Head of Sociology

Brampton College continues to be one of the best performing sixth form colleges in London and has remained at the top of the Department for Education league tables for over twenty years. 

As a specialist sixth form college, we provide our students with outstanding teaching and a wide variety of A level options, enabling them to choose subjects that appeal to their interests and fit their skills. This leads to an enthusiastic and dedicated group of young people whose confidence and performance flourishes.

We are proud of the college's continuous tradition of academic excellence. The Principal, John Wilson, appointed in 2023, is only the second person to hold this post in the history of the college, which was founded over thirty years ago by Bernard Canetti. The college is family-owned, not part of a group or trust, and staff enjoy a range of attractive benefits. Small class sizes and a high level of student engagement offer a teaching experience you are unlikely to find elsewhere, and the low level of staff turnover makes the college a very stable environment for all who work here. We have exceptional amenities, including four recently refurbished laboratories, a stunning art and photography studio and a supervised library for quiet study. Our team of dedicated teachers, enhanced by a group of specialist support staff, allow us to focus on students as individuals to offer a unique and extremely positive educational experience.

There are approximately 230 students on roll each year across three year groups: AS, A2 and one-year A level students, as well as a small GCSE cohort.

The role of Head of Sociology at Brampton College

We are seeking an exceptional teacher of Sociology to maintain the tradition of excellent achievement in the subject. 

The role provides the opportunity to take the lead in one of the most successful subjects in this high-achieving sixth form college, working with ambitious and motivated students, encouraging them to develop a love of the subject and the skills required to succeed at A level and beyond. We are also looking to appoint a candidate with a strong record of successful pastoral work with students. The ability to teach another science subject, for example, Psychology, may also be an advantage.  

We welcome applications from those for whom this would be their first leadership position as well as current heads of department. We expect the successful candidate to inspire their students and to ensure that we continue to deliver lessons and a Sociology curriculum of the highest calibre. The Head of Department is responsible for promoting high standards of teaching and learning and ensuring that both teachers and students receive appropriate help and support in their work. 

Essential characteristics 

• A high-calibre graduate of Sociology (or related subject); 
• QTS preferred; 
• excellent teaching ability and a strong record of exam results at A-level; 
• excellent pastoral skills ;
• ability to deliver inspiring lessons to A-level students across the ability range; to stretch the most able and support the least; 
• excellent collegial skills and people management skills: the ability to provide clear, effective guidance to colleagues, based on careful planning and sensitivity to the strengths and needs of the individuals; 
• the ability to work with the SLT to enhance the Department’s capacity; 
• commitment to the protection and safeguarding of young people; 
• an enthusiasm and interest in the College’s well-being programme.

The Sociology Department

Sociology at Brampton is an exceptionally strong subject. The current Head of Department, Nicole Kypker is a highly experienced teacher and examiner of the subject, who provides inspirational guidance to her students, who invariably achieve excellent A level results on the AQA specification, with very high percentages of A and A* grades every year. From the last three sets of full public examinations (not including Covid-affected years) 71% of Sociology students achieved A*- B. 

A key element of the Department’s offer is a hugely successful one-year intensive A level, typically taken by students with a year or two of A level experience already behind them. We anticipate that there will be two first-year and two second-year A level groups in September, in addition to the one-year intensive A level students.

The Department is well stocked with online and more traditional resources, which allow for inventive and stimulating lessons, and a regular Sociological Discussion Group meets at lunchtimes to consider a range of topical issues under Nicole’s guidance. Classes are supplemented by regular individual consultations for students who need additional help. Visiting speakers on topics such as knife-crime come to address the students every year, and the Department organises visits to sociological conferences and university open days.

Start Date

Wednesday 14th August 2024, although a September start would be considered.

Remuneration Package

• An attractive remuneration package which compares favourably with the Teachers’ Pay Scale. 
• Annual bonus and generous pension contributions. 
• Substantial remission of fees to staff for any eligible children.

How to Apply

Closing Date for Applications: Monday 15th April 2024

Submitting Your Application: We ask that you complete the Brampton College Application Form, a copy of which can be downloaded from TES.

Applications should be made to the Principal’s PA, Josie Mulkerrin via jmulkerrin@bramptoncollege.com,

no later than 6pm on Monday 15th April 2024. 

For an informal discussion about the post, please feel free to telephone Mike Wheeldon, Vice Principal, on 0208 203 5025 or via email to the Principal’s PA: jmulkerrin@bramptoncollege.com

Interviews: The College may choose to interview prior to the closing deadline, so early applications are strongly encouraged.