Head of Geography - Independent Senior School - Birmingham

A leading independent co-educational senior school in Birmingham is seeking an outstanding and ambitious Head of Geography to lead a well-established and high-performing department. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Geography specialist ready to shape curriculum direction, inspire colleagues and further strengthen a subject that plays a central role in the school’s academic life.

Situated within impressive grounds combining historic character and modern facilities, the school is known for academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and a rich programme of co-curricular enrichment. Geography is a popular and academically strong subject, with consistently impressive GCSE and A-Level results and a healthy number of students progressing to competitive university courses in Geography, Environmental Science, PPE and related disciplines.

The Role

As Head of Geography, you will provide clear strategic leadership and academic vision across Key Stages 3–5. You will oversee curriculum planning, staff development and enrichment, ensuring that teaching reflects both scholarly depth and engaging pedagogy.

Your responsibilities will include:
• Leading and managing the Geography department, setting high expectations for teaching and outcomes
• Teaching Geography across GCSE and A-Level, including physical, human and contemporary global themes
• Developing and refining a knowledge-rich, enquiry-driven curriculum
• Overseeing fieldwork provision, including local urban studies and residential trips
• Supporting university preparation and extended academic projects
• Line managing departmental staff and contributing to whole-school leadership initiatives

You will have the opportunity to shape the subject’s future direction, embedding global awareness, sustainability and contemporary geopolitical study within a rigorous academic framework.

The Department

The Geography department is collaborative, reflective and ambitious. Teachers benefit from:

• Small class sizes allowing for discussion-based learning
• Dedicated Humanities classrooms equipped with modern digital presentation facilities
• Access to extensive library and research resources
• Structured and well-supported fieldwork programme
• Strong cross-curricular links with History, Economics and Environmental Studies

Enrichment plays a key role, with pupils participating in geography societies, climate forums, Model United Nations events and national essay competitions.

The School Community

The school maintains a calm, purposeful learning environment where students are respectful, motivated and intellectually curious. Behaviour is exemplary, allowing teachers to focus fully on academic development.

Leadership across the school is strategic and supportive. Professional development is tailored and meaningful, with opportunities for leadership coaching, curriculum innovation and engagement with subject networks.

The campus offers a blend of traditional buildings and modern learning spaces, along with extensive grounds that support outdoor learning and fieldwork preparation.

Who We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will:
• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a strong academic background in Geography
• Have substantial experience teaching GCSE and A-Level
• Demonstrate proven middle leadership experience or readiness for promotion
• Be academically ambitious and able to stretch high-achieving pupils
• Lead with clarity, collaboration and strategic vision

Independent school experience is desirable but not essential.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive leadership salary within the independent sector
• Small classes and academically ambitious pupils
• High levels of professional autonomy
• Generous CPD and leadership development opportunities
• Free on-site parking and term-time meals

This is a rare and exciting leadership opportunity to guide Geography within a prestigious Birmingham independent school that values scholarship, global awareness and academic excellence.