Head of Philosophy

ROLE SUMMARY:

Wetherby Senior School was founded in 2015. There are approximately 450 boys on roll, all of whom study at least one language for 5 years and we regularly add at least 0.5 of a grade Value Added at both IGCSE and A Level. Our students achieve grades that allow them to gain places at top UK universities such as; Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, Durham and UCL and universities aboard such as the University of Chicago, UPenn, Bocconi in Milan and the IE Business School Madrid. 

The School was founded to offer a progressive education in the heart of London. The School’s focus on providing an all-round education means that high standards are expected of the boys in all areas of school life. The School provides the boys with a broad educational experience, which includes Philosophy and Thinking Skills in the curriculum, to ensure that they are able to think critically and to problem solve but also to ensure they can be creative and collaborative in their approach, so that they develop a sense of social responsibility and respect for others. Our skilled staff, who have a wealth of experience, are preparing to send our pupils to leading universities in the UK, the US and elsewhere.

Wetherby Senior are now looking for a head of Philosophy to join them from September 2025. The post represents an exciting opportunity for a leader with the necessary vision and ambition to drive forward a flourishing Philosophy Department to the next stage of its development at the School, and in turn help offer a first rate academic education for boys in this core academic discipline. As Head of Philosophy at Wetherby Senior you will have the opportunity to shape the direction and teaching of the discipline in interesting and innovative ways. The post would suit an existing Head of Department or an ambitious Teacher looking to move into a management role and with a track-record of leadership. Teaching staff at Wetherby Senior School have experience of teaching in both the maintained and independent sectors and colleagues looking to move into independent education are warmly encouraged to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, review, and oversee the Philosophy curriculum, ensuring engaging schemes of work, effective assessments, and high academic standards.
• Foster enthusiasm for Philosophy by leading trips, competitions, and co-curricular activities while keeping the department updated on subject developments.
• Organise and maintain high-quality teaching resources for Philosophy at all levels.
• Support and mentor department staff through induction, lesson observations, constructive feedback, and professional development initiatives.
• Ensure the effective use of rewards and sanctions, provide behaviour management support, and monitor the quality of academic reports.
• Assist students with subject options, university applications (including Oxbridge and international institutions), and exam preparations.
• Maintain an up-to-date department handbook, prepare for inspections, and produce annual reports on exam performance.
• Oversee financial planning, manage departmental budgets, and ensure efficient use of teaching spaces, textbooks, and subscriptions.
• Lead regular departmental meetings, contribute to the school's website and VLE, and attend key school meetings as required

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• The ability to inspire others and lead by example.
• Outstanding subject knowledge, academic qualifications and be able to communicate their enthusiasm.
• The ability to deliver dynamic and effective lessons to the full ability range of pupils at the School.
• Some experience of successful management of or within an academic department.
• Highly effective communication skills for dealing with all members of the School community.
• A commitment to pastoral care and the welfare and safeguarding of pupils.
• Interests and abilities that can enhance the School’s co-curricular programme.
• Excellent inter-personal skills.
• Excellent administrative, organisational and IT skills.
• The ability to teach Philosophy to A Level A* standard.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

School Application Form

Please download and complete our UK Application Form, and submit it alongside your CV and Application

UK Application Form

Head of Philosophy - Full JD