Head of History

Woodkirk Academy; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodkirk Academy in Wakefield seeks a Head of History to provide professional leadership and strategic direction for the History department. You will lead a team, ensure excellent teaching and drive student attainment across the 11-18 curriculum.

The role requires a qualified History specialist with a proven teaching record and experience developing colleagues, within a supportive leadership environment. Permanent full-time post.

Qualifications

• Qualified History specialist with a strong academic background.
• Proven track record of excellent teaching and outcomes.
• Experience leading or developing colleagues.
• Passion for History and commitment to inspiring young people.
• High expectations and drive for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the History department.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and curriculum delivery across key stages.
• Monitor progress and raise student attainment using data.
• Support staff through coaching, CPD and performance management.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement as part of the leadership team.

Skills

Leadership experience

Excellent teaching

Curriculum development

Data-driven improvement

Mentoring staff

Education

Qualified History teacher

Job description

Head of History

Required from 1st January 2026

MPS/UPS plus TLR 2c £8,611

Permanent Full Time

Closing date 28th September 2026 @ 9am

Interviews will be held 9th October 2026

An exciting opportunity to inspire, challenge and make a difference

Are you an inspiring and ambitious History teacher ready to lead a successful department? We are seeking a Head of History to play a key role in shaping outstanding teaching and learning at Woodkirk Academy, one of the most successful and high-performing schools in the city. Working as part of our humanities department you will have the opportunity to teach across the 11-18 age range working across the school including our sixth form whose outcomes this year represent the highest achieved to date. This role is open to experienced teachers who are keen to develop their practice within a supportive and ambitious environment.

About the Role

As Head of History, you will provide professional leadership and strategic direction for the department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning and student achievement.

You will:

• Lead, manage and develop a committed History team
• Ensure high-quality teaching and engaging curriculum delivery
• Monitor progress and raise student attainment across all key stages
• Use data effectively to drive improvement and inform planning
• Support and develop staff through coaching, CPD and performance management
• Contribute to whole-school improvement as part of the wider leadership team

About you:

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified History specialist with a strong academic background
• Has a proven track record of excellent teaching and outcomes
• Has experience of leading or developing colleagues
• Is passionate about History and committed to inspiring young people
• Can motivate, challenge and support both students and staff
• Has high expectations and a drive for continuous improvement

About us

Woodkirk Academy is a popular and high-performing school with a strong reputation for academic success and student development. Staff are committed, supportive and work collaboratively to ensure students thrive.

As part of Leodis Academies Trust, you will benefit from:

• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Excellent professional development opportunities
• A culture focused on "forging young futures"
• Blue Light card
• Employee wellbeing support and benefits package including free flu vaccinations, Cycle to Work scheme, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including telephone GP appointments, physiotherapy, counselling and wellbeing support
• Access to pension schemes and enhanced family leaveLong service recognition
• Free on-site car parking

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a thriving department in a school where:

• Behaviour is excellent and students are motivated
• Staff are valued and supported
• Leadership is strong and forward-thinking

If your application is successful, you will be invited to teach a one-off lesson titled 'JFK: Evidence, Interpretation and the Historians task' to a Year 9 mixed ability group

All posts are subject to pre-employment checks, two references will be sought, and successful candidates will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check (DBS), medical clearance and provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK and evidence of qualifications.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.