Head of History - Independent School - Cambridge

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an inspiring and ambitious Head of History to lead a successful History department at a highly regarded independent school in Cambridge . This is a rare leadership role for an outstanding historian who combines excellent classroom practice with the vision and drive to shape curriculum, coach colleagues and build a thriving culture of scholarship, debate and historical enquiry across the school.

The school offers a calm, purposeful learning environment with excellent behaviour, strong pastoral care and a culture that values academic excellence and enrichment. With smaller class sizes, excellent resources and highly motivated pupils, this is an outstanding opportunity to lead History in a setting where teachers can teach with depth and pupils genuinely enjoy learning.

About the Role

As Head of History , you will provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for the department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching and strong outcomes across KS3–KS5 . You will:

• Lead curriculum design and sequencing across KS3, GCSE and A-Level

• Drive high expectations in historical knowledge, interpretation and academic writing

• Coach and support colleagues through shared planning, modelling and professional dialogue

• Use assessment intelligently to identify priorities, secure progress and stretch high attainers

• Develop enrichment opportunities such as lectures, trips, reading programmes and clubs

• Contribute to whole-school academic strategy where appropriate

You will also teach History across the school, modelling excellent practice and maintaining a strong classroom presence.

The Department

History is a valued subject within the school, and the department plays an important role in developing pupils’ critical thinking, written communication and wider understanding of society.

The department is collaborative and academically ambitious, with shared planning and consistent approaches that support high standards across year groups. The team values:

• Knowledge-rich, well-sequenced teaching that builds deep understanding over time

• Strong literacy and extended writing, supported by modelling and high-quality feedback

• Confident discussion and debate to deepen interpretation and argument

• Enquiry-led learning supported by sources, scholarship and wider reading

• Strong exam preparation and targeted intervention at GCSE and A-Level

The new Head of History will have the opportunity to build on existing strengths, refine curriculum plans and further develop enrichment and stretch pathways for high-attaining pupils.

About the School

This Cambridge independent school is known for excellent academic standards and a supportive pastoral culture. Pupils are respectful, motivated and engaged, and staff benefit from a professional environment where expertise is valued and colleagues work closely together.

The school places strong emphasis on:

• Calm, purposeful classrooms and excellent behaviour

• Individualised support through smaller teaching groups

• A broad co-curricular programme that enriches pupil experience

• Strong relationships, high expectations and a culture of aspiration and achievement

This is an environment that suits leaders who enjoy scholarship, want to develop colleagues, and are excited by the opportunity to lead a high-performing team.

Key Information

• Location: Cambridge

• Start Date: ASAP / next term (or by agreement)

• Contract: Full-time, permanent

• Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience

What the School is Looking For

The successful candidate will:

• Hold QTS (or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification)

• Have strong subject knowledge in History

• Demonstrate successful experience teaching History across KS3–KS5

• Have leadership experience (Head of Department, Second in Department, KS Lead, or ready to step up)

• Show strong curriculum knowledge and the ability to drive improvement through planning and assessment

• Be an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations and strong behaviour management

• Contribute positively to wider school life, including enrichment and trips

Applications are welcomed from established Heads of History and ambitious second-in-department candidates ready to step into full leadership in a supportive independent setting.

Why Join This School

• Lead a high-profile department in a calm, high-achieving environment

• Teach motivated pupils in smaller classes with excellent resources

• Strong culture of scholarship, enrichment and co-curricular life

• Supportive leadership and a professional staff culture

• Opportunity to shape curriculum and make a lasting impact

This is a fantastic opportunity for a History leader who wants to drive excellence, inspire intellectual curiosity and lead a thriving department in a highly regarded Cambridge independent school.