Head of History

Starting from September 2026 or January 2027 depending on availability

Reading School seeks to appoint a dynamic and inspiring Teacher of History who is ready to share their passion for their subject. The successful candidate will be an outstanding practitioner who can nurture wisdom, curiosity and perspective in our students. We are looking for someone who is eager to shape the next generation of thoughtful and enquiring scholars as Head of History within our vibrant academic community.

Our School is absolutely committed to the humanities. We believe education is the business of hope, and that our job is to make society better. This isn't possible without the viewpoint that History provides.

We are sure that the world needs curious and creative young people who will go on to live with imagination and empathy. No subject provides the lens on our modern world like History does, and the subject therefore matters to us most profoundly.

We need our students to understand the tensions of the modern world, to maintain a critical understanding of the trends that shape them, and to grasp the power and potential of our society. We therefore need an exceptional student of History to lead our department, and model meaningful engagement with, and learning from the past.

We are therefore looking for an outstanding individual who:

• Will relish the opportunity to develop and lead our History curriculum.
  

• Is an excellent communicator.
  

• Can encourage and grow students in their passion for reading and researching.
  

• Can deliver engaging and challenging lessons.
  

• Is undaunted teaching A Level Students and able to enthuse 11-year-olds.
  

• Will create opportunities for extra-curricular creativity.
  

• Is committed to inclusive, student-centred education.
  

• Believes in the power of education to change lives and shape society.
  

• Shares our commitment nurturing Social Impact.
  

• Will promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
  

What we can offer you:

• A community that shares a vision for education.
  

• Motivated students who are eager to learn.
  

• A culture where behaviour is exceptional.
  

• A team of colleagues who work brilliantly together and have high expectations of students.
  

• Excellent professional development opportunities.
  

• Generous holidays and a compassionate approach to family circumstances.

• Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

• Free, confidential access to our Employee Assistance Programme, which offers a range of confidential counselling services.

• Access to the school gym.

At Reading School, we have a clear educational philosophy and a deeply rooted commitment to social mobility. In all we do we seek to nurture character and develop academic excellence, and we know that what we do really matters. More than 10% of our Year 7 students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and we are proud of the difference that we make. In 2025, the school was rated the Sunday Times South East State School of the Year.

We are a short walk from central Reading and close to transport links. Reading is a diverse place to live with arts, culture and heritage at the heart of the town.

Consideration will be given to candidates seeking part-time and full-time appointments.

Reading School Teacher Payscale RSTP 1 to 9 (M1 to UPS3) or Reading School Unqualified Payscale UNQ 1 to 6 depending on experience and qualifications (RSTP £32,916 to £51,048 per annum; UNQ £22,601 to £35,259 per annum) plus TLR 2C (£8,611).

The deadline for application is 8am, Monday 18 May 2026.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Application Forms will be reviewed on receipt and those successfully shortlisted will be interviewed prior to the closing date. Early application is advised as we hold the right to close the application process early if a suitable applicant is appointed.

To conform with our Safer Recruitment process, all applicants must complete an application via our recruitment portal. Links to the portal can be found on our website:

Stand-alone CVs will not be considered for shortlisting.

Candidates should complete the personal statement section of the application form clearly detailing how their skills and experience meet the and person specification.

Safeguarding guidelines look to references being obtained prior to interview. Please ensure any referees who you are happy for us to contact before interview are aware that they may be asked to provide a reference with a relatively short deadline.

Reading School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Full details of our Safeguarding - Staff Recruitment Policy and Data Policy can be found on our website.

Reading School seeks to create a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

If you have any queries regarding our current vacancies or the Safer Recruitment process, please contact:
[email protected]
or by telephone:0118 901 5600