Head of History

The History Department occupies a special place at Forest School. The subject and its teachers are very popular with pupils, and academic results are some of the School’s strongest. A new Head of History is now sought to lead an outstanding department. This is therefore an excellent opportunity for an historian and educationalist of the highest calibre to lead one of the country’s finest secondary school History departments. 

The Department currently consists of eleven highly qualified and experienced specialists, many of whom occupy positions of broader responsibility in the school. Results in recent years have been outstanding. Typically, above 85% achieve A*-B grades at A Level, whilst over 90% of GCSE grades have been at Grade 7 or above. Every year numerous pupils go on to read History at university, with regular successes at both Oxford and Cambridge.

In common with all Forest School departments, the History Department is well resourced with books and online subscriptions, curated by the School’s Martin Centre Library. There is also a History Society and History Magazine at Sixth Form which meet regularly.  In the past, we have hosted a number of eminent visiting speakers which have included Baroness Ruth Henig, Dr John Darwin (Professor of Global and Imperial History, Oxford), Professor Richard Evans (Regius Professor Emeritus at Cambridge and Old Forester), Professor John Morrill (Honorary Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford) and Benjamin Thompson (Associate Professor of Medieval History at Oxford). The Department runs several well-regarded international trips to Paris, Moscow, the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium, Washington DC, and Bavaria. We also enjoy close collaboration with the London Academy of Excellence, a local outstanding Sixth Form and have ran several opportunities for students jointly with them, including a Historical Symposium.

The Forest School Ethos

Forest is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high.  It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral.  There is boldness in the School’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

Our Values

GROWTH HARD WORK RESPONSIBILITY COMMUNITY LEARNING DIVERSITY WELLBEING

About Forest

Forest is a large, vibrant school, with more than 1,430 boys and girls in equal proportion, from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity.

Location

Forest is a city school set within 50 acres of grounds surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:       

• Generous CPD budget           
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system           
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme   
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day           
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13           
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre         
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme    
• Contribution towards  private medical insurance fees           
• Membership of a pension scheme

Don’t just take our word for it

What the Good Schools Guide say:

“Forest is a power-house with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next”

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Applications close on Wednesday, 16 March 2022 at 12:00pm

Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 23 March 2022

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.