Teacher of Psychology - Independent Senior School - York

A highly regarded independent senior school in York is seeking an accomplished and enthusiastic Teacher of Psychology to join its thriving Sixth Form provision. This is an exceptional opportunity to teach in a school known for academic excellence, strong pastoral care and a culture that values intellectual curiosity.

Psychology is one of the school’s most popular A-Level subjects, attracting motivated and high-achieving students who regularly progress to Russell Group universities and competitive degree pathways including Psychology, Law and Medicine.

The School

This co-educational independent school combines historic character with modern facilities, set within attractive grounds close to the centre of York. The school has built a strong reputation for academic achievement alongside a broad co-curricular programme.

Class sizes are small, typically between 12–16 students at A-Level, allowing for deep discussion, close mentoring and personalised academic support.

The school places strong emphasis on:

• Academic rigour and scholarly curiosity
• High expectations balanced with pastoral care
• Independent thinking and analytical writing
• University preparation and enrichment

The Role

You will teach Psychology primarily at A-Level, with the possibility of contributing to GCSE Psychology or related Humanities subjects depending on experience.

The department delivers a carefully structured curriculum covering core topics including:

• Social influence
• Memory and cognition
• Attachment and developmental psychology
• Psychopathology
• Research methods and statistical analysis

Lessons are discussion-led, analytical and focused on high-level essay writing. Students are encouraged to engage with contemporary research and wider reading beyond the specification.

The Department

Psychology sits within a well-established Humanities and Social Sciences faculty. Collaboration between departments is encouraged, particularly with Biology, Sociology and Philosophy.

The department benefits from:

• Dedicated Sixth Form teaching rooms
• Access to digital research databases
• Structured UCAS support systems
• Strong results and consistent A*/A outcomes

The school encourages teachers to bring subject passion and academic depth to their teaching.

Co-Curricular & Wider Contribution

Independent schools place strong value on wider involvement, and the successful candidate will be encouraged to contribute to:

• Academic enrichment lectures or societies
• EPQ supervision
• Pastoral tutoring within the Sixth Form
• University preparation workshops

The school values staff who are willing to contribute beyond the classroom in meaningful ways.

Who We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will:

• Hold QTS or equivalent independent school teaching experience
• Have a strong academic background in Psychology
• Demonstrate excellent subject knowledge at A-Level
• Be confident supporting high-achieving students
• Value intellectual challenge and academic scholarship

Experience teaching A-Level Psychology is essential for this role.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive independent school salary
• Small class sizes and motivated students
• Excellent teaching facilities
• Strong professional development support
• A collegiate and academically ambitious environment

This is a rare opportunity to teach Psychology in a prestigious York independent school where academic excellence and pastoral care sit side by side.