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Head of History

Head of History

Sevenoaks School

Kent

  • Expired
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
17 April 2017

Job overview

The School 

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks enjoys a global reputation as a centre of academic excellence and a flagship school for the International Baccalaureate. A co-educational day and boarding school, it offers a stimulating, intellectually demanding and balanced education for pupils from the age of 11 to 18.  About 350 pupils board in the seven boarding houses, and students originate from some 40 countries worldwide.  

In 2013 the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Sevenoaks School the rare accolade of ‘Exceptional’ for its students’ achievement. Sevenoaks was also the highest performing fully co-educational school, and the one with the largest cohort, in the Sunday Times Parent Power’s top 50 fee-paying schools for the IB in 2015.  

The Campus 

The school is situated in the Kent market town of Sevenoaks, and has a prime position at the top of the High Street. The 100-acre site, which includes a number of listed buildings, is beautifully landscaped and adjoins the medieval deer park of Knole.  London is only a 30-minute train journey away. Gatwick International Airport is also only 30 minutes away, and there are good transport links to other London airports and the Channel Tunnel.  

Teaching at Sevenoaks School 

We want all our pupils to enjoy their subjects, to be inspired by their teachers and to become independent, lifelong learners. We have an exceptionally lively, talented and committed staff body. Teachers are enthusiastic and well-qualified graduates. 

Curriculum 

All of the 400-plus Sixth Form students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a programme the school has delivered for nearly 40 years. The Diploma represents, in the school’s view, the best preparation for university and for work in a world of global competition. All 210 leaving students each year progress to the world’s top universities, including up to 25% to Oxford and Cambridge, and 25 or more students to leading US and international universities. In order to support our ethos and aims, we have developed a number of Sevenoaks School Certificate courses, which students take instead of GCSEs, in English Literature, the Expressive Arts and Technology. The SSCs (which are fully recognised by UCAS) give teachers the independence and creative scope to shape a richly satisfying curriculum. 

The History Department 

The History department is busy and thriving. The subject is very popular at both IGCSE and IB, and enjoys an excellent reputation in the school. There are seven specialist teachers, and the successful candidate may be asked to teach at all levels and across most age ranges. The department aims to stimulate interest in History at all levels, and delivers an academically rigorous programme of teaching. Each year about twenty pupils apply for History and related courses at Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading universities. 

The Post  

The ideal candidate for the post will be an enthusiastic, well-qualified History graduate and a successful, dynamic teacher and leader. Love of the subject and an ability to convey this to students is essential. In leading the work of the department, the Head of History will foster a strong team spirit, help to develop the skills of the teaching staff, and look to inspire the students. 

Attached documents

About Sevenoaks School

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+44 1732 455133

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Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks enjoys a global reputation as a centre of academic excellence and a flagship school for the International Baccalaureate. A co-educational day and boarding school, it offers a stimulating, intellectually demanding and balanced education for over 1200 students from ages 11 to 18.

Sevenoaks is one of the world’s leading IB schools, having taught the International Baccalaureate for over 40 years. For nearly 20 years, all Sixth Form students have taken the full IB Diploma with consistently outstanding academic results which are testament to the school’s experience and commitment to the programme.

Sevenoaks is the top large-cohort IB school in the UK and among the top five globally. In recent years it has been the second highest achieving large-cohort IB school in the world. Sevenoaks is also the top fully co-ed all-IB boarding school in the UK, according to Best Schools (Education Advisers Ltd). The Sunday Times named Sevenoaks School Co-educational Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2023.

The school is one of the largest employers in the local area, employing staff in a wide variety of roles, and aiming to be an employer of choice for top staff from around the world. We offer our staff a competitive range of benefits and are in the process of developing a range of progressive employment policies and opportunities for personal and professional development. All Sevenoaks staff are encouraged to enjoy facilities such as our sports centre and pool, attend performances at our performing arts centre, and get involved in service activities within the local community. We strive to promote the positive mental and physical health of all staff, and are committed to ensuring that equality, diversity and inclusion are at the very heart of our culture and community. We believe every member of the school community should feel welcomed, included and valued.

Teaching at Sevenoaks:

Teaching here is immensely rewarding: we work in high-performing teams towards a shared endeavour.  Everyone appointed to teach at Sevenoaks School is expected to engage actively in all aspects of our broad and well-rounded education.

We want all our pupils to enjoy their subjects, to be inspired by their teachers and to become independent, lifelong learners.  Teachers are enthusiastic and well-qualified graduates.  We have an exceptionally lively, talented and committed staff body. We welcome applications from experienced teachers and newly-qualified teachers, but can also provide training including PGCE for those joining the profession at whatever stage.  All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme.  Sevenoaks is committed to supporting its staff with training and professional development tailored to staff needs and interests.

All teachers are involved in proactive pastoral care.  All teachers participate in the co-curriculum and, as our outreach activities expand, contribute to our work with local pupils and schools.  Teachers at Sevenoaks are innovative and forward-thinking many are involved in the Institutes of Teaching and Learning, Higher Education and Professional Insight, and Service and Partnerships, shaping further development and initiatives for students and staff alike.

What people say about us:

‘Tough for any university not to be an anti-climax after Sevenoaks.’ Good Schools Guide.

The International Baccalaureate

All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme.  No previous experience of teaching the International Baccalaureate, which we have taught since 1978, is necessary; gaining experience of teaching the IB, an internationally recognised qualification which we believe offers outstanding preparation for university and beyond, is stimulating and undoubtedly a valuable career asset.  Information about the IB can be found on the website www.ibo.org.

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Applications closed