Teacher of History

We are looking to recruit an exceptional Teacher of History, for a one year temporary contract to cover maternity leave. You will join our outstanding sixth form team — where innovation, ambition, and student success powers everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity to make a profound difference working with a team of like-minded professionals in a department that values both academic rigour and historical curiosity.

At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we don’t just deliver History courses — we nurture tomorrow’s historians, legal professionals, researchers, and cultural leaders. With a thriving sixth form and a national reputation for academic excellence, this is your opportunity to lead our students through the complexities of the AQA A Level specification and shape the future of historical inquiry in an outstanding setting.

What makes this role exciting?

• Deliver a dynamic AQA curriculum: Lead the exploration of transformative historical periods, ensuring students master the Breadth Study (Component 1) and the Depth Study (Component 2), while developing the high-level analytical skills required by the AQA specification.
• Inspire the next generation of thinkers: Challenge highly motivated learners who are passionate about understanding the roots of modern society, the mechanics of power, and the voices of the past.
• Bridge narrative and analysis: Lead outstanding teaching that moves beyond simple storytelling to engage with complex historiography, conflicting interpretations, and the interrogation of primary source evidence.
• Mentor independent research: Take a lead role in guiding students through their Historical Investigation (NEA), helping them develop the academic independence and rigorous referencing skills essential for transition to Russell Group universities.
• Champion historical engagement: Be part of a Faculty that celebrates active inquiry and enrichment—from hosting guest academic speakers and debating historical controversies to visiting national archives and local heritage sites.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an outstanding A Level practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes in AQA History (we also welcome applications from ambitious ECTs ready for their first specialist post).
• Possesses deep subject expertise, with the ability to explain complex socio-political concepts and historical shifts with clarity, nuance, and enthusiasm.
• Brings a passion for historical discourse that motivates learners to engage with diverse perspectives and develop their own evidence-based, sophisticated arguments.
• Is committed to collaborative, evidence-informed teaching, working within the Human Sciences Faculty to trial new strategies for extended writing, source evaluation, and retrieval practice.
• Understands how to build student confidence, preparing them for high-level progression into Law, History, PPE, Journalism, and other competitive degree pathways.

Why choose us?

• Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation. 
• We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
• Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
• Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.

Join Durham Sixth Form Centre as a Teacher of History. Inspire the next generation of historians, researchers, and legal professionals in a high-performing, outstanding sixth form. Lead our students through the rigours of the AQA A Level and empower them to engage with the complexities of the past to better understand the future. We are located in the heart of Durham, just 20 minutes from Sunderland and 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.