Summary

Surbiton High School is seeking an inspiring and dynamic Head of Classics to lead our flourishing and well‑established department

Detail

Head of Classics

Start Date: September 2026

Tenure: Maternity Cover, Full Time

Salary: Competitive – based on the Surbiton High School Pay Scale, remission plus TLR

Surbiton High School is seeking an inspiring and dynamic Head of Classics to lead our flourishing and well‑established department. This is a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional teacher and leader who is passionate about Latin, Classical Civilisation and Classical Greek, and who is keen to empower pupils of all abilities to achieve their very best.

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 Bring

Strong subject knowledge and a passion for sharing it.

The ability to deliver inspiring lessons across KS3, GCSE and A‑

A collaborative, energising leadership style and the confidence to support and develop colleagues.

Excellent organisational skills and a commitment to high academic standards.

A forward‑thinking approach to curriculum development and pedagogy.

A genuine warmth and ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.

A commitment to our School ethos: May Love Always Lead Us and The Best in Everyone.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

Loves Classics and can communicate that passion to pupils and colleagues alike.

Delivers outstanding teaching, using creativity and strong subject knowledge to challenge and inspire learners of all abilities.

Leads with confidence and kindness, supporting the development of a cohesive and motivated team.

Is ambitious for pupils, with high academic expectations and a commitment to exceptional progress for every learner.

Is forward‑thinking, able to innovate and contribute to the continual improvement of teaching, learning and the curriculum.

Builds positive relationships and communicates with clarity, sensitivity and professionalism.

Works collaboratively, contributing to a strong departmental identity and thriving co‑curricular programme.

Embodies the School’s ethos, promoting our values and modelling professional integrity, respect and inclusivity.

Is organised and proactive, with strong administrative skills and a keen eye for detail.

Embraces professional development, seeking opportunities to grow and to support the growth of others.

Why Join Us?

You will be supported by a strong, successful and friendly department, with opportunities to develop your leadership, influence strategic direction and contribute to an already thriving provision. This role offers the chance to work with motivated pupils, committed colleagues and an exciting Classical curriculum.

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

If you are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant and high‑achieving department, we would be delighted to receive your application.

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.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email

recruitment@surbitonhigh.com