Director of Humanities

Director of Humanities (Geography Specialism)

Start date: September 2025

Leadership Scale: L5-9

King Harold Academy is a school with a clear and ambitious vision: to become one of the kindest, hardest-working, highest-achieving schools in the UK. We are a proud community school with incredible students, supportive parents and talented, committed staff members.

KHA is a genuinely lovely working environment. We have the privilege of teaching polite, friendly and ambitious children who enjoy coming to school and love seeing their teachers and peers each day. Visitors often comment on the positive, happy energy our staff and pupils exude. All of our staff are deeply committed to one another’s professional development and success, and the betterment of our pupils’ life changes.

Here are just some examples of what current teachers say (verbatim) about being part of the KHA team:

●      “KHA is an amazing place to work at. The staff and students are both wonderful; they are supportive and care for each other. It truly is a place where all members of the school community demonstrate the values of kindness, hard work and ambition.”

●       “Since starting at KHA I have been made to feel welcome. I’ve found everyone to be supportive of each other. Leaders look after the best interests of both staff and students encouraging everyone to develop themselves to be their best. Even when the weather is awful I look forward to my day at KHA.”

●       “The supportive staff at KHA create an environment where both students and colleagues uplift and encourage one another, making every day rewarding and fulfilling.”

●       “KHA has an amazing staff body of dedicated, supportive and passionate teachers, leaders and support staff. Working here feels like being part of one big family.”

Our expectations of pupils and staff at King Harold are extremely high - because we care about getting the very best for children. We live by a clear set of values that drive everything we do:

o  Kindness

o  Hard Work

o  Ambition

 These values shape all aspects of the work we do: the curriculum we teach, our behaviour policy, our teaching framework, our enrichment programme, our approach to teacher wellbeing, our interactions with parents and students – everything we do.

 As Director of Humanities, you will be part of our Extended Leadership Team, shaping your vision for an outstanding department and curriculum. You will lead a talented team of Humanities teachers who are determined, hard-working and incredibly invested in the success of our students. It is a great opportunity to make a profound impact on the quality of education our pupils receive in Geography, History, Sociology and Religious Studies.

We are looking for someone who loves Humanities (and particularly Geography!), believes passionately in its academic importance, and can build a team to deliver an inspiring, transformative curriculum. We would like our pupils to be empowered and inspired to go on to further study in the subject at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country.

If you’re interested in playing a leading role in building a school community that provides a transformative education for its students, then King Harold Academy is an exciting opportunity for you. 

The successful candidate will have/be:

●       Kind, Hard-Working and Ambitious

●       A passion for teaching Geography and other Humanities subjects;

●       The ability to lead change, develop, motivate, challenge, support and inspire colleagues and students alike;

●       Experience of teaching KS3 and KS4 Geography and other humanities subjects;

●       An outstanding practitioner of Geography and humanities with a proven track record of examination outcomes at KS4;

●       The ability to develop a highly ambitious, inspiring curriculum

●       The highest aspirations and expectations for all students, yourself and our school;

●      A resilient, solutions-focused, ‘no excuses’ mindset.

●       Aspiring to progress their career.

King Harold Academy also benefits from being part of the Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT).

As an employee of TKAT you will benefit from:

● A wide variety of opportunities for professional development, including the potential to

  develop your career at more than one TKAT academy;

● Opportunities to work flexibly, where possible;

● Our support for your wellbeing at work; and

● The rewards of working to improve the life chances of our pupils.

Application packs can be downloaded from our website www.kha-tkat.org. Completed application forms should be sent or emailed to Mrs Campbell at michaela.campbell@kha-tkat.org. If you would like to arrange an informal conversation with the Headteacher prior to application, please contact Mrs Campbell. Please note that CVs will not be accepted unless accompanied by a fully completed application form.

 ealth and Safety

King Harold follows the TKAT, Essex and Government COVID 19 guidelines in order to protect students, staff and visitors to the school.

Safeguarding

TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full Safer Recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

Equal Opportunities

TKAT is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of any protected characteristic for example race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit. This includes applications from individuals wishing to work full time, part time or on a flexible basis.

Closing date:  Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Interviews: w/c Monday 28th April 2025

King Harold Academy is committed to the protection and safety of its students and the successful candidate will be subject to DBS, Bared List and two reference checks as part of the School’s Safeguarding Procedures. The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post in accordance with the Immigration Act 2016.