Head of History

The Wisbech Academy; Wisbech; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wisbech Academy invites applications for Head of History to lead the development of a knowledge-rich History curriculum at our new 11-16 school in Wisbech. You will build the department from the ground up, setting standards for teaching, assessment and student engagement.

This role is ideal for an experienced middle leader or ambitious teacher seeking departmental leadership within a supportive, forward-thinking Trust environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a coherent, knowledge-rich History curriculum rooted in powerful disciplinary knowledge.
• Shape the long-term vision, ethos, and identity of History at our new school.
• Establish exemplary teaching, learning, and assessment practices.

Job description

Job Title: Head of History

Location: The Wisbech Academy

Salary: Main Teacher pay scale or Upper Teacher pay scale + TLR 2B

Hours per week / Weeks per year: 32.5 hours per week/ 52 weeks per year

Start date: January 2027

About our school

We are a new 11-16 school serving 600 students (120 PAN), growing year-on-year, we will move into our purpose-built site in 2028. Being part of the Wisbech Campus enables shared facilities, collaboration and excellent opportunities for staff and students.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinking Head of History to lead the creation and evolution of our History curriculum.

You will play a central role in building the department from the ground up, crafting an academically rigorous and knowledge‑rich curriculum that empowers students to understand the past, think critically, and articulate ideas with confidence.

This position is ideal for an experienced middle leader seeking a new challenge, or an ambitious teacher ready to step into departmental leadership within a supportive and innovative environment.

What You Will Do

• Lead the development of a coherent, knowledge‑rich History curriculum rooted in powerful disciplinary knowledge.
• Shape the long‑term vision, ethos, and identity of History at our new school.
• Establish exemplary teaching, learning, and assessment practices.
• Build, inspire, and mentor a future team as the school grows.
• Develop high‑quality resources, enrichment opportunities, and cross‑curricular links.
• Ensure History becomes a vibrant, intellectually ambitious subject that engages all learners.
• Mentor and support new colleagues as the department grows - helping to develop confident, expert practitioners.

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate historian with deep subject knowledge and the ability to craft a knowledge‑rich curriculum that builds meaningful historical understanding.
• Someone committed to teaching students powerful knowledge: historical concepts, disciplinary thinking, and secure chronological understanding.
• A reflective practitioner with strong pedagogical understanding and the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others.
• Experience designing or contributing to a rigorous KS3 curriculum (KS4/KS5 advantageous as we grow).
• A colleague excited by the unique opportunity to shape a new school and establish high academic standards.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a new school with the freedom to innovate and design provision from first principles.

Shape a department entirely around your vision and academic values.

• Play a central role in recruiting, shaping, and mentoring a future team.
• Work within a supportive, research‑informed environment focused on academic excellence.

Benefit from opportunities for rapid professional growth as the school expands.

Contribute to building a culture of scholarship, curiosity, and intellectual ambition.

About Brooke Weston Trust

Our students come from all walks of life, and we want our staffing body to be reflective of the communities we work within. Brooke Weston Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, culture, age, disability, marital status or socio‑economic backgrounds. We encourage and welcome applications from minority groups and foster a work environment that’s inclusive as well as diverse, where people can be themselves.

Our Trust was formed more than 25 years ago with a simple and clear mission - to transform educational performance in all of our communities. Working in some of the most challenging contexts, we