Job title: Teacher of Theology and Philosophy

Job Type: Full time, fixed term

Salary: £39,823 - £67,155 per annum

Department: Theology and Philosophy Department

Reporting to: Head of Theology and Philosophy

Location: Highgate, North London

Start: 2 November 2026 - 28 May 2027

Closing Date: 16 September 2026 at 8:00 am

An enthusiastic and experienced Teacher of Theology and Philosophy is required for this academically selective, coeducational North London day school to cover a colleague's leave of absence.

The Department

The Department aims to foster an enthusiasm for the study of both disciplines of theology and philosophy, and a spirit of academic ambition and enquiry in asking questions of existence, truth, purpose, value, and the divine. All lessons throughout the curriculum take thinking seriously and aim to provide students with the skills to think independently and critically about the world around them. Our approach to religion is informed by the critical realist approach and aims to develop theological and exegetical skills across the Key Stages. We deliver exciting and challenging lessons which encourage intellectual resilience, humility, and independence of thought among our pupils.

Pupils in Key Stage 3 develop the religious and philosophical literacy necessary for navigating a complex religious and secular world, with an emphasis on practising critical argumentation. Pupils learn about a variety of major world religions, as well as different philosophical schools of thought. Religion and Philosophy is a popular option in Year 10 and 11, with over 100 pupils currently studying the Pearson IGCSE specification. The focus here is on Christianity and Buddhism, alongside a range of philosophical and ethical themes.

In the Sixth Form, pupils can choose to study either Philosophy (AQA) or Theology (OCR) and cohort sizes are healthy in both subjects. In the former, pupils follow courses on Epistemology, Moral Philosophy, Metaphysics of God, and Metaphysics of Mind; in the latter, pupils focus on the Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and the Development of Christian Thought. Over the last three years, pupils have achieved over 90% 8-9 at GCSE level and the equivalent of over 80% A/A* at A Level. Several pupils go on to read a related course at university every year, including at Oxford and Cambridge.

The Department is highly collaborative, with its seven members sharing a common ethos, expertise, and resources; all colleagues volunteer for extra responsibilities as and when necessary. The department is well equipped and resourced with a dedicated office, Microsoft Surface devices for all teachers that wirelessly connect to whiteboards in classrooms, and a departmental library.

The Lyttelton Competition is one of the highlights of my year!

James Newton, Deputy Head (Academic) and Teacher of History

Person Specification

Highgate School seeks to appoint teachers who will have, in addition to the professional qualities outlined below, the following proven personal qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.

• Profound and continuing interest in the academic subject/s to be taught.
• The depth of knowledge and agility of mind to allow flexibility in lessons, adapting delivery as appropriate in the light of pupils' responses.
• Empathy with pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate and the ability to implement a range of teaching strategies to cater for each individual pupil.
• Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils, in line with Highgate's pastoral policies and sanctions system, working in partnership with Highgate's designated staff in charge of pastoral care.
• Ability to create effective rapport and a sound relationship with pupils, earning their respect and trust but maintaining proper professional boundaries by not deliberately courting popularity or friendship.
• Dynamism and enthusiasm to contribute broadly to the life of a busy co-educational independent day school.
• Willingness to contribute to the extensive range of activities provided for pupils and to support them in their co-curricular pursuits.
• Capacity for industry and initiative in both independent work and as part of teams of colleagues in academic work, pastoral care, sports, and co-curricular activities.
• Awareness and understanding of matters relating to the personal, social, health, and emotional development of pupils.
• Willingness and ability to liaise effectively and professionally between pupils, staff, and parents when required, making accurate records of these exchanges.
• Patience and thoughtfulness to see any issues that may arise with pupils, parents, or colleagues from a variety of perspectives.
• The ability to defuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise, and recognition where due, utilizing the School's reward system.
• Retention of a sense of perspective and, on occasion, the invaluable ability to laugh at oneself.