Head of History - Independent Day School - Birmingham

A prestigious independent day school in Birmingham is seeking an outstanding and ambitious Head of History to lead its highly regarded Humanities department. This is a significant leadership opportunity within a school known for academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and a strong culture of pastoral care.

The School

This well-established independent school educates pupils from junior years through to Sixth Form and has a long-standing reputation for exceptional academic outcomes. Examination results consistently place the school among the strongest in the region, with pupils progressing to leading universities across the UK and internationally.

The campus combines traditional architecture with modern teaching spaces, including specialist Humanities classrooms, lecture-style seminar rooms and dedicated Sixth Form study facilities. The school places equal emphasis on scholarship, character development and co-curricular enrichment.

Students are articulate, motivated and accustomed to academic challenge. Class sizes are small, allowing teachers to teach with depth and build strong, professional relationships with pupils.

The History Department

History is one of the school’s flagship subjects. Uptake at both GCSE and A-Level is consistently high, and outcomes regularly reflect a strong proportion of top grades. The department delivers a rich, academically rigorous curriculum that spans British, European and global history.

Teaching focuses on:

• Detailed source analysis and historiography

• Structured academic writing and debate

• Preparation for university-style essay expectations

• Independent research and extension reading

The department also runs enrichment opportunities including essay competitions, guest lectures and overseas history trips.

The Role

As Head of History, you will:

• Lead curriculum planning and development across KS3–KS5

• Support and mentor departmental colleagues

• Monitor standards and drive continued academic excellence

• Contribute to whole-school academic strategy

• Promote enrichment and scholarly engagement

This role requires both excellent classroom practice and the ability to provide clear, strategic leadership.

About You

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a strong academic background in History

• Have a proven track record of high outcomes at GCSE and A-Level

• Demonstrate leadership capability and vision

• Inspire intellectual curiosity and high expectations

• Be willing to contribute to the wider life of the school

What the School Offers

• Competitive independent sector salary

• Generous pension and benefits package

• Small class sizes and motivated students

• Strong CPD and leadership development pathways

• A collegial, academically ambitious working environment

This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented History specialist ready to lead within a prestigious independent school where scholarship, ambition and professional respect are central to daily life.