Head of Sociology - Permanent - January 2026

Aspire People; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education agency is seeking an experienced Head of Sociology to lead a successful department in a high-performing secondary school in Ilford. The successful candidate will shape the department's strategic direction, enhance academic standards, and work collaboratively with senior leadership to foster student engagement. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious individual passionate about education in a diverse environment, with strong support for professional development and career progression available.

Benefits

Supportive leadership team

Highly motivated students

Strong culture of professional development

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing excellent student outcomes.
• Passionate and skilled teacher of Sociology.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Sociology department to maintain high standards.
• Design and implement an ambitious Sociology curriculum.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress using data.
• Support and mentor staff within the department.
• Ensure effective assessment and examination preparation.
• Promote Sociology across the school.

Skills

Strong subject knowledge

Ability to lead and inspire

Commitment to continuous improvement

Reflective and organised

Job description

Head of Sociology - Permanent

Location: Ilford, East London

Contract Type: Permanent Full-Time

Start Date: January 2026

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR (dependent on experience)

Head of Sociology - The Role

We are seeking an ambitious, knowledgeable and inspirational Head of Sociology to lead and further develop a thriving and popular Sociology department within a large, high-performing secondary school and sixth form in Ilford. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Sociology teacher or an existing middle leader who is ready to take the next step in their career.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for shaping the strategic direction of Sociology, maintaining high academic standards, and ensuring excellent outcomes for students at both GCSE and A Level. You will work closely with senior leaders and other heads of department to contribute to whole-school improvement and curriculum development.

Head of Sociology - About the School

The school is a large, well-established and highly regarded secondary school with a thriving sixth form, serving a diverse and vibrant community in Ilford. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence, high expectations, and a culture of respect, inclusivity and ambition. Students are motivated, well-behaved and keen to learn, while staff benefit from a supportive leadership team, clear systems and a strong sense of professional collaboration.

The school places a high value on social sciences and humanities, with Sociology being a popular and successful subject at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. There is a strong commitment to professional development, staff wellbeing and career progression at all levels.

Head of Sociology - Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Sociology department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching and learning
• Design and implement a coherent, ambitious and well-sequenced Sociology curriculum at GCSE and A Level
• Monitor and evaluate student progress, using data effectively to inform intervention and improvement
• Support, mentor and develop staff within the department
• Ensure effective assessment, moderation and examination preparation
• Promote Sociology across the school and sixth form, contributing to strong uptake and outcomes
• Contribute to whole-school initiatives and the wider life of the school

Head of Sociology - The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Be a passionate and skilled teacher of Sociology with a strong subject knowledge
• Have a proven track record of securing excellent student outcomes
• Demonstrate the ability to lead, inspire and motivate others
• Be reflective, organised and committed to continuous improvement
• Share the school's high expectations and commitment to inclusion and equity
• Be enthusiastic about teaching in a diverse, large secondary school environment

Head of Sociology - What the School Offers

• A supportive and experienced senior leadership team
• Highly motivated students and a positive learning environment
• Excellent facilities and resources
• A strong culture of professional development and career progression
• A collaborative and forward-thinking staff body

Head of Sociology - How to Apply

Applications are welcomed from both current Heads of Sociology and experienced teachers ready for promotion.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.