Teacher of Politics
Durham Sixth Form Centre, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1SG13 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
2 February 2026 at 9am
Date listed
20 January 2026
Job details
Job role
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Politics
Working pattern
- Full time: Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Main £32,916 to Upper £51,047
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for someone who:
Is an outstanding A Level practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes in Edexcel Politics (we also welcome applications from ambitious teachers ready for their first specialist post).
Possesses deep subject expertise in UK and Global/US politics, with the ability to explain complex constitutional and ideological concepts with clarity and enthusiasm.
Brings a passion for political discourse that motivates learners to engage with diverse viewpoints and develop their own evidence-based arguments.
Is committed to collaborative, evidence-informed teaching, working within the Human Sciences Faculty to trial new strategies for essay-writing and evaluative thinking.
Understands how to build student confidence, preparing them for high-level progression into Law, PPE, International Relations, and other competitive degree pathways.
What the school offers its staff
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Teacher of Politics to join our outstanding sixth form team — where innovation, ambition, and student success powers everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity to make a profound difference working with a team of like-minded professionals.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we don’t just deliver politics courses — we nurture tomorrow’s policymakers, diplomats, political analysts, and civic leaders. With a thriving sixth form and a national reputation for academic excellence, this is your opportunity to lead our students through the complexities of the Edexcel A Level specification and shape the future of political education in an outstanding setting.
What makes this role exciting?
Deliver a dynamic Edexcel curriculum: Lead the exploration of UK Government and Politics, core Political Ideas, and Global Politics (or US Politics), ensuring students master the rigorous evaluative skills required by the Edexcel specification.
Inspire informed citizens: Challenge highly motivated learners who are passionate about current affairs, social justice, and the mechanisms of power.
Bridge theory and current events: Lead outstanding teaching that sits at the intersection of historical political theory and the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary 21st-century politics.
Strategic academic development: Take a lead role in refining our A Level delivery, ensuring our students are prepared for the demands of high-stakes examinations and the transition to elite universities.
Champion political engagement: Be part of a Faculty that celebrates active debate, critical inquiry, and enrichment—from mock elections and debating societies to visits to the UK Parliament and engagement with local representatives.
Why choose us?
Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation.
We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
Join Durham Sixth Form Centre as a Teacher of Politics. Inspire the next generation of diplomats, political analysts, and legal professionals in a high-performing, outstanding sixth form. Lead our students through the rigours of the Edexcel A Level and empower them to engage with the complexities of the modern world. We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.
Flexible working opportunities
At our Trust, we deeply value the health and wellbeing of our staff, recognising that a happy, supported team is essential to delivering the best outcomes for our students. We are committed to fostering a positive working environment where staff feel cared for, empowered, and equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
Pension scheme
All contracted members of staff will be automatically enrolled into either the Teachers' Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme (whichever is appropriate).
National terms and conditions
We offer national terms and conditions in line with the School Teacher’s Pay and Conditions document (STPCD) and Burgundy Book for teachers or the NJC Green Book for support staff.
Training and development
Professional development opportunities aimed at the continuous process of enhancing your skills, knowledge and competencies discussed with your appraiser on an individual basis.
City centre parking
Durham City Centre barriered private parking for staff whilst at work which extends to free all year round parking, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Staff wellbeing working group
For the staff, by the staff, our wellbeing working group meet at least 3 times a year and is open to all members of staff. To date the group has raised money for charity, built a Staff Wellbeing portal, organised socials, sporting events and family days out.
Healthcare services
All staff benefit from a range of comprehensive health and wellbeing services including: GP service which gives staff the access to a General Practitioner around the clock, 24/7, access to nurse support services and physiotherapy provided face-to-face at times, dates and locations convenient to our staff.
Live webinars
Online webinars for Mental Health First Aid and Stress Coaching are available to staff which run frequently throughout the year with a choice of dates and times.
Health and Wellbeing
Free Flu vaccines, menopause counselling and access to financial wellbeing coaches through our staff absence insurance policy.
Daily breakfast
We provide a selection of hot drinks, cereals, croissants, toast and jams complimentary each morning in the refectory for staff and students.
Lifestyle
Our lifestyle benefits include shopping discounts with hundreds of online and high street retailers and discounted gym membership.
Free Will Writing Service
Organised through the Financial Guys, all staff are provided with a free single basic Will which also includes a 50% discount for partners.
Blue Light
Blue Light Card have now added Teaching and Support staff to the list of careers that are able to apply for their card. When applying please upload your staff ID badge as evidence.
Working From Home
We are currently trialling working from home. This arrangement supports flexible working and recognises that some tasks, such as planning, marking and resource development, can be carried out more effectively in a quiet, uninterrupted environment.
Further information about the job
Thank you for your interest in the role of Teacher of Politics, a position we see as pivotal to the continued growth and intellectual vibrancy of our Human Sciences Faculty. This is a significant appointment for us as we seek an educator to build upon the strong foundations of a retiring colleague and lead our students through an increasingly complex global landscape.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, our students are curious, engaged, and highly ambitious. Our politics cohort is no exception; they are young people who want to understand power, challenge the status quo, and find their own voices. We are looking for an inspirational classroom practitioner who can bring political theory and current affairs to life, securing outstanding outcomes and helping every learner realise their potential.
You will be joining the Human Sciences Faculty, one of the largest and most successful areas of the school. We are a community of specialists dedicated to understanding the mechanics of society, behaviour, and the economy. Our Faculty offers an expansive range of subjects, and you will work alongside expert colleagues delivering Accounting, Business, Criminology, Economics, Law, Marketing, Psychology, and Sociology.
This diverse academic environment offers rich opportunities for cross-curricular collaboration. Our culture is built on academic rigor and a deep-seated curiosity about the world around us. We pride ourselves on our value-added performance, which consistently ranks well above national averages, and our outstanding progression rates to Russell Group universities.
We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic specialist with a deep-seated passion for the social sciences. As a subject expert, you will be confident in delivering high-level theoretical content, ranging from core ideologies to the nuances of global governance, while acting as a dynamic communicator capable of facilitating balanced, rigorous debate. We are looking for a collaborative peer who is eager to work across the Faculty, perhaps by linking political shifts to economic trends or legal frameworks, ensuring you provide a supportive yet intellectually challenging environment that helps every student thrive.
But beyond what you can offer us, let me tell you what we can offer you.
You’ll join a sixth form school with an outstanding Ofsted track record, a national reputation for excellence, and a team that will genuinely support and invest in your development. We offer tailored CPD, leadership training, access to external networks, and opportunities to lead meaningful outreach and enrichment projects. You’ll be part of a Trust that values integrity, collaboration, and ambition - and you’ll be heard, challenged, and celebrated.
If you believe in the power of education, are passionate about politics, and want to inspire students who are ambitious, curious, and ready to be challenged, this role is for you. We’d be delighted to welcome you to our dynamic and supportive team.
Thank you for considering this role at Durham Sixth Form Centre. We look forward to learning more about you and hopefully welcoming you to our team. We would strongly encourage candidates interested in this role to visit us in advance and apply early. Should you wish to discuss this role further, or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
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)Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Durham Sixth Form Centre
- School type
- Academy, ages 16 to 19
- Education phase
- Sixth form or college
- School size
- 1708 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 16 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Durham Sixth Form Centre website
- Email address
- staffvacancies@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk
Welcome to Durham Sixth Form Centre and thank you for your interest in the advertised post. I hope the following information gives you an insight into our school.
Durham Sixth Form Centre is a large post-16 provider based in the North East of England, with approximately 1,700 students on roll. We are situated in the middle of Durham City centre, a couple of minutes walk from both the bus and railway stations. Students generally enrol at Durham Sixth Form Centre from over 60 different secondary schools from
across County Durham, Sunderland and into Northumberland.
In 2017 we were graded an ‘outstanding’ post-16 academy, this is reflected in our recent Ofsted monitoring visit
report. Our students have an excellent record of success, which they work hard to achieve. Trends over time demonstrate the following headlines:
In academic qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the National Average (NA) and was graded above average in the
2025 performance tables.
● A level average point score (APS) is significantly above the NA and places us in the top 6% of schools and
colleges nationally.
● 71% of students achieved A*- B A level grades in the summer 2024.
In applied general qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the NA and was graded above average in the 2025 performance
tables.
● Overall attainment (APS) is consistently above the NA and is ranked in the top 2% of schools and Academies
nationally.
We recently celebrated 110 years in education. We are housed in various buildings, often referred to as a mini university setting. Our site comprises a 1913 former girls’ grammar school, which was converted to sixth form
accommodation in 1983. In addition to the original building, there is now a science specific wing; a 200 seated theatre; our Hunter resource centre; visual arts centre and Freeman’s Quay leisure centre. In 2019, we expanded further to include our digital media centre, which houses a grab-and-go café, conference facility, TV studio, small cinema room
and additional classroom space. We also have a dedicated Art Gallery on site, the Dead Dog Gallery, with an ever changing exhibition and community programme in place.
Through sustained effort, and a clear focus and direction, Durham Sixth Form Centre is a truly embracing and dynamic organisation. We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunities and we aspire to an environment where all our students and employees can develop their potential. We have a strong professional development
programme and have achieved CPD Mark accreditation, Investors in People Gold and Governor Mark among others. Our most recent Ofsted inspection report said ‘The Headteacher and the highly skilled leadership team have established a culture in which students flourish and grow. Consequently, there is a healthy appetite for learning and achievement in an environment that demands high expectations for academic, vocational and personal excellence’.
Our academy operates according to the Values of our Trust which we feel help to determine the culture, ethos and atmosphere of Durham Sixth Form Centre.
If you are energetic and passionate about post-16 education and have the skills and aptitude required for the role then
we would welcome your application and look forward to hearing from you.
Arranging a visit to Durham Sixth Form Centre
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email staffvacancies@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton