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 KS3–KS5. 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 We’re 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. What’s 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.