Insightful Sociology Teacher
The Downs School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD18 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
23 February 2026 at 8am
Date listed
5 February 2026
Job details
Job role
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Subject
- Sociology
Working pattern
- Full time, part time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Main scale/Upper Pay Range
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Teacher of Sociology. The ability to teach Law, Politics and/or Business & Economics would be desirable. This is an excellent opportunity to inspire students to explore the social world around them, developing their critical thinking and analytical skills as they examine key sociological concepts and contemporary issues. You'll teach engaging lessons across Key Stage 5, helping students to understand society, culture and identity whilst preparing them for success in their examinations and beyond.
At The Downs School, we are committed to 'educating today's students for the world of tomorrow', and sociology plays a vital role in equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly complex world. You'll join a supportive, collaborative department where professional development is valued, and where your expertise will make a real difference to students' understanding of the society they live in.
We welcome applications from both Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and experienced practitioners who share our commitment to academic excellence and student success.
About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:
• Motivate and Inspire: Bring your enthusiasm into the classroom, igniting curiosity and a love for learning.
• Deliver Expertise: Showcase strong subject knowledge, teaching your discipline with confidence and clarity up to Key Stage 5.
• Collaborate: Contribute to the success of our faculty by working closely with a dedicated team of teachers.
• Build Relationships: Create positive and trusting connections with students while making learning exciting and challenging.
• Embrace Innovation: Be open to creative and innovative teaching methods.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic environment, handling challenges with flexibility.
What the school offers its staff
What we offer: In return, you’ll enjoy:
• Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
• Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
• Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
• Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024
• Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your teaching skills.
• Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme.
Further information about the job
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
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Downs School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1437 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Downs School website
- Email address
- recruitment@thedownsschool.org
The Downs School, a Foundation, 11-18 comprehensive school, is a successful, oversubscribed and popular school serving the Downs area of West Berkshire. The roll is nearly 1300 with a well-established sixth form. Results at all levels are consistently above national averages and Ofsted described our students as having ‘excellent personal and social skills’ who ‘achieve well academically’.
Arranging a visit to The Downs School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@thedownsschool.org.
School location
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