Head of Classics

Haberdashers' Boys' School; Borehamwood; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Pension

Life Insurance

Professional development

Free lunch

Onsite parking

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

Haberdashers' Boys' School in Hertfordshire invites applications for Head of Classics, a leadership role guiding Years 7–13, shaping an ambitious curriculum and a vibrant co-curricular programme.

The successful candidate will inspire passion for Latin, Greek and the classical world, lead collaboration across campuses, run trips to Italy or Greece, and contribute to Nexus with Haberdashers' Girls.

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in Classics
• Excellent teaching practice with evidence of high standards
• Leadership experience or potential
• Collaborative and approachable leadership style

Responsibilities

• Provide academic and departmental leadership for Years 7–13
• Shape an engaging and ambitious Classics curriculum
• Lead and develop colleagues, including supporting professional growth
• Oversee co-curricular activities (Society, clubs, trips) and trips
• Contribute to the wider life of the school and Nexus partnerships

Job description

Habs has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2025, with Haberdashers' Elstree Schools receiving both the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships and the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025. This recognition reflects our long-term commitment to social impact and the deep, sustained collaborations we continue to build with our state sector partners. It is an exciting time to join our community. The Classics Department at Haberdashers' Boys' School is looking to appoint an outstanding Head of Classics to lead a vibrant and academically ambitious department. Classics is an important part of the academic life of Habs Boys. Latin is compulsory for all pupils in Years 7 and 8 before becoming an option from Year 9, while Classical Greek is introduced in Year 10 for pupils who choose to study it. Both Latin and Greek are offered through to A Level, with Sixth Form teaching groups combining with our sister school through our Nexus programme. We are looking for an inspiring teacher and thoughtful leader who will build on the strengths of the department, ensuring that pupils are challenged, supported and inspired by the study of the classical world. About the role As Head of Classics, you will provide academic and departmental leadership, supporting colleagues and shaping an engaging and ambitious curriculum across Years 7 to 13. You will have the opportunity to influence the continued development of Classics at Habs Boys, balancing high academic expectations with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. You will be someone who enjoys sharing your passion for Latin, Greek and the wider classical world, and who can inspire that same curiosity in pupils and colleagues. The department has a strong programme of co-curricular activity, providing pupils with opportunities to explore Classics well beyond the classroom. Every year, we organise trips to Italy or Greece, alongside regular day trips to the British Museum. Our weekly lunchtime Classical Society, run jointly with Habs Girls, includes student-led presentations on a wide range of Classical and Classic-related topics, as well as talks from visiting speakers and university lecturers. There are also annual inter-house Classics competitions for younger pupils and a weekly Linguistics Club for pupils in Years 7 to 11, run in conjunction with Habs Girls. The successful candidate will be encouraged to play an active role in this wider programme, including helping to run school trips and contributing to Classical Society. A willingness to contribute to the wider co-curricular life of the school would be a distinct advantage. The curriculum Our Years 7 and 8 curriculum follows the fifth edition of the Cambridge Latin Course. In Year 7, pupils cover the first eight stages, progressing to Stage 16 by the end of Year 8. The department embraces the opportunities provided by technology, with student work digitally coordinated through OneNote. All pupils are provided with laptops and electronic styluses, unless designated typists, which they use as part of their learning in lessons. As pupils progress through the school, they have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of both Latin and Greek, with both subjects available through to A Level.

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Classics teacher who is ready to take the next step in their leadership journey, or an experienced Head of Department looking for a new opportunity. You will have a strong academic background in Classics and be able to demonstrate excellent teaching practice and a commitment to achieving high standards. You will be able to inspire pupils of different ages and abilities, while creating a classroom environment in which curiosity, discussion and intellectual challenge are encouraged. As a departmental leader, you will be collaborative and approachable, with the ability to support and develop colleagues while maintaining clear academic expectations. You will be organised, thoughtful and willing to take ownership of the continued development of the department. Just as importantly, you will bring enthusiasm for the subject beyond the curriculum. Whether through trips, Classical Society, Linguistics Club, competitions or other activities, you will enjoy finding ways to bring the classical world to life and encourage pupils to explore their interests further. You will also be keen to contribute to the wider life of Habs Boys and to work collaboratively with colleagues across our shared campus, including our sister school.

• We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with the candidate's experience
• Approximately 17 weeks holiday per year.
• Private Pension Scheme through Aegon with four flexible options and generous employer contributions.
• Additional life insurance cover.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support and advice.
• Financial assistance for further qualifications.
• Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
• Free lunch and refreshments.
• Free onsite parking and access to travel on the school's extensive coach network.
• Complimentary access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, including gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes.
• Wellbeing initiatives such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and health checks.
• Access to an online GP service for quick and convenient healthcare advice.
• Access to Vivup, our staff benefits platform offering discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources.