Head of Sociology

Sir Herbert Leon Academy; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Hounslow seeks a Head of Sociology to lead a successful department. This role requires an experienced Sociology specialist with strong classroom practice at Key Stages 4 and 5. The successful candidate will enhance curriculum design, promote critical thinking, and support student achievement through engaging enrichment opportunities. The school values inclusivity and collaboration, offering a dynamic environment for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Career development and training

Generous benefits including pension and healthcare

Discounted gym memberships

Electric vehicle incentives

Qualifications

• Experience delivering Sociology at KS4 and KS5.
• Track record of excellent classroom practice.
• Ability to lead and motivate a small team.

Responsibilities

• Lead Sociology department and curriculum design.
• Raise standards of teaching and learning.
• Support students via enrichment opportunities.

Skills

Sociology expertise

Leadership

Inclusive practice

Motivational skills

Collaborative approach

Job description

Job Posting

Posted on: 13/01/2026 – Application Deadline: 03/02/2026

School

Lift Kingsley
Cecil Road
Hounslow, London, TW3 1AX
United Kingdom

Hours: Full Time

Contract type: Permanent

We are seeking an inspirational practitioner with the vision, drive, and expertise to lead Sociology across the Academy. You will take responsibility for a small but highly successful and popular department, delivering Sociology at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, with strong uptake and engagement at both levels.

The successful candidate will lead on curriculum design, raise standards of teaching and learning, and champion a culture of academic curiosity, critical thinking, and high expectations within the subject. You will play a key role in ensuring students achieve excellent outcomes while developing a deep understanding of the social world around them.

As Head of Sociology, you will also contribute to enrichment opportunities, supporting students beyond the classroom through wider reading, debate, and subject‑specific experiences that bring Sociology to life.

What We’re Looking For

• An experienced Sociology specialist with a strong track record of excellent classroom practice at KS4 and KS5
• A motivating and strategic leader who can lead a small team and drive continued departmental success
• Someone who can build on the popularity and strong uptake of Sociology across the Academy
• A commitment to inclusive practice, ensuring all students are supported to succeed
• A collaborative and flexible approach, aligned with Kingsley Academy’s values and ethos

About Lift Kingsley

We are incredibly proud of our students’ phenomenal achievements and the progress the school has made in recent years. At Lift Kingsley, a warm and welcoming community, students benefit from excellent teaching, strong support, and positive staff‑student relationships, achieving well above national averages.

Recognised by Ofsted (Good in all areas, 2025), Lift Kingsley has transformed rapidly and has outstanding potential. At the heart of our community, we develop knowledge, ambition, and kindness, preparing students for university and beyond.

Who is Lift Schools?

We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child – in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had.

We Offer You

• Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
• Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Additional Details

Role commencement: April 2026.
Closing date: 2 February 2026.
Interviews: 6 February 2026.

Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. Further details can be found on our careers page.

Downloads

• Job Description
• Brochure
• Safer Recruitment Statement
• AI Statement