At Sompting Abbotts, we have the following vacancies:
Job description: Head of Humanities for Years 3-8
Sompting Abbotts is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
Job details
Salary: available upon application
Contract type: Full time / permanent
Reporting to: Headteacher
Deadline: 23 July 2026
Main purpose
The teacher will:
● Fulfil the professional responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document
● Meet the expectations set out in the Teachers’ Standards
Duties and responsibilities
Teaching:
● Plan and teach well-structured lessons for Year 3-8 Geography and Year 5 & 8 History, Year 3 Science and Year 4 & 5 Religious Studies following the school’s plans, curriculum and schemes of work. (However, there is flexibility for right candidate to be part time without Year 3 Science and Year 8 History, 0.8 approx.)
● Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of assigned pupils, making accurate and productive use of assessment
● Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of pupils
● Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
● Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils
● Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge
● Participate in arrangements for preparing pupils for external tests
Whole-school organisation, strategy and development
● Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s policies, practices and procedures, so as to support the school’s vision and values
● Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school, including attending Sports Day and the school Carol Service (both Saturdays)
● Work with others on curriculum and pupil development to secure co-ordinated outcomes
● Provide cover, in the unforeseen circumstance that another teacher is unable to teach
Health, safety and discipline
● Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils
● Maintain good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
Professional development
● Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures
● Take part in further training and development in order to improve own teaching
● Take part in the appraisal and professional development of others, where appropriate
Communication
● Communicate effectively with pupils, parents and carers
Working with colleagues and other relevant professionals
● Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
● Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues
Personal and professional conduct
● Uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school
● Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school, and maintain high standards of attendance and punctuality
● Understand and act within the statutory frameworks setting out their professional duties and responsibilities
Safeguarding
● Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies
● Work with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) to promote the best interests of pupils, including sharing concerns where necessary
● Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school
Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the teacher will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager.
Specification
Criteria Qualities
Qualifications
and experience ● Qualified teacher status
● Degree
● Successful primary teaching or Prep School teaching experience
Skills and knowledge ● Knowledge of the Geography and History National Curriculum, Common Entrance and Academic Scholarship curriculums.
● Knowledge of effective teaching and learning strategies
● A good understanding of how children learn
● Ability to adapt teaching to meet pupils’ needs
● Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils
● Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children
● Knowledge of effective behaviour management strategies
● Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning
Personal qualities ● A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school
● High expectations for children’s attainment and progress
● Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
● Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
● Commitment to safeguarding and equality
At Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School we offer:
A nurturing and all-round academic school, unique in its context
Motivated, well-rounded and excited children, eager to learn
A team of ambitious, committed and talented staff.
We’re a small independent preparatory school at the edge of the South Downs National Park. With 30 acres of grounds, our children are spoilt for space in our semi-wooded site.
Our teachers harness the natural milieu to bring curriculum-based learning to life. They use the grounds and its multiple habitats and eco-systems for science, geography, history and art and for other applications such as field study and data collection.
Read about Sompting Abbotts’ outdoor learning philosophy here.
For this year’s show at Sompting Abbotts, Oliver! Jr., director Mrs Turton brought Lionel Bart’s beloved musical to life with incredible energy and talent. A huge well done to all our amazing performers, as well as the so many staff and so many parents who helped bring it all together.