Team Leader of Social Sciences

Vandyke Upper School, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 3DY

11 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026 (earlier start may be available)

• Closing date

  23 February 2026 at 11am

• Date listed

  9 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: Social sciences
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £32,916.00 - £51,047.00 Annually (Actual) MPS-UPS - £32,916-£51,047 + TLR2B

Team Leader of Social Sciences job summary

Team Leader of Social Sciences

REQUIRED September 2026 (Earlier start may be available)

MPS-UPS - £32,916-£51,047 + TLR2B

We are looking to appoint a full time Team Leader of Social Sciences to join our outstanding Vandyke staff team. This post would suit an experienced teacher, we are looking for an experienced leader to mentor and cultivate this growing department. Psychology is a popular course across key stage 5. Students enjoy the challenge and rigor of this subject. One of our school goals would be to add Sociology and Criminology as a new course to Vandyke as well as explore options at KS4.

Psychology A Level is a popular and successful course for students at Vandyke Upper School. Through the curriculum our teachers foster our students' critical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills to develop their proficiency in research methods and statistical analysis.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and academic leadership for this growing department. You should be innovative and be willing to learn new skills required to support the ever-changing needs of a demanding, rigorous and exciting area of the curriculum.

We are looking for an experienced Team Leader who is an excellent classroom teacher and who can model best practices for their team.

You will be joining a highly effective school who share the same goal: to provide an ambitious curriculum which supports excellent outcomes. To this end, reflective practice and collaboration both in the department and across the school is vital.

In return we can offer you:

• the opportunity to work in a thriving school with strong staff/student relationships
• a vibrant and supportive environment with excellent opportunities for career development
• a strong school team with a clear vision and ambition for all students
• excellent facilities including your own laptop
• Access to wellbeing support

You will be joining a thriving school with a reputation for high quality staff and student relationships. The school is over-subscribed with 1520 students on roll with large Sixth Form of 420.

We had a monitoring inspection from OFSTED in January 2024. The highly complimentary report stated that “Pupils at Vandyke are proud and articulate ambassadors for their school. They enjoy learning and achieve well. They thrive as a result of the school’s ambition for all pupils to become ‘world ready citizens’ Pupils are confident, courteous and aspirational. They behave well at all times”.

The successful candidate will be reflective, innovative and be willing to continually develop their practice. You will join a highly effective team who work collectively to move student progress forward each year.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. References and an online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

Visits to the school can be arranged by contacting Jo Sessions.

Please visit our website at www.vandyke.beds.sch.uk for further information and an application form, or contact Mrs Jo Sessions, PA to Headteacher on 01525 636700 or via email recruitment@vandyke.cbeds.co.uk.

Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 23 February 2026

Interviews will follow shortly after this date

Once we have received sufficient applications the vacancy may close, so if you are interested you are advised to apply immediately. If you are short-listed for interview, details will be sent to you via email to the address provided on your application form. You are therefore advised to check your email on a regular basis.

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

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

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 Vandyke Upper School

• School type: Academy, ages 13 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1507 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 13 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Vandyke Upper School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/vandyke-upper-school

A high achieving school where everyone matters.
At Vandyke we believe that the ingredients for effective learning and high achievement include outstanding teaching, high expectations and an atmosphere within which relationships flourish. We pride ourselves on the school’s high standards and inclusive reputation.

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