Teacher of Classics

The Society of Heads; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Surbiton High School invites applications for a Teacher of Classics. The role covers teaching Latin, Classical Civilisation and ideally Classical Greek across KS3-5 within a thriving department that values academic excellence and curiosity.

The post is full-time, maternity cover, with a January 2027 start. The school offers a supportive environment, extensive trips and a strong Oxbridge track.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated deep knowledge of Latin, Classical Civilisation and Classical Greek.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to teach KS3-5 and adapt to different cohorts.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging Latin, Classical Civilisation and (where possible) Classical Greek lessons across KS3-5.
• Promote pupil curiosity, independence and confidence through effective teaching.
• Contribute to co-curricular Classics activities and trips.

Skills

Subject expertise

Excellent communication

ICT skills

Tools

Latin

Classical Greek

Classical Civilisation

Job description

Summary

Surbiton High School is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring Teacher of Classics to join our thriving and highly successful department.

Detail

Teacher of Classics

Tenure: Full Time, Maternity Cover

Start Date: January 2027

Salary: Competitive - Surbiton High School Pay Scale

Surbiton High School is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring Teacher of Classics to join our thriving and highly successful department. This is an exciting opportunity to teach Latin, Classical Civilisation and (ideally) Classical Greek within a vibrant school community that champions academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and a deep appreciation of the ancient world.

About The Department

The Classics department is a well-established and thriving department. We have 5 members of staff and teach Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation. We have an excellent record of academic success – in 2025 95% of pupils achieved grades 7-9 in GCSE Latin. In last year’s Classical Civilisation cohort, 100% achieved an A or A*. Many of our pupils go on to study Classical subjects at university and we have a strong Oxbridge record; almost every year at least one pupil goes on to study a Classical subject.

We teach all pupils Latin in year 7, using the Cambridge Latin Course Book 1. After completing Book 1 in year 8, pupils continue their study of Latin using the De Romanis 1 textbook. We teach Classical Civilisation in Key Stage 3, which is integrated into pupils’ Latin lessons. At GCSE we offer Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation. Greek is offered ab initio in year 10. Pupils can continue all three subjects to A-level.

There is a real Classics community within the school. This is fostered by a range of co‑curricular clubs, from year 7 Myth Makers to Senior Classics Society. We enter Classical reading competitions and run an annual Ancient World Day for year 7. The department runs a number of exciting trips each year, including to the Ashmolean Museum, British Museum and Bath. We make the most of our location near London and take pupils to relevant theatre shows and events. We also run trips to Italy and Greece, allowing pupils (and staff!) to immerse themselves in the worlds we are studying.

This is a strong, successful and flourishing department that attracts students of all abilities and backgrounds. We look forward to welcoming another colleague who shares our passion for Classics and can support the department’s ethos.

What You Will Do

• Deliver engaging, academically challenging lessons across KS3-5 in Latin, Classical Civilisation and (if able) Classical Greek.
• Foster pupils’ curiosity, independence and confidence through creative and inspiring teaching.
• Support the progress and well-being of pupils in your classes and, where applicable, as a Form Tutor.
• Contribute to the department’s extensive co‑curricular programme, including clubs, competitions and trips.
• Plan and deliver high-quality lessons, marking, assessment and feedback in line with School policies.
• Collaborate with colleagues in developing resources, schemes of work and innovative approaches to teaching.
• Participate actively in professional development and training opportunities.

What We Are Looking For

• A passionate and knowledgeable Classicist with strong subject expertise.
• Ability to deliver inspiring lessons at KS3, GCSE and A Level.
• Ideally, the ability and willingness to teach Classical Greek to A Level (desirable, not essential).
• Excellent communication, organisation and ICT skills.
• A reflective, collaborative approach and a commitment to the School’s values.
• Warmth, professionalism and the ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• High expectations for pupil achievement, progress and engagement.
• ECTs are warmly encouraged to apply; we are an ECT training school with excellent mentoring support.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive, collegiate and forward-thinking Classics department.
• Outstanding facilities and well-resourced teaching spaces.
• A rich programme of trips, visits and co-curricular opportunities.
• Excellent professional development and career support.
• A vibrant, ambitious school community that values scholarship and creativity.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Surbiton High School holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and, subject to all the relevant legal requirements being met, we would be willing to consider sponsorship for the successful candidate.

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community.

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches.

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process