Head of History and Politics

ISC group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the UK is seeking a Head of History and Politics to lead an innovative curriculum for students from KS3 to KS5. The ideal candidate will inspire teaching and learning while mentoring staff. This role offers the opportunity to influence the academic direction of the school, promote student engagement, and develop a vibrant department. The position ensures a commitment to academic excellence and the development of responsible and critical thinkers. Benefits include professional development and a supportive community.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme

Life insurance

Wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Reflective and creative teacher with experience teaching History and ideally Politics.
• Confident in inspiring pupils and earning respect of colleagues.
• Eager to develop as a leader with a commitment to professional learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the History and Politics department.
• Shape a coherent curriculum that inspires intellectual curiosity.
• Mentor and support colleagues to foster a positive departmental culture.

Skills

Inspiring teaching

Subject knowledge in History and Politics

Leadership and mentoring

Organizational skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

To Start September 2026

Part Time

Harpur Trust Teachers’ Pay Scale

About Bedford Girls’ School

At Bedford Girls’ School, we believe in empowering our students to become confident, compassionate, and accomplished individuals who aspire to change the world around them. We achieve outstanding academic excellence and are dedicated to offering a truly holistic education.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and forward-thinking leader to shape the next phase of History and Politics at the school. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership of a department with strong foundations and significant potential for further development, building on existing strengths while bringing fresh ideas, energy and vision.

You will lead the development of an intellectually ambitious and engaging History and Politics curriculum for girls, from KS3 through to KS5, designed to foster curiosity, confidence, critical thinking and a love of scholarly debate. There is scope to innovate in curriculum design, pedagogy and enrichment, and to ensure that teaching reflects both academic rigour and the interests, voices and perspectives of young women.

Working closely with the Headmistress and the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of History and Politics will play an active role in whole-school planning and academic leadership, contributing thoughtfully to the wider life and strategic direction of the school.

This role would suit either an experienced Head of Department seeking a fresh and stimulating context, or a highly motivated teacher ready to step into departmental leadership for the first time and excited by the chance to build, lead and inspire, within a supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the History and Politics department, driving high-quality, engaging teaching and learning across KS3–KS5
• Shape an ambitious, coherent curriculum that inspires intellectual curiosity and academic independence
• Mentor, support and motivate colleagues, fostering a positive and collaborative departmental culture
• Oversee assessment, monitoring and tracking of pupil progress, using data intelligently to inform teaching
• Manage departmental resources, examinations and budget planning effectively
• Act as an enthusiastic ambassador for the department at open events, enrichment activities and outreach opportunities, including active roles in events such as Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial and Remembrance Assembly
• Contribute actively to the pastoral life of the school, including as a form tutor
• Develop and support extra-curricular opportunities such as lectures, trips, debates and societies
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and pupil welfare

What we are looking for

You will be an exceptional classroom practitioner with a passion for History (and ideally Politics), capable of inspiring pupils through dynamic teaching, strong subject knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. You may already have some leadership experience, or you may be ready to take the next step — what matters most is drive, initiative and vision.

• A reflective, creative teacher with experience teaching across KS3–KS5
• Confident in your ability to inspire pupils and earn the respect of colleagues
• Organised, proactive and keen to take responsibility
• Eager to develop as a leader, with a commitment to ongoing professional learning
• Excited by the opportunity to contribute to whole-school initiatives and academic innovation
• Passionate about girls’ education and committed to helping pupils think critically, argue persuasively and engage confidently with the world

Why Join Us

Be part of an outstanding forward-looking school who have an ambitious vision to develop the next generation of creative thinkers, change-makers and problem-solvers. Become a member of a friendly inclusive community which values its employees, offering opportunities for professional development and growth. We offer a wide range of benefits including, excellent pension scheme, life insurance, hospital surgical treatment insurance, and a cash plan scheme that includes a variety of wellbeing benefits.

Closing date: 30th January 2026.

Interview Date: 5th February 2026.

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please email [e-mail] or ring 01234 369500.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as immediate interviews are available for exceptional candidates. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications.

Equal Opportunities

At Bedford Girls’ School, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We believe that a diverse team enriches our school community and helps us better meet the needs of our students.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self‑declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.