History at the Under School is taught by a number of teachers across year groups, all of whom contribute to the department. It is taught chronologically throughout the School, from the ancient Egyptians in Year 3 up to Victorian Britain until 1901 in Year 8. There is a strong academic but progressive ethos and at the heart of it is the enjoyment of not just the subject but an overall love of academic endeavour and critical thinking.

Each year group has at least one History trip each year, for example, to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament – both on the School’s doorstep, 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 seize the opportunity to research independently and present to other adults and pupils about a historical event or theme of their choosing. Moreover, a majority of the senior part of the School participates in the annual Townsend Warner competition.

The role
We are looking to appoint an experienced graduate with a teaching qualification, to lead the History Department and to teach the subject to pupils from Year 3 up to Year 8, including those taking the Scholarship examinations for senior schools. A key part of this role over the next year will be to support with the development of the new curriculum for Reception to Year 2 and adapt the current schemes of work for a co-educational environment, as we look forward to expansion to become a co-educational school for children aged four to 13 from September 2026.

The ideal applicant will be able to run the department in line with the strategic aims and expectations of the School. They will be organised, with experience of managing an academic department, and developing and embedding curricula and schemes of work.  The applicant will bring their broad general knowledge of History into the classroom, motivating and supporting pupils with their studies and excelling in taught History lessons. In addition to their academic teaching, they will be expected to contribute to the pastoral and extra-curricular life of the School.