Permanent. Full Time, Monday to Friday

Although this role is advertised as Full time, we would welcome applications from those looking for a part time opportunity. 

Discover Psychology at Harrogate Grammar School HERE

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly effective Teacher of Psychology to join our successful sixth form team, delivering A Level Psychology across Years 12 and 13. Psychology at HGS is a vibrant, intellectually challenging subject that encourages students to explore the human mind, behaviour and the science behind what makes us tick. The ability to teach Sociology would be an advantage.

Following the AQA specification, our curriculum equips students with the critical, analytical and research skills valued by universities and employers. From the very start, students are immersed in the foundations of psychological science, learning how theories are constructed, how hypotheses are developed and how research is designed to test them. These core ideas are woven throughout the course, building confidence and deeper understanding over time.

Teaching in Psychology at HGS is driven by questioning and curiosity. Students are encouraged to ask interesting ‘what if?’ questions in response to experimental findings, challenge accepted ideas and think like psychologists. Lessons bring theory to life through real‑world examples, from spotting psychological concepts in everyday behaviour to exploring familiar quirks such as the limits of memory, our tendency to conform or why people obey authority.

There is a strong emphasis on subject literacy, confident discussion, debate and structured analytical writing, enabling students to communicate complex ideas with clarity. Students design, conduct and report on their own investigations, developing independence, resilience and intellectual curiosity. Through exploring diversity, bias and differing perspectives in psychology, they grow in empathy and understanding, leaving HGS well prepared for further study and life beyond school.

About our School

At Harrogate Grammar School we provide a positive and inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive academically personally and socially. Our dedicated and supportive staff build strong relationships with students families and the wider community creating a culture in which everyone feels valued and empowered. We are committed to high‑quality professional development enabling our staff to continually grow and evolve.

We are proud to be part of the Red Kite Learning Trust whose mission is to nurture ambition deliver excellence and enrich children’s lives through shared values of collaboration integrity and respect. Guided by our vision of ‘Excellence for All’ and our REACH values of Respect Excellence Adventure Commitment and Honesty we foster an ethos of ambition kindness and mutual respect.

Our broad and balanced curriculum is enriched by a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom including music sport debating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award school productions and sustainability initiatives. These experiences help our students develop confidence character and a lifelong love of learning.

Our aim is for every student to enjoy their time at school form lasting friendships and leave us as well‑rounded resilient young people ready to contribute positively to society.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Generous benefits, rewards and discounts: Full details HERE
• Flexible working options: We support work-life balance and are open to exploring suitable arrangements
• Supportive environment: We prioritise respect, equality, diversity, and well-being
• Community culture: Collaboration and generosity are at the heart of our team
• Professional development: We invest in your growth at every stage of your career

For more about Harrogate Grammar School, click the ‘view our careers page’ button.

About You

To be a good fit for this role, you will be:

• An inspiring subject specialist, with strong knowledge of Psychology at A Level and a passion for bringing theory, research and debate to life through engaging and thought‑provoking lessons.
• A curiosity‑driven practitioner, encouraging students to ask ‘what if?’ questions, construct psychological theories, deduce hypotheses and design research to test ideas and conclusions.
• An inclusive and reflective teacher, committed to recognising diversity, challenging bias and helping students understand psychological concepts through real‑world and everyday examples.
• A collaborative team member, contributing positively to a supportive and forward‑thinking department and wider school community while continually developing your own practice through professional learning.

Next Steps

Ready to Apply: If you have all the info you need, click APPLY NOW to start your application.

Let’s Connect: We would love to speak to you to answer any questions you might have about this role or our school. To arrange a convenient time to speak in person, or visit us ahead of applying, please email Jill Todd at hgshr@hgs.rklt.co.uk.

Adjustments: Should you require any adjustments to our recruitment process, please include these within Part Two of our application form under the section ‘Disability and Accessibility’.

Applicant Guidance: Red Kite Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer which welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to promoting diversity and want a workforce which reflects the local population of each of our schools. Our recruitment guidelines and privacy notice for applicants can be found HERE.