Teacher of History

Brighton College is seeking to appoint a full-time permanent Teacher of History to start in April 2025.

Although not essential, we would particularly welcome applications from candidates with the ability to teach Politics A-level.

The Department

The History department consists of nine members of staff with a diverse range of backgrounds and historical interests. The subject is taught throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 in classes which generally range in size between 20 and 24. There are currently 267 pupils taking the subject at GCSE, and 138 at A-level.

The results in recent years have been excellent, achieving 94% 9 - 8 at GCSE and 100% A-B at A-level, with 99% 9-7 at GCSE in 2024.

The subject is taught as part of the Story of Our Land curriculum in Years 7 and 8, with historical topics ranging from the Greek and Roman civilisations to the Glorious Revolution. In Year 9, pupils have two 35 minute lessons per week, and study key themes – enslavement, war, and revolution. 

The Department follows the Edexcel syllabus for GCSE and A-level. At GCSE, pupils study Russia 1917-1941, The Cold War, Anglo-Saxon and Norman England and Medicine c. 1250-present. 

At A-level, pupils follow Route G in the Lower Sixth, studying Germany between 1919-1989 and Italy 1911-1946. In the Upper Sixth, pupils choose between Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII or Protest, Agitation and Reform, 1780 – 1928.

The department also has a thriving History Society, in which pupils play a leading role, presenting to the rest of the group on their chosen area of historical research. Brighton College historians are encouraged to aspire to read History at leading universities, and are supported with a tailored programme run by members of the department. In the last three years, eleven pupils have won places to read History at Oxford or Cambridge, and many more gain offers from leading universities in the Russell Group.

Brighton College historians participate in student conferences, university study days and external essay competitions. Fourth Form pupils undertake an annual trip to the battlefields of the First World War, and our A-level trip is to Edinburgh. 

The department moved into a stunning new building in September 2017, providing us with the opportunity to work in new, experimental teaching spaces. 

The department is extremely well resourced at all levels, but we are also open-minded and welcome new approaches and ideas for curriculum development.

Role Specification

The successful candidate will be expected to teach History the curriculum, from Year 7 to A-level.  An ability to contribute towards the department’s extension programme, including a willingness to support pupils with applications to leading universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), will be a distinct advantage. All teachers within the Department are expected to assist in the development of Schemes of Work, through the creation of teaching resources and the compilation of content for our virtual learning centre. 

All teachers at Brighton College are expected to contribute to the school’s pastoral system, generally as a tutor in one of our 14 houses (of which six are boarding houses and eight are day). 

There is also an expectation that all teachers will contribute to the co-curricular life of the school, through the extensive Games programme, and/or through the leadership of one of almost 100 school societies.

Candidates are encouraged to point to interests and enthusiasms as part of their application. All teachers joining Brighton will have the benefit of guidance by an experienced mentor, whose role it will be to provide support during their probationary period. Thereafter, all teachers are expected and supported to participate in continuous professional development, throughout their time at the College.

Many teachers joining the College have a proven track record of effective teaching, having obtained excellent public examination results with previous classes. However, we are also equally happy to appoint candidates who are currently on a PGCE, or candidates with no formal teaching qualification.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• This role will involve daily contact with pupils and you will be engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
• All staff and volunteers have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for who you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.