Head of Geography – Independent School – Northampton

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an inspiring and ambitious Head of Geography to lead a successful Geography department at a highly regarded independent school in Northampton . This is a rare leadership role for an outstanding geographer who combines excellent classroom practice with the vision and drive to shape curriculum, coach colleagues and build a thriving culture of enquiry, fieldwork and global awareness across the school. The school offers a calm, purposeful learning environment with excellent behaviour, strong pastoral care and a culture that values scholarship and enrichment. With smaller class sizes, excellent resources and highly motivated pupils, this is an outstanding opportunity to lead Geography in a setting where teachers can teach with depth and pupils genuinely enjoy learning. About the Role As Head of Geography , 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 knowledge, extended writing, data skills and evaluation 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 and fieldwork opportunities that strengthen cultural capital and real-world learning Contribute to whole-school academic strategy where appropriate You will also teach Geography across the school, modelling excellent practice and maintaining a strong classroom presence. The Department Geography is a valued subject within the school, and the department plays an important role in building pupils’ global awareness, analytical thinking and independent enquiry skills. The team is collaborative and academically ambitious, with shared planning and consistent approaches that support high standards across year groups. The department values: Knowledge-rich, well-sequenced teaching that builds deep understanding over time Strong literacy in Geography, including structured extended writing and evaluation Confident use of maps, graphs and data, with regular practice and modelling Enquiry-led learning supported by contemporary case studies A strong enrichment offer, including fieldwork-style learning and wider opportunities The new Head of Geography will have the opportunity to refine curriculum plans, strengthen fieldwork and enrichment provision, and develop pathways that support strong outcomes at GCSE and A-Level. About the School This Northampton 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: Northampton Start Date: September 2026 (or earlier 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 teaching qualification Have strong subject knowledge in Geography Demonstrate successful experience teaching Geography 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 fieldwork Applications are welcomed from both established Heads of Geography 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 and enrichment, including fieldwork opportunities Supportive leadership and a professional staff culture Opportunity to shape curriculum and make a lasting impact This is a fantastic opportunity for a Geography leader who wants to drive excellence, inspire curiosity about the world and lead a thriving department in a highly regarded Northampton independent school.