Head of History

Pilton Community College, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1RB

33 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  12 October 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  9 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher or lecturer
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £34,069 - £52,835

Head of History job summary

Salary: MPS - UPS - £34,069 - £52,835 plus TLR2b

Working Pattern: This is a permanent position working 1.0 FTE, 39 weeks per year (Monday to Friday)

Are you an inspiring, dynamic, and forward-thinking History specialist ready to lead a thriving department? Pilton Community College are seeking an exceptional Head of History to join our middle leadership team and drive an ambitious vision for historical understanding, critical thinking, and academic excellence.

About the Role

As Head of History, you will:

Lead a high-performing History department with passion, expertise, and strategic direction. Shape a curriculum that inspires curiosity, challenges thinking, and develops a deep understanding of the past and its impact on the present. Champion a culture where historical enquiry, critical analysis, and independent learning are at the heart of students’ educational experience. Oversee curriculum development, assessment, enrichment opportunities, and educational visits that bring history to life for students. Coach and develop staff, ensuring high-quality teaching, learning, and outstanding student outcomes. Build strong links with local, national, and cultural organisations to enrich learning and broaden students’ understanding of history beyond the classroom.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Is an outstanding History practitioner with a proven record of raising achievement and inspiring learners. Has experience leading or coordinating a team. Brings energy, vision, and creativity to the role. Is committed to delivering an ambitious and inclusive History curriculum for all students. Values high expectations, strong relationships, and positive behaviour. Can inspire both students and colleagues through excellent communication and leadership.

Why Join Us?

You’ll become part of a supportive, forward‑thinking school team that values collaboration, creativity and shared success. We offer:

Opportunities to influence practice and contribute to whole‑school improvement

A commitment to staff development and CPD

A positive, inclusive school ethos and welcoming community

This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.

To apply for this role please submit your application online; your supporting statement should outline your suitability for the post.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 12th October 2026, interviews will be held week commencing 19th October 2026.

Successful applicants will be subject to an online search. 

The Harbour Schools Partnership require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.

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 Pilton Community College

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1165 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Pilton Community College website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/pilton-community-college-barnstaple

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