Subject Leader of Psychology

Due to the continued popularity of the course, and the proposed introduction of BTEC Psychology, the school is seeking to appoint a Subject Leader of Psychology (Head of Psychology) to lead this subject area in our highly successful Sixth Form. A recruitment and retention allowance of up to £1,800 may be available for the right candidate. 

The school requires an outstanding Psychology teacher with a record of excellent examination outcomes at A Level, who will command credibility with Psychology and Sixth Form staff, and work with them to bring about rapid and sustained improvement in teaching and learning, course design and delivery, assessment/tracking and examination outcomes.  In return, the school offers a very supportive and welcoming environment, students keen to learn, a high-quality CPD programme including leadership and management training, support for further promotion.

The post would suit a qualified teacher seeking a promotion to middle leadership, or an experienced Head of Psychology seeking a fresh professional challenge. 

The Psychology team currently comprises three specialist teachers, although two are part time. The opportunity arises to appoint a Subject Leader for Psychology following a colleague securing a post working with young people in a residential care setting. The subject is currently offered at A Level and our students follow the AQA course. Psychology is the most popular subject in Highcliffe Sixth Form with over 90 students taking it as one of their A Level choices. We currently have three groups in Year 12 and three in year 13. 

A Level examination outcomes in Psychology are a key improvement priority for the school. The subject achieved ALPS Grades of 5, 7, 3 and 6 respectively since 2016. The department has a successful history of supporting students in their applications to study Psychology and Psychology-related degrees at Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. The school is keen to differentiate the Psychology offer by adding BTEC Psychology to the Sixth Form curriculum in future, and to expand the profile and impact of Psychology-related learning across the school.

Highcliffe School is ideally situated minutes from Highcliffe and Avon beaches, Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Harbour.  A few minutes’ drive or cycle away are the beaches of Bournemouth while Poole Harbour, a mecca for watersports, is approximately 12 miles away.  As a result, sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and beach life are prominent parts of life in the area.  

Highcliffe is also on the doorstep of the New Forest, meaning that equestrian sports, cycling, walking and running are also prominent features of local life.  There is an extensive range of top-class pubs, cafes, clubs, theatres and cinemas throughout the area catering for people of all ages and tastes.  

Highcliffe School is easily accessible from the urban centre of Bournemouth and Poole.  With its large student population Bournemouth uniquely offers a multicultural city buzz combined with the relaxed South Coast surfing and holiday culture.  London, the South East and the South West are easily reached by road or rail links.  The European mainland is easily reached by ferry from Weymouth, Poole, and Portsmouth, while Bournemouth and Southampton airports offer continental and worldwide flights.

We encourage potential applicants to explore in depth the School’s website which includes recent publications and a prospectus.  Potential applicants are also encouraged to read both the most recent Ofsted reports which are available via the school website or directly from www.ofsted.gov.uk and the published performance data available on the DfES performance tables site. www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance