with many opportunities for staff to contribute beyond the classroom.

What the School is Looking For

The successful candidate will:

• Hold QTS or an equivalent teaching qualification (or have strong relevant teaching experience)

• Have excellent subject knowledge in Psychology

• Deliver engaging, academically rigorous lessons that promote deep understanding

• Support pupils to develop strong evaluation, research and extended writing skills

• Contribute positively to departmental planning and wider school life

• Maintain high standards while building warm, professional relationships with pupils

Applications are welcomed from experienced teachers and those earlier in their career who have the subject expertise and confidence to teach Psychology at sixth form.

Why Join This School

• Teach highly motivated pupils in a calm, purposeful environment

• Strong academic culture with excellent outcomes and university pathways

• Smaller class sizes and excellent resources

• Supportive, professional colleagues and high-quality CPD

• Beautiful York setting within a leading independent school community

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Psychology teacher who wants to deliver academic excellence, inspire thoughtful debate and support ambitious pupils — in a prestigious York independent senior school.