Head of History
Channing School
Highgate, London
- Quick apply
- Expired
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- 01 January 2027
- Apply by:
- 22 June 2026
Job overview
Channing School is seeking to appoint an outstanding and inspiring Head of History to lead our highly successful and academically ambitious History Department from January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to build upon an established tradition of excellence, leading a dynamic department that is recognised for exceptional outcomes and extensive programme of enrichment.
At Channing, we believe that the study of History enables young women to understand the complexities of the modern world, develop intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, and engage thoughtfully. Through the exploration of the past, pupils learn to question, analyse and communicate with confidence, becoming informed, and reflective. History is a thriving subject at Channing, with excellent outcomes at GCSE and A Level and many students progressing to study History and related disciplines at leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
The curriculum is broad, intellectually challenging and globally minded, extending well beyond the National Curriculum to reflect the interests and abilities of our pupils. A rich programme of trips, visits, conferences, societies and academic enrichment opportunities supports classroom learning and fosters a genuine enthusiasm for historical study. The department also plays a leading role in promoting super-curricular engagement through initiatives such as the annual History Conference, History Journal and Pursuit of History Programme.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for the department, articulating a clear educational vision that aligns with Channing’s commitment to developing Fearless Learners and delivering bespoke outcomes for every pupil. They will lead and inspire a talented team of specialist teachers, ensuring consistently excellent teaching and learning, strong academic outcomes and a culture of professional collaboration. They will oversee curriculum development across Key Stages 3–5, champion innovation and evidence informed practice, and lead a vibrant co-curricular programme that enriches pupils’ experiences both within and beyond the classroom.
For further information, please refer to the Job Description document provided.
Hours:
Full Time
Start Date:
January 2027
Salary & Benefits:
• Competitive salary scale, dependent on qualifications and experience
• Enrolment into the APTIS pension scheme (10% employer contribution, minimum 2% employee contribution)
• Laptop and iPad provided
• Free lunch and refreshments throughout the day
• Use of school sports facilities when available
• Annual flu vaccination and Employee Assistance Programme
• Extensive CPD and INSET opportunities, with scope for professional progression
How to Apply
Please complete the TES application form by clicking on Apply below. CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
Deadline for Applications: Monday 22 June 2026 at 9am
Interviews: Wednesday 24 June 2026 (please allow the full day)
Safeguarding Commitment
Channing School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school follows a formal recruitment procedure in line with Department for Education guidance on Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education and the school’s Child Protection Policy. A copy of this procedure is available on request.
Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of a protected characteristic. Ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration.
In line with our Safer Recruitment Policy, all shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches, including social media and third-party screening through Safehire.
Attached documents
About Channing School
The School
Awarded ‘Excellent’ in all areas inspected by ISI in 2022, Channing School is summed up by its vision, ‘Girls Enjoying Success’.
Girls at Channing enjoy academic success from a tailored educational programme that encourages confidence, independent thinking and provides girls with life skills to take on the next stage of their education as thoughtful, responsive, socially aware adults, prepared for the challenges of the world today.
Founded in 1885 by Unitarian sisters Emily and Matilda Sharpe, supported by Reverend Robert Spears, Channing School, named after notable American Unitarian William Ellery Channing, has been known as a successful, happy community. Remaining true to our Unitarian foundation, the School is an inclusive community that values the individual skills, spiritual beliefs, achievements and contribution of all members of the school community.
Academic achievement
Academic results are excellent – GCSE and A Level results consistently place us amongst the top-performing schools in the UK and London. Virtually all our sixth formers go on to HIgher Education, some after a gap year. Girls also excel in a very wide range of co-curricular and extra curricular activities, and especially in Music, Drama, Sport and Art.
Community spirit
The Head and members of staff know every girl personally and as an individual. We have a strong family tradition and an enthusiastic and supportive parents' association. The atmosphere is calm, focussed and purposeful. We set high standards emphasising concern and respect for the needs of others. A major feature of the school is the huge diversity of the extracurricular activities on offer to pupils and it is expected that all staff will contribute to this side of the life of the school. Opportunities exist for involvement in cultural, dramatic, sporting and intellectual pursuits and we like staff to assist in areas where they have a genuine interest and enthusiasm.
Exceptional setting
The school is in an attractive part of Highgate, with convenient transport links by road and underground. Visitors are often surprised at how light, green and open our site is. We have preserved the character of the older buildings, but completely refurbished and redesigned them to provide bright and spacious teaching rooms. Our ambitious £13m building programme, completed in 2017, has provided us with excellent dining facilities, a Music School, a new Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall with fitness suite and a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre.
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