What skills and experience we're looking for
Within the Social Sciences Faculty, we require an outstanding and inspirational teacher of psychology for a one-year maternity cover starting in September 2026. For suitable candidates, there is the possibility of an Easter 2025 start. You will be responsible for planning and delivering high quality lessons and achieving excellent results for your students, instilling in them a love for the subject and a desire to learn. A willingness to teach throughout Years 9 to 13, and to offer a second subject, is advantageous even though the majority of your teaching would be post-16. The course has been designed and developed with an excellent bank of resources making it a suitable position for a candidate with prior experience teaching A Levels that may not necessarily include psychology. In these instances, an enthusiasm and genuine interest to develop your knowledge in the subject would be essential.
The successful candidate will be a committed team player with a good sense of humour and the drive and energy to thrive in this outstanding school. This post would suit either an NQT or a more experienced colleague.
What the school offers its staff
We can offer excellent working conditions, a supportive environment and plenty of opportunity for further development at one of the most successful comprehensive schools in the country. Students at the Thomas Hardye School typically want to be successful so their attitude towards learning is excellent. The superb facilities include an on-site nursery, a sports complex with company membership for staff.
Further details about the role
Further details and an application form are available on the school website ( Please send your letter of application together with a completed application form to Mrs Anita Pullen (Headteacher’s PA) by end of day on Wednesday 5th February.
Wessex MAT will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Wessex MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Wessex MAT recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. The Trust values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. The Trust supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 Wessex MAT welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.
Closing Date: Wednesday 5th February 2025
Commitment to safeguarding
The Thomas Hardye School is committed to Equal Opportunities and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.