Are you an exceptional Social Sciences educator ready to take on a distinctive leadership role in one of the most beautiful and tranquil corners of the UK?
West Somerset College, located in the coastal town of Minehead, is seeking an inspiring Head of Department for Social Sciences. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing team in a truly unique educational environment - nestled between Exmoor National Park and the rugged Somerset coastline.
Salary - Qualified Teachers' Pay Scale + TLR 2C
Package - Employee Rewards scheme - High Street discounts, Staff Wellbeing centre - Discounted on-site gym membership - Free on-site parking - A Trust wide staff wellbeing policy
About the Role
You ll be the driving force behind our delivery of KS5 Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, and Health & Social Care. You ll have the opportunity to teach, innovate, and shape curriculum development across these impactful subjects and developing the next generation of social scientists.
You ll play a key leadership role, not just in the department, but in the wider college - influencing strategy, raising standards, and inspiring young people through exceptional teaching and subject passion.
Why Join Us?
* An Unusual Opportunity: This isn t just another leadership role. You ll shape the future of Social Sciences education while enjoying a rural lifestyle many can only dream of
* Stunning Location: Walk on the beach before school, hike across Exmoor at weekends. Live and work in a place where wellbeing truly matters
* Real Impact: You ll have the autonomy to shape and grow a department with supportive leadership and a clear mission: students come first
* Team Culture: Work with collaborative and passionate colleagues who genuinely care about making a difference
We re Looking For:
* A proven and passionate educator with leadership experience.
* A specialist in at least one of the subjects taught, ideally Psychology or Sociology.
* Someone who thrives in a close-knit, values-driven school culture.
* A visionary leader ready to inspire both students and staff.
What we offer:
* Employee Rewards scheme - High Street discounts, Staff Wellbeing centre
* Discounted on-site gym membership
* Free on-site parking
* A Trust wide staff wellbeing policy
* Personalised professional development supported by an exceptional team within the Academy and driven through The Continual Professional Growth Policy which replaces appraisal and pay progression
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 27th April 2025
For further information about the role or to arrange a site visit with our Headteacher Zoe Stucki, please contact .
We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.
We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 24.4%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.
We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.