Head of Geography

📍 Southend-on-Sea, Essex
💼 Full-time, Permanent
💰 MPS/UPS + TLR (dependent on experience)

About the School

We are a forward-thinking and inclusive secondary school in Southend-on-Sea, committed to delivering high-quality education and fostering a love of learning. Our school has a strong community ethos, supportive leadership, and a clear focus on academic excellence and student wellbeing.

The Humanities faculty plays a central role within the school, and Geography is a popular and successful subject at both GCSE and A Level, with consistently strong outcomes.

The Role

We are seeking an outstanding, motivated, and strategic Head of Geography to lead and develop our Geography department. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving high standards of teaching and learning, improving outcomes, and ensuring an engaging and ambitious curriculum across Key Stages 3-5.

This role would suit either an experienced middle leader or an exceptional classroom practitioner ready to take the next step into leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide clear vision and strategic direction for the Geography department
• Lead, support, and line-manage teaching staff within the department
• Monitor and evaluate teaching quality, implementing improvement strategies
• Manage departmental resources, including budgeting and fieldwork planning

Teaching & Learning

• Deliver high-quality, engaging Geography lessons across KS3-KS5
• Model outstanding classroom practice and support staff development
• Ensure adaptive teaching to meet the needs of all learners, including SEND and high prior attainers
• Promote enquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application

Curriculum & Assessment

• Plan and implement a broad, balanced, and ambitious Geography curriculum
• Ensure curriculum sequencing supports long-term knowledge retention
• Lead on assessment, tracking, and data analysis to raise achievement
• Prepare students effectively for GCSE and A Level examinations

Student Outcomes & Enrichment

• Drive progress and attainment across all key stages
• Promote a passion for Geography through enrichment opportunities such as trips, fieldwork, and clubs
• Support students in developing global awareness and environmental responsibility

Whole School Contribution

• Contribute to whole-school improvement priorities
• Support cross-curricular collaboration within the Humanities faculty
• Engage with parents, carers, and external stakeholders

The Ideal Candidate

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Has strong subject knowledge and a passion for Geography
• Demonstrates a track record of successful teaching and raising attainment
• Has leadership experience or clear potential for leadership
• Is highly organised, proactive, and reflective
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Is committed to inclusion, equality, and student success

What We Offer

• A supportive and ambitious leadership team
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• A collaborative and well-resourced department
• Access to high-quality CPD and leadership training
• A positive and inclusive school culture
• Engaged, respectful, and motivated students