Curriculum Leader of History

Grammar School | High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire | Full-Time

Start Date: January 2027

Bring History to Life. Lead Learning. Inspire the Next Generation.

Are you an enthusiastic History teacher with a passion for your subject and a talent for bringing people together? A grammar school in High Wycombe is looking for a Curriculum Leader of History to lead the development of its History curriculum and inspire students to think critically about the past and its influence on the present.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher ready to take on a leadership role, or an existing subject leader looking for a new challenge. You'll help shape how History is taught across the school, support colleagues in delivering engaging lessons and encourage students to question evidence, explore different perspectives and develop their own informed interpretations.

The school is looking for someone who combines excellent classroom practice with a collaborative leadership style and a genuine belief in the value of History education.

What Will You Be Doing?

You'll lead the History curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious, engaging and carefully planned to help students build their knowledge and historical understanding over time.

Your role will include:

• Leading curriculum planning and reviewing schemes of work to ensure lessons are challenging, coherent and engaging.

• Teaching History across the relevant Key Stages and preparing students for GCSE and A-Level examinations, where applicable.

• Supporting and motivating colleagues, sharing effective teaching strategies and encouraging professional development.

• Developing students' ability to analyse historical sources, evaluate interpretations and construct clear, evidence-based arguments.

• Monitoring student progress and using assessment information to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Maintaining high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and academic achievement.

• Ensuring the curriculum explores a broad range of historical periods, people, events and perspectives.

• Encouraging students to engage with historical debate and understand the complexity of the world around them.

• Contributing to departmental improvement planning and wider school priorities.

• Identifying opportunities for enrichment, including historical visits, lectures, societies and other activities that extend learning beyond the classroom.

• Managing departmental resources and supporting effective use of budgets where required.

• Working closely with senior leaders and colleagues to maintain a strong academic culture throughout the school.

What Will Make You a Great Fit?

We're looking for a committed History teacher who enjoys helping students discover the subject and can bring clarity, enthusiasm and purpose to curriculum leadership.

You will ideally have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.

• A degree in History or a closely related subject.

• Strong subject knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for historical enquiry.

• Experience teaching History at secondary level, ideally including GCSE and/or A-Level.

• Experience contributing to curriculum development, departmental planning or subject leadership.

• The ability to support colleagues and build a positive, collaborative team.

• A clear understanding of assessment, progress monitoring and strategies for improving outcomes.

• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.

• The ability to create lessons that challenge students while making complex historical ideas accessible.

• High expectations of student achievement, conduct and engagement.

• A commitment to inclusive teaching and the academic development of every student.

Previous experience as a Subject Lead, Second in Department or Curriculum Leader would be advantageous. Applications from experienced teachers ready to move into their first formal leadership role may also be considered.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

A curriculum leadership role offers the chance to do more than deliver excellent lessons. You'll help shape students' experience of History across the school and influence how the subject develops for future year groups.

At a grammar school, you'll have the opportunity to encourage ambitious learners to question assumptions, evaluate evidence and develop the independent thinking skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

The role offers the opportunity to:

• Take ownership of curriculum development and departmental direction.

• Work with motivated students who can be challenged to think deeply and independently.

• Collaborate with colleagues who share a commitment to strong teaching and learning.

• Develop your leadership experience and progress professionally.

• Introduce fresh ideas and enrich the way History is experienced across the school.

• Help students understand the connections between historical events and contemporary society.

The Person Behind the Role

The right candidate won't simply be an excellent History teacher. They'll be someone who enjoys helping others succeed, listens to colleagues and can turn a clear educational vision into practical improvements in the classroom.

You'll be organised, approachable and confident in making decisions, while remaining open to new ideas and different approaches. Most importantly, you'll want students to leave your lessons with more than facts and dates: they'll have learned to question, investigate, form arguments and understand the world from different perspectives.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right-to-work verification and verification of relevant qualifications.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're passionate about History and excited by the opportunity to lead a curriculum within a grammar school in High Wycombe, we'd welcome your application.

Whether you're already leading a subject area or are ready to take the next step in your teaching career, this is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to students, colleagues and the wider school community.

Please submit your CV to be considered for the Curriculum Leader of History position in High Wycombe.

We look forward to hearing from you!