Job Description

The Oratory invites applications for a passionate Head of Geography. The role is full-time from January 2026 or April 2026.

Teaching at The Oratory is an opportunity to inspire, challenge, and nurture young minds within a unique and vibrant educational setting. We expect our teachers to be passionate about their subject, dedicated to delivering high-quality lessons, and committed to the all-round development of our pupils. Our teachers play an active role in fostering the supportive family atmosphere that underpins our school, helping pupils grow into confident, self-expressive, and resilient individuals with a strong sense of purpose and joy in learning.

In return, we offer a rewarding and fulfilling environment where teachers are valued as part of our close-knit community. With small class sizes, exceptional pastoral care, and a focus on professional development, The Oratory provides the resources and encouragement to excel in your teaching career. Join us in our mission to prepare young people not just for exams, but for life - equipped with the knowledge, character, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Geography Department at The Oratory currently has three members of staff and is one of the busiest departments in the school. Examination results are good, and students have gone on to read Geography and other related subjects at Russell Group universities, including Cambridge, in recent years.

All pupils in Years 7 - 9 study Geography and they are taught in mixed ability groups for two periods per week. At GCSE, Geography is an optional subject and we follow the AQA GCSE specification. At present there are two groups in Year 10 and two groups in Year 11, which are taught for three periods per week. At A-level there are three groups across years 12 and 13 and each group is taught the AQA GCE specification for seven periods per week.

Fieldwork is an essential part of Geography at The Oratory, and fieldwork days now take place for the majority of year groups. There have been visits to Iceland undertaken by the department for GCSE age pupils, and Human and Physical focused visits to Studland Bay on the South Coast, and Portsmouth. The department's A Level fieldwork locations currently include study on the South Coast and in Henley-on-Thames, Gower, and South Wales.

SAFEGUARDING

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.

The following duties will be deemed to be included in the duties which you may be required to perform:

child protection, discipline, health and safety. promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should complete the school's application form and send together with a covering letter in PDF format to recruitment@oratory.co.uk

The closing date for applications is

16 November 2025

with Interviews taking place soon thereafter. Early applications are encouraged.

The interview process will include:

Interviews with the Head, Second Master and Assistant Head (Director of Studies) Lesson observation. Tour of the school.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications or if we find a suitable candidate from early applications.

Please send postal applications together with a covering letter to:

Human Resources Department, The Oratory School, Woodcote, Oxfordshire, RG8 0PJ

For any queries, please email recruitment@oratory.co.uk

The Oratory Schools Association Registered Charity No. 309112 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exception Order 1975,2013,2020.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person