Head of RS/PSHE with History

Ackworth School, a co-educational boarding and day school, was founded in 1779 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It maintains its ethos and traditions, and is still governed by the Society, although only a small number of pupils and staff are from the Quaker tradition. The school is academically non-selective and provides an excellent range of facilities and extra-curricular opportunities. The school is a member of both HMC and the Society of Heads.

We are looking to appoint a Head of RS/PSHE who will teach a timetable of around 75% history, up to KS5, but will lead on the other two subjects and teach these for the balance of their timetable.  The position may suit someone who is newly qualified and looking to stretch themselves or one with more experience. 

We deliver Religious Education to KS4 and PSHE throughout the school. Currently PSHE and RS is delivered by a number of  teaching staff as an additional subject and there are two staff in the History department.

To teach in our inclusive environment, you will challenge your pupils to set ambitious targets for themselves and inspire your team to seek out and use innovative teaching practices to enhance our pupils’ experiences and outcomes. All of our pupils from year 5 in our Junior School, through to our sixth form, have their own Ipads and they form the basis from which all academic staff deliver their lessons. This has enabled us to continue to deliver high standards of education during home schooling for both our day pupils and boarders, no matter where they are in the world. 

As a non-selective school we are able to offer a supportive education to pupils who have special educational needs. To support these pupils, it is essential that the department can offer the most effective differentiation to guarantee their progress. The candidate must be able to demonstrate success in this area. Many of our pupils, particularly our boarders, have English as a second language. Many access EAL lessons to support their progress. 

As a boarding school we expect all of our teaching staff to embrace activities in the wider school and contribute to these areas outside of their department. 

The successful candidate will:

• be an outstanding teacher with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes

• have up-to-date knowledge of subject curricula and assessment requirements for History, RS and PSHE.

• be passionate about education and the development of our pupils’ knowledge

In return we offer:

• a competitive salary and generous fee remission of 50% for the children of our staff.

• all food and refreshments during the working day.

• access to sports facilities, new fitness suite and pool.

• free on-site parking.

• flexible pension and health benefits.

• generous levels of non-contact time

• small class sizes

• 34 teaching weeks

• a supportive and friendly environment based on the Quaker ethos of the school.

• a committed parent community which plays an active part in the school.

• a beautiful working location in an ideal location within easy travelling distance of the main centres of Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster and York.

Applications should be sent to: 

Joanne Colley

HR Manager

Ackworth School 

Pontefract Road 

Ackworth 

Pontefract 

WF7 7LT 

Or by email to: jobs@ackworthschool.com 

Closing Date: Wednesday 29th June at 9.00am. Candidates will be notified by the following day. 

Interviews will be held the week after.

Applicants should read carefully the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy. Our recruitment privacy notice is also available on our website within “Working For Us”. 

Ackworth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants should also be in sympathy with the School’s Quaker ethos.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Joanne Colley on 01977 233600 or joanne.colley@ackworthschool.com