Head of Economics

A talented, inspiring economist is required to lead the Economics Department in this selective, coeducational London day school. Applicants should be academically well qualified: it is expected that an applicant will have excellent grades in Mathematics at A-level or their equivalent, and have taken an undergraduate and possibly a research degree in Economics or PPE at a university with an outstanding reputation for Economics. An interest in forging intellectual and cross-curricular links with Politics, an independent department, will be a recommendation.

Applicants should demonstrate a profound and continuing academic interest in economics and an enthusiasm for sharing this passion with pupils and colleagues. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to professional development, an enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to experiment, as well as the ability to reflect deeply on their practice.

The role includes opportunities to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, both of which are valued highly at Highgate. If the successful applicant were an experienced teacher, s/he may also have the opportunity,  should s/he wish, to teach part-time at the London Academy of Excellence in Tottenham, for which Highgate is the principal educational sponsor.

For all teachers new to Highgate, regardless of experience, there is a strong and supportive framework of induction to the School.

The Department 

The Department is committed to embedding in students a deep conceptual understanding of Economics and an appreciation for its applications to wider social issues. Through our teaching, we aim to foster a genuine passion for Economics and to create resilient, independent and thoughtful learners, who engage with the subject at the deepest level.

Progressive in its outlook, the department emphasises the development and sharing of best practice. Peer observation is welcomed and encouraged. The department office, in which every member of the team has their own desk space, is shared with the Politics Department and provides an extremely collaborative and supportive environment, offering plenty of opportunity for spirited discussion and professional dialogue. 

Economics is one of the most popular A-Level subjects at Highgate, studied by over 100 pupils in the Sixth Form. There are currently five full-time members of the Economics Department with several members teaching Politics in addition. The department is extremely well equipped and resourced, with the department office located conveniently close to dedicated classrooms. In addition to the extensive in-house program of professional development, a generous department budget for CPD is used for exam-board training and subject specific conferences.

The Department has a strong reputation for enabling pupils to be involved in economics beyond the classroom. The popular, pupil-led Economics Society meets weekly to hear student talks and host external speakers. Students enter a wide range of competitions, have the opportunity to contribute to the department blog, and can participate in the department Book Club. 

The Department follows the Eduqas A-Level specification (Economics A), with all assessment under this new linear specification taking place at the end of the two-year A-level course. The department achieves impressive results in public examinations and supports a good number of Oxbridge applicants each year. The successful applicant would be expected to teach A* calibre pupils and to participate fully in the department's Oxbridge preparation and extension programme. 

Whilst Economics at Highgate is not formally taught below the Sixth Form, the Department is keen to provide opportunities for those lower down the school to learn more about the subject. Pupils in Colleagues from the Economics Department speak to pupils in Years 10 and 11 to give them a sense of what the subject involves and to assist them in making their A-level choices. The popular 'Investment Society' gives younger pupils the opportunity to learn about financial markets through trading platforms and to compete in the IFS Student Investor Challenge.

Working at Highgate

Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff.  Salaries are competitive.  The School pays the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Terms are shorter than in the maintained sector. Staff have free access to the School’s sports facilities, including a fitness suite and a newly refurbished swimming pool.

Highgate is strongly committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all members of our community, from every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability, religion and background.  We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.

James Newton, Deputy Head (Academic) (james.newton@highgateschool.org.uk) is happy to answer any questions about this post.