Head of Geography

Avon Valley Academy, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 8HH

16 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  14 May 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  28 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Subject: Geography
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: MPS/UPS plus TLR2A (£32,916 – £51,048 + TLR2A)

Head of Geography job summary

Avon Valley Academy, Ofsted rated Good in all areas, 1st July 2025, is looking for a highly skilled Head of Geography to join its friendly and dedicated Geography Department, with effect from September 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced teacher to lead Geography within this hardworking department, supporting the team in raising attainment and challenging students to achieve their best.

We are a thriving, co-educational school, educating young people between the ages of 11 and 16. Located in Durrington, Wiltshire, our school has a strong reputation for being at the heart of the community and has built strong relationships with the two local army bases at Larkhill and Bulford. With our strong pastoral care and high standards for behaviour, we aim for every lesson and every day to be exceptional so that each individual can thrive and our dedicated and supportive staff go the extra mile to help all our students achieve their dreams. In May 2022 we joined Acorn Education Trust, which provides exciting opportunities to collaborate and improve local education.

The successful candidate will share our passion for helping all young people to achieve their dreams and be able to teach Geography across the full age and ability range, (Key Stage 3 – Key Stage 4). QTS status is essential for the role. Previous experience in a similar leadership role is advantageous.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced teacher committed to delivering excellence;
  
• Has experience teaching Geography to KS4;
  
• Has proven leadership skills/experience (ideally in Geography, or a similar subject area);
  
• Has a passion for Geography and strong expertise in the subject;
  
• Can teach a broad range of engaging and effective lessons that motivate, inspire and improve student attainment;
  
• Can work with our subject lead team to plan and deliver lessons and sequences of lessons to the highest standard that ensure real learning takes place and students make superior progress;
  
• Is able to raise attainment and challenge students to achieve their best;
  
• Has a commitment to extra-curricular activities;
  
• Is aware of current initiatives geography and has an in-depth knowledge of the subject and programmes of study across all Key Stages (3-4);
  
• Is an effective team member who can contribute positively to the work in our Geography Department and is capable of supporting the development of colleagues;
  
• Has a positive, cheerful outlook with a good sense of humour;
  
• Is able to forge good relationships with students and staff;
  
• Is able to work hard and remain calm under pressure;
  
• Has a desire and the potential to develop a career in teaching at a leadership level;
  
• Has a desire to work within the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) structure.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning;
  
• A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported;
  
• Opportunities for training and progression;
  
• The support of Acorn Education Trust, with excellent opportunities to work with experienced colleagues;
  
• A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.
  

For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack.

Visiting our school

Potential applicants are highly encouraged to arrange a tour to see what Avon Valley Academy has to offer first-hand. Please contact our admin office on: 01980-652467

Closing Date: Thursday 14th May 2026 at 12pm

Interview Date: w/c Monday 18th May 2026

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Avon Valley Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 517 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Avon Valley Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/avon-valley-academy

Set in beautiful grounds and surrounding countryside in South Wiltshire, Avon Valley College is within easy reach of the spectacular Jurassic coast, the New Forest, and the historic cathedral city of Salisbury, chosen by the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live’.

Avon Valley College is much valued by its mixed civilian-military community. Owing to the rebasing of troops from Germany, we are in the process of a phased building programme to refresh and renew the entire estate, starting with a brand new purpose built 18-classroom block for the Arts and ICT, a state-of-the-art gym and specialist Sports Performance Facility.

The school has undergone a significant period of change in the last year and standards in all areas are now high. Results in 2018 were significantly better than in 2017 across the board, making it one of the most improved schools in Wiltshire. During 2018-19, there has been a significant investment in improving quality of practice and developing leadership, including National Professional Qualifications, coaching, and a number of bespoke sessions led by nationally recognised speakers. We also place a high value on staff wellbeing with regular after school sessions including yoga, mindfulness, sports competitions, bake-offs and much more to come!

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