Westminster Under School - Head of History

South West London
Westminster Under School
Full-time

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Head of History.

Detail

Required for: September 2025

Location: Vincent Square - Westminster Under School

Contract: full-time, permanent

Salary: Westminster Under School has its own salary scale, and new members of staff are placed at a point relevant to their qualifications and experience. Details of salary will be discussed at interview with those candidates who are short-listed.

There is also an associated responsibility allowance with this role.

For this role, there is no fixed closing date. Applications will be considered on receipt and interviews may occur at any stage.

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Head of History to lead and develop the department. From delivering engaging and thorough lessons, mentoring staff and contributing to the wider school community, this is a pivotal role within the School.

The role also allows the opportunity to grow and develop professionally in what is an exciting time for the Under School, as we expand to become co-educational and the introduction of our Pre-Prep school.

There is a strong academic but progressive ethos in our supportive and collaborative department, and at the heart of it is the enjoyment of not just the subject but an overall love of academic endeavour and critical thinking.

History a Westminster Under School

The subject is taught by several teachers across the School, all of whom contribute to the department. History is taught chronologically, from the ancient Egyptians in Year 3 up to Victorian Britain until 1901 in Year 8. Pupils excel and enjoy both taught History lessons and the wider extra-curricular nature of History at the Under School.

Each year group has at least one History trip each year, for example, to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, or further afield such as to the Battlefields of northern Europe, or to study Anne Frank in Amsterdam. History Society takes place regularly at lunchtimes where pupils are encouraged to research independently and present to other adults and pupils about a historical event or theme of their choosing. Moreover, a majority of the upper part of the School participates in the annual Townsend Warner competition.

Line managed by the Assistant Master, Teaching and Learning, the Head of History will be expected to:

Teach year groups from Years 3 up to Year 8 , including pupils taking the Scholarship examinations for Westminster, Eton and any other senior schools.
Build on an exciting, inspiring and academically robust, chronologically-based curriculum across all Key Stages, involving a variety of tasks and development of wider skills and knowledge, e.g., study skills, PSHE, RSE and wellbeing, use of technology within lessons, Fundamental Values, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Organise and deliver the History post-exam programme for Year 8 (where applicable).
Contribute to the Department Development Plan, in liaison with the Assistant Master, Teaching and Learning.
Ensure that all groups of pupils are catered for, including exceptionally high achievers and SEND pupils.
Act as a strong, positive and involved Head of Department who leads by example, providing support and mentorship as needed.
Provide CPD for colleagues in the department, including INSET, ensuring they are kept up to date with new methods, resources, pedagogy, etc.
Liaise and develop links with colleagues in the History department at the Senior School and in similar schools, participating in cluster groups to keep up to date with good practice and syllabuses.
Support and give advice to teachers of other subjects as required, and explore opportunities for cross-curricular work.
Lesson observations and learning walks.
Book looks and checking appropriate marking.
Organise trips and visits and other extra-curricular activities.
Ensure displays are changed regularly, relevant and well-maintained.
Organise and oversee assessments and examinations.
Ensure proper budgeting within the department.
Liaise with the Librarian to ensure the History section of the Library has a good range of books for all parts of the School, linking with the curriculum but also in addition to it.
Chair departmental meetings and attend regular HoDs meetings.
Meet with teachers, parents and/or pupils to monitor pupil progress and address concerns, if they are raised
Promote and develop Health and Safety and e-Safety policies within the department
Be fully conversant with, and supportive of, all School policies

Additionally, all colleagues are expected to be involved in the wider school including, e.g. being a Form Tutor, supervision during break and lunch times, Games supervision, attending Parents’ Evenings, and accompanying school residential trips. Whilst every effort has been taken to provide a comprehensive list of responsibilities, the post holder may be asked to complete other duties which could be considered relevant to the role, as directed by the Master or the Assistant Master, Teaching and Learning or other senior staff.

The School is an exceptionally supportive one, aiming to give all colleagues a positive work-life balance. We have a warm and friendly Common Room and beautiful facilities, including the largest Square in central London which pupils use every day. Additionally, the School will be moving to a completely new building in the Autumn of 2025, offering a huge amount of space, natural light and modern facilities. From September 2026, the School will expand to open a Reception class and will go co-educational in Reception, Year 3 and Year 7. The School will be completely co-educational in all year groups by 2028.

While the History department is strong, and is a well-loved subject amongst pupils, there is scope for continuing development and innovation with the appointment of an outstanding Head of History – especially in view of the School’s expansion and introduction of co-education from 2026, as outlined above.

The role includes a responsibility allowance which is commensurate with the responsibilities of the role and some additional time in terms of a reduction in lessons and/or other responsibilities.