Teacher of Classics

Surbiton High School; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Surbiton High School in Kingston upon Thames is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring Teacher of Classics to join our thriving department. You will teach Latin, Classical Civilisation and ideally Classical Greek, within a school community that champions academic excellence and a love of the ancient world.

The Classics department is well established with strong GCSE results and opportunities to lead co-curricular activities, trips and competitions.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher able to teach KS3–A Level Latin and Classical Civilisation.
• Ability to teach Classical Greek to A Level is desirable.
• Excellent communication, organisation and ICT skills, with a reflective approach.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging lessons across KS3–5 in Latin, Classical Civilisation and Greek (where able).
• Foster curiosity, independence and confidence through creative teaching.
• Support pupil progress and well-being, including as Form Tutor where applicable.
• Contribute to co-curricular programme, clubs, competitions and trips.
• Plan, assess and provide feedback in line with school policies.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop resources and innovative schemes.

Skills

Classics knowledge

Strong subject expertise

Excellent communication

Education

QTS/PGCE teaching qualification

Tools

ICT skills

Job description

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.
• 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.

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