A high-achieving secondary academy in Preston, Lancashire, is seeking an ambitious Head of Social Sciences to take strategic leadership across its Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form courses on a full-time, permanent basis starting in January.

Job Overview

Social Sciences represent one of the largest academic faculties at this academy. The successful applicant will hold overall responsibility for curriculum sequencing, quality of instruction, and exam performance across GCSE Sociology, A-Level Psychology, A-Level Sociology, and Level 3 Applied Criminology.

Working directly with senior leadership, you will line-manage department staff, oversee coursework moderation for criminology units, lead standardisation on 16-mark essays, and manage academic interventions. This is a full-time, permanent contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, curriculum design, and operational management for Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology

• Teach high-rigor lessons across A-Level Psychology and/or A-Level Sociology

• Line-manage, observe, and mentor departmental teachers through lesson visits and faculty CPD

• Oversee internal controlled assessment moderation for Level 3 Criminology in line with exam board standards

• Analyze assessment tracking data to design structured revision programs and mock exam clinics

• Coordinate guest lecture series, court visit excursions, and university masterclasses in Social Policy and Law

Role Overview & Specifications

• Start Date: January

• Contract Type: Full-time, permanent contract

• Location: Preston, Lancashire

• Salary / Pay Rate: TLR1 or Leadership Scale equivalent

• Key Curriculum: AQA Psychology / AQA Sociology / WJEC Level 3 Criminology

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS, QTLS) with an honors degree in Psychology, Sociology, or a closely related discipline

• Consistent track record of delivering strong GCSE and A-Level/Level 3 examination outcomes

• Prior experience in departmental coordination, key stage leadership, or peer mentoring

• In-depth understanding of empirical research methods and evaluative essay frameworks

• An active enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

How to Apply: Please send your CV at your earliest convenience to be considered for this full-time, permanent Head of Social Sciences position in Preston for a January start.