Head of Psychology

Head of Psychology – Part Time 0.6
APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK

WELCOMING

open minds
and open hearts

THANK YOU FOR
YOUR INTEREST
in working with us at
St James Senior Boys’ School.

Whether you are applying to join our teaching or support
staff, you will discover that St James is a highly distinctive
school with a unique ethos that combines both Mindfulness
and Philosophy. Working at St James is more than just a job:
it is very much a lifestyle choice, but one which allows all
members of our community to flourish.

The holistic ethos that addresses the need of head, hand and
heart applies equally to both pupils and all staff who work at
the school. Just as we encourage the boys in our care to learn
and challenge themselves, we expect our staff to embrace a
growth mindset in discovering opportunities to grow and
extend themselves, for example in embarking on the .B
Mindfulness in Schools programme, participating in Staff
Yoga or open water swimming in our lake, to name but a few.

Our boys are an absolute delight to teach and to get to know.
We believe in the unlimited potential of all human beings,
and we provide an environment to help our young men
flourish. Our pupils work collaboratively with their teachers
to gain insight into both their academic subjects and to
themselves. The magic that happens in the classroom at St
James is built on strong relationships, and we expect our
staff to build excellent relationships with all pupils.

Professional development for all staff is strongly encouraged,
with a programme of training offered and the financing of
further qualifications. Leadership opportunities arise all the
time, so we are looking for staff who are ambitious and
thoroughly committed to their professional development.

I hope that you will consider St James for the next step in
your career. I look forward to welcoming you to the school
so that you can experience the ethos and atmosphere that is

Rick Clarke
Head

ST JAMES SCHOOLS
welcomes open minds and open hearts

Founded in 1975 by philosophically-inclined parents, our three
independent day schools offer a distinctive approach to education
which provides for the intellectual, emotional and spiritual
development of every child; they aim to provide an environment in
which a child can discover all that is best within their own nature.

We actively support our pupils’ emotional wellbeing, focusing on
mindfulness and fostering a positive school atmosphere built on
mutual respect, trust and kindness.

Our schools enjoy enviable locations in London and Surrey: our
Nursery, Preparatory School and Senior Girls’ School are close to
Hammersmith  and  High  Street  Kensington,  while  St  James
Senior Boys’ School occupies a stunning 33-acre site in Ashford,
in leafy Surrey, with transport services from London.

The School is committed to
providing a comprehensive range
of non-contractual benefits
Meal: Lunch will be provided on your working days in the on-site
refectory during School term time.

Discounts: All permanent members of staff who have passed their
probationary period may be eligible for School fees discounts.
Any discount agreed ends when your employment terminates for
whatever reason.

Christmas Closure: All support staff contracted to work during
School holidays will receive paid leave during the Christmas period
when all School sites are closed. This is in addition to the annual
contractual holiday entitlement.

School of Philosophy and Economic Science membership:
The Schools will cover the cost of membership fees for the employee
to the School of Philosophy and Economic Science.

Life Assurance: All permanent members of staff are covered by life
assurance. It is designed to help your dependants in the unfortunate
event of your death while employed by us.

JOB TITLE
Head of Psychology

LOCATION
Ashford, Surrey

LINE MANAGER
Head of Faculty

CONTRACT TYPE
Part Time 0.6 with the
Possibility of additional 0.3 which will be
discussed at interview

After  celebrating  the  significant  milestone  of  50  years  delivering  education  in  2025,  St  James  Schools  are
entering into an exciting phase of development.  We invite applications for the role of Psychology Teacher at
our Ashford campus. We will be welcoming both boys and girls into Year 7 and Year 12 from September 2027.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and
expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This  is  in  addition  to  the  roles  and  responsibilities  described  in  the  generic  job  description  for
teachers.

To support the Head in sustaining the essential  vision  of  the
School  through:

•

Sustaining and improving the quality of education offered to pupils by promoting the highest
possible standards and an environment which is conducive to excellence;

•  Upholding the principles and ethos of the school;

•  Encouraging and promoting excellence in spiritual, moral, social and pastoral development by
fostering a strong and positive community spirit in line with the principles of the school.

•  Commitment to personal and professional development.

Specific Responsibilities as
Head of Psychology

St James Senior Boys’ School is looking for a qualified, committed and inspiring
teacher  who  is  prepared  to  play  a  part  in  the  teaching  and  promotion  of
Psychology  within  the  school.  The  candidate  will  be  required  to  teach
Psychology to the Sixth Form. We follow the AQA courses for A Level. In
addition to enthusiasm for the subject, the successful candidate will:

•  Have the ability to offer imaginative and well-structured lessons across the

age and ability range.

•  Work  co-operatively  with  colleagues  and  Head  of  Faculty  to  improve

outcomes for all students.

•  Evaluate results in public examinations, working closely with the Head of

Faculty to feed back to the Deputy Head.

•  Work with the Head of Faculty on raising the profile of the subject.

•  Develop  schemes  of  work  within  the  framework  of  the  School  and  the
requirements  of  examination  boards,  working  collaboratively  with  the
Examination Officers’ team.

•  Ensure lesson schemes and content are relevant, focused on outcomes and

up to date.

•   Review awarding bodies syllabuses and discuss most appropriate models for

the school with Head of Faculty.

•  Contribute to the development of engaging departmental resources.

•  Stay abreast of developments within the sector to ensure learning is relevant,

focused, and accessible.

•  Deliver the A Level Psychology syllabus

•  Support team members in maintaining discipline & behaviour standards.

•  Monitor and record students’ progress in accordance with departmental and

school policies.

•  Devise & implement interventions quickly so that learners do not lose time,

confidence & momentum.

•  Keep an oversight of the work and progress of pupils, especially those who
demonstrate potential or have specific learning needs (SEN, AIM, EAL) in
line with policies.

•  Lead the subject across year groups and abilities.

•  Attend and contribute to regular faculty and departmental meetings.

•  Be keen to develop themselves through INSET and CPD programmes.

•  Be active in exploring innovative ways of using iPads through Psychology and

in promoting independent learning.

•  Make  themselves  available  to  assist  students  outside  of  lesson  time  and  be

willing to contribute to Psychology clinics, UKMT preparation etc.

•  Review and analyse own teaching performance, working closely with the other

members of the department.

•  Get involved in and organise extra-curricular or after school activities.

•  Foster strong, professional links with parents.

•  Ensure effective teaching, professional vision and knowledge.

•  Liaise with the Examinations Officer and ensure exam entries for A Level are

submitted in line with the Exam Boards.

•  Work with the IT Department in assisting with teaching and learning.

•  Take part in the school’s professional review process.

•  Desirable  –  to  be  able  to  teach  Humanities,  such  as  History,  Politics  or

Business.

•  You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as the

Head requires from time to time.

Line Management Responsibilities

•  To manage other teaching staff as and when appropriate.

Person Specification – Head of Psychology
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all
staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Qualifications

Experience

Essential
These are qualities without which the applicant could not be
appointed
• Good honours degree in related field
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), PGCE or equivalent
• Any other related qualification e.g. Masters
• Excellent examination results achieved by pupils taught
• Positive working relationships with colleagues and parent body
• Experience of planning, creating and delivery schemes of work
• Experience  of leading initiatives and measuring impact
• Experience with or willingness to lead extra curricular activities or

clubs

Method of Assessment

Production of the applicant’s certificates

Contents of the Application Form

Interview

Professional references

Skills

• Ability to teach own subject to A Level to pupils of all abilities

Contents of the Application Form

and possibly teach Sociology and Business Studies for GCSE or
A Level

Interview

Knowledge

Personal
competencies
and qualities

Professional references

Contents of the Application Form

Interview

Professional references

Contents of the Application Form

Interview

Professional references

• Effective time management
• Excellent organisational  skills
• Ability to motivate young people
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to a range of

audiences

• Ability to make and keep excellent written records
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to command the

respect of pupils, colleagues and parents

• Ability to work with a range of professionals, both within and

outside of the school.

• Willingness to share expertise, knowledge and skills
• Excellent ICT skills, Office 365 products and/or Apple
• Good presentation skills with the ability to enthuse and

motivate others

• Mastery of content of the A Level syllabus
• Up to date knowledge of educational developments and

evidence based best practice for your subject

• Experience of teaching Business Studies (Desirable)
• Flexibility
• Good sense of humour
• Motivation to work with children and young people
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and

personal boundaries with children and young people

• Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Dependability  and  good  time-keeping
• Ability to take responsibility and show initiative
• Loyalty, personal integrity, discretion and an ability to maintain

confidentiality

• Sensitivity, understanding and experience in responding to the

challenges of adolescence

• Sound judgement in dealing with parents, teachers and pupils
• Ability to deal with challenging issues with clarity of purpose

and diplomacy

• Approachable and empathetic
• Commitment to the ethos of the School, including it’s pastoral and

co-curricular programme

HOW TO APPLY

St James Schools does not accept curriculum vitaes, so please submit your online application form by clicking
Quick Apply on the TES or email the completed St James Schools application form to l.canderton@stjamesboys.co.uk

Closing date

Friday 20th March 2026 at 9.00am

Location

Ashford, Surrey

Interview date

Interviews will be arranged directly with shortlisted
candidates. The School reserves the right to offer the
post at any stage in the appointment process.

Transport  links
by bus:
Bus 216: Kingston – Staines
Bus 555: Hersham – Heathrow
Bus 203: Hounslow – Staines via Ashford
by car:
Ashford can be reached from the M25 (junction 13),
the M3 (junction 1) and the M4 (junction 3).
We have plenty of parking on site.
by train:
The service is quick and efficient, to and from
London and surrounding areas. Ashford station is
only a 3 -5 minute walk from the school. To check
local travel times, enter your journey into the
National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner.

Church  Road,  Ashford  TW15  3DZ

Tel:  01784 266 930

stjamesboys.co.uk

St James Senior Boys School is the trading name of the Independent Educational Association Limited. Registered Office: Earsby Street, London W14 8SH. Registered in England 1222329. Registered Charity No. 270156.