Head of Psychology

United Learning

Ashford School is part of United Learning, a large and growing group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education across England. As a group, we achieve more by sharing than any single school could.

Ashford School is one of the UK's leading coeducational, independent day and boarding schools, having twice been voted Independent School of the Year. The School was endorsed as excellent in every category during the most recent inspection.

Ashford School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Ashford School is a leading Independent School located across two campuses in Kent. The Senior School located at East Hill in the centre of Ashford has over 500 pupils (including three boarding houses with boarders on site 24 hours a day). The East Hill site also has a day-care nursery.

About the role

We are seeking an inspiring and passionate Head of Psychology to lead this extremely popular A level subject at Ashford School.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic and well-qualified Psychology specialist. Reporting to the Faculty Leader for Humanities, the Head of Psychology should be committed to fostering students’ natural curiosity as to why humans behave and think as they do. With a top honours degree in Psychology from a leading university and, ideally, experience of independent education, the post holder should be capable of stretching students of high ability, as well as supporting students across the ability range, including those who are learning in a second language.

The successful applicant will be expected to build on the department’s successful, engaging approach to teaching and learning and will also be able to articulate what academic rigour looks like in the subject.

The Head of Psychology will need a firm grounding in subject-related theories and case studies, as well as the ability to inspire students to use their knowledge of Psychology to explain and explore the world around them. The successful candidate should be familiar with IT and its use as a tool for learning, teaching and administration, and also be prepared to develop their skills further.

Responding to the needs of the individual student – be it preparing for examinations in after-school classes or guiding the most able through the Oxbridge process – is at the heart of the Faculty’s ethos. The Humanities Faculty also contributes to the broader co-curricular life of the school with visits locally and to London, as well as seminars.

Please note that the Psychology Department teaches the OCR specification at A Level. The subject is taught by the Head of Department only.

Heads of Department at Ashford School are responsible for completing an annual Department Review in the subject and also attend an annual Mock Review meeting. The postholder will also run an annual budget and maintain the resources in the department, and will show a strong understanding of the importance of data tracking. Furthermore, the successful candidate will show an interest in the School’s Strategic Priorities and Curriculum Philosophy.

Teaching staff at Ashford School enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and well-resourced environment and are provided with assistance from a range of support staff. Teaching staff act as Form Tutors and are expected to contribute to the busy co-curricular life of the school.

Salary by negotiation and dependent on skills, attributes and qualifications of the successful candidate. The school provides extensive opportunities for employees to develop personally and professionally.

Please note this position is not suitable for NQTs.

Note - We reserve the right to interview and offer to a strong candidate prior to the closing date. It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their applications as soon as possible

Ashford School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

To Apply

Please apply online by clicking on the following link https://unitedlearning.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/2079225?cid=1567

Where teaching is better shared

Ashford School is a member of United Learning Registered Charity No. 1016358

United Learning comprises: UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee. VAT number 834 8515 12. Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.