Head of Geography - Independent School - Birmingham

A leading independent day school in Birmingham is seeking an ambitious and academically accomplished Head of Geography to lead a thriving and forward-thinking department. Geography is a popular and high-performing subject within the school, and this role presents an exceptional opportunity to shape its continued growth within a setting known for academic excellence, strong pastoral care and a broad co-curricular culture.

This is a strategic leadership position suited to an experienced Geography teacher ready to influence curriculum direction, develop enrichment opportunities and inspire pupils who are intellectually curious and highly motivated.

The Role

As Head of Geography, you will lead the department across Key Stages 3–5, overseeing curriculum design, academic outcomes and departmental development. GCSE and A-Level uptake is strong, with students regularly progressing to Russell Group universities to study Geography, Environmental Science, Urban Planning and related disciplines.

The school places significant value on academic depth. Lessons encourage critical thinking, sophisticated data analysis and strong extended writing. Fieldwork is embedded into the curriculum at every key stage, and you will have the autonomy to further develop both local and international field study opportunities.

In addition to teaching, you will:
• Lead curriculum planning and ensure coherence from Year 7 to Sixth Form
• Monitor and maintain high standards of attainment and progress
• Mentor departmental colleagues and support professional development
• Expand enrichment provision, including academic societies and guest lectures
• Contribute to whole-school academic strategy and cross-curricular collaboration

The Department & Facilities

Geography sits within a well-resourced Humanities faculty, with dedicated classrooms equipped with digital mapping tools, interactive screens and access to specialist Sixth Form seminar spaces. The school’s central Birmingham location provides rich opportunities for urban fieldwork, while established links with rural study centres allow for contrasting environment investigations.

Small class sizes enable meaningful discussion and personalised feedback. Students are articulate, engaged and eager to explore global issues — from climate change and geopolitics to development and sustainability.

The School

This independent school educates pupils aged 11–18 and has a long-standing reputation for academic achievement and character development. Examination results are consistently strong at both GCSE and A-Level, and the Sixth Form cohort is ambitious and intellectually confident.

The campus blends traditional architecture with modern teaching facilities, including a dedicated Sixth Form centre, extensive library provision and collaborative learning spaces. Staff describe the working culture as professional, collegiate and supportive, with genuine investment in leadership development.

About You

• Qualified teacher with a strong academic background in Geography
• Proven track record of excellent GCSE and A-Level outcomes
• Experience of leading initiatives within a department, or current leadership experience
• Passion for fieldwork, sustainability and contemporary global issues
• Strategic thinker with high expectations and strong organisational skills

What’s on Offer

• Competitive independent school salary and leadership allowance
• Small classes and engaged, motivated pupils
• Excellent CPD and leadership development pathways
• Generous staff benefits including pension scheme and on-site facilities
• A genuine opportunity to shape and grow a successful department

This is a rare opportunity to lead Geography within a prestigious Birmingham independent school that values academic rigour, global awareness and intellectual ambition.

Applications are welcomed from experienced teachers ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Please submit your CV to apply.