St Catherine's School - Head of PSHE (Life Matters and Grey Matters)

Summary

St Catherine's School seeks to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Head of PSHE (Life Matters and Grey Matters) from September 2026.

Detail

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding classroom practitioner with strong leadership potential or experience, and a genuine passion for empowering young people to thrive both in and beyond school.

The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic and effective teacher with a strong record of high‑quality classroom practice. They will demonstrate the ability and ambition to lead PSHE within a highly academic environment, promote the subject across the School, and manage and inspire a team of staff. They will also contribute positively to the wider team of Heads of Department.

Experience of teaching Life Matters and Grey Matters from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5, or similar courses, would be an advantage, though not essential. Most important is energy, flexibility, warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. The successful candidate will work closely within a small, busy, and collaborative department.

The precise teaching commitment will be sensibly devised to reflect the strengths and interests of the appointed candidate. Opportunities for training and professional development are actively encouraged and supported, including attendance at internal and external courses, some of which may take place beyond the usual contractual week.

The Successful Candidate will:

• Hold a good degree and demonstrate a proven track record of excellent teaching
• Possess excellent PSHE subject knowledge and be a dynamic, engaging classroom presence
• Be self‑motivated, highly organised, resourceful, and an effective team player
• Show a passion for empowering young people and preparing them for life beyond school
• Inspire and challenge academically bright and capable girls
• Keep abreast of current research, including developments in AI and its impact on relationships, as well as evolving government guidance

Safeguarding and Welfare

The successful candidate will place safeguarding and pupil welfare at the heart of all practice, demonstrating a thorough and up‑to‑date understanding of:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance
• Wider safeguarding responsibilities, including contextual safeguarding

Leadership of PSHE and RSE

The Head of PSHE will:

• Champion PSHE and RSE as essential curriculum areas across the School
• Lead and deliver a coherent, progressive and inclusive PSHE/RSE curriculum
• Respond sensitively to pupils’ needs and lived experiences
• Use appropriate assessment and evaluation approaches in line with whole‑school policy

They will ensure provision remains compliant with statutory requirements, current guidance and best practice.

Departmental Leadership Responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Maintain and develop the PSHE/RSE departmental handbook, including:
• Aims and rationale
• Schemes of work and curriculum maps
• Subject development and review plans
• Standardise lesson approaches, resources and shared teaching expectations
• Oversee appropriate recording of engagement, Attitude to Learning, commendations and recognition
• Lead on health and safety, safeguarding and risk assessments, including visiting speakers and sensitive content
• Manage the departmental budget and resources

Staff Development and Quality Assurance

The successful candidate will:

• Support and develop all staff delivering PSHE/RSE, including colleagues teaching the subject alongside other disciplines
• Organise and attend relevant INSET
• Carry out routine lesson observations and marking scrutiny to support professional development and consistency
• Appraise departmental colleagues in line with School policy

Wider School Responsibilities

The Head of PSHE will:

• Attend Parents’ Evenings, Open Mornings/Evenings and respond to parental queries
• Liaise with senior leaders, House staff, tutors, the Academic Mentoring Department, Careers and Oxbridge teams as appropriate
• Attend twice‑termly Twilight Heads of Department meetings
• Lead weekly departmental meetings and ensure minutes are circulated promptly to the Senior Leadership Team
• Contribute to ITT/ECT and new teacher induction where relevant
• Engage actively with the GSA South Central Region Cluster Group, hosting events on a rotational basis
• Contribute to the wider development of the School community

Our Environment

High standards are expected of both staff and pupils within a lively, supportive and well‑resourced environment. Communication is excellent, staff facilities are welcoming, and professional collaboration is strongly valued.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via My New Term by 10.00am on Monday 27 April and should include:

• A completed My New Term application form, available via the School website:
  www.stcatherines.info/welcome/job-opportunities
• A curriculum vitae (optional, to complement the application form)

Applications will be assessed as they are received and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. Early application is strongly encouraged.

St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and barred list check. The School is an equal opportunities employer.

Documents

• Head of PSHE (Life Matters and Grey Matters) JD PDF Document