Westminster Under School is a friendly and welcoming place to work, with a real sense of community. Staff members quickly become part of the rhythm of life, both inside and outside the classroom. Social events are regular and varied, with plenty of opportunities to socialise outside working hours. All are encouraged to embrace the School’s day-to-day activities, whether that be attending a concert or a sports fixture.

It is a particularly exciting and significant time to be joining Westminster. As part of Westminster Under School and Westminster School’s move to become fully co-educational, girls will be joining the Under School for the first time in 2026, at the 7+ and 11+ entry points, and a brand new pre-prep will open for boys and girls at the 4+ entry point. In 2028, girls will be joining at 13+ at Westminster School.

History at the Under School is taught chronologically throughout the School, from the ancient Egyptians in Year 3 up to Victorian Britain until 1901 in Year 8. There is a strong academic but progressive ethos and at the heart of it is the enjoyment of not just the subject but an overall love of academic endeavour and critical thinking. Each year group has at least one History trip each year, locally or further afield to Europe. History Society takes place regularly at lunchtimes and a majority of the senior part of the School participates in the annual Townsend Warner competition, in which pupils have had considerable success in recent years.

The role
Westminster Under School is looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of History to bring their broad general knowledge into the classroom, excelling in both taught History lessons and the wider extra-curricular nature of History. The role presents a rare opportunity for a historian to lead their department in a school where history runs through its veins, and where pupils brim with enthusiasm for the subject. They will teach History across year groups and contribute to the Department’s development plan, building on an exciting and academically robust curriculum across all Key Stages. In addition, as with all their colleagues, they will be expected to be involved in the wider school including being a Form Tutor, supervision during break and lunch times, getting involved with Games, attending Parents’ Evenings, and accompanying school residential trips.

The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree or equivalent and a teaching qualification. They will have experience of teaching History to pupils in Years 3 to 8 and managing an academic department, having developed and put into practice curricula and schemes of work. The Head of History will be an excellent communicator, who has the ability to motivate and support pupils with their studies, and a strong leadership figure. Organisational and IT skills are integral to the role, as is the ability to manage a team.

This is a full-time, permanent role, with a start date of September 2026.