Head of Geography - Atlantic Academy Portland

About the role

Head of Geography

Atlantic Academy - Portland, Dorset

Permanent | Full Time | Start as soon as possible

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR

Closing Date: Monday 19th October 2026 9am

Interviews: Week 20th - 23rd October 2026

🌍 Lead. Inspire. Explore. Shape the Future.

Could you inspire the next generation to understand the world - and their place within it?

Atlantic Academy is seeking an ambitious, passionate and inspirational Head of Geography to lead and shape our Geography department.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional Geography teacher ready to take the next step in their career, or an experienced middle leader looking for a fresh challenge in a school where high expectations, excellent teaching and student ambition are at the heart of everything we do.

And what better place to teach Geography?

Set on the stunning Jurassic Coast in Portland, Dorset, Atlantic Academy provides a unique environment in which to bring Geography to life. From coastal processes and climate change to urbanisation, sustainability and global development, the world beyond the classroom is right on our doorstep.

But it is not just our location that makes Atlantic Academy special. We are building a culture of ambition, consistency and success, where staff are supported to thrive and students are challenged to achieve more than they thought possible.

🌎 The Opportunity

As Head of Geography, you will have the opportunity to lead a subject that helps young people make sense of an ever-changing world.

You will:

• Lead and develop an ambitious, engaging and knowledge-rich Geography curriculum across KS3 and KS4

• Inspire students with a love of Geography, place and the wider world

• Build on our strong foundations and develop a clear vision for the future of the department

• Drive excellence in teaching, learning and student outcomes

• Support, coach and develop colleagues within the Geography team

• Promote fieldwork, geographical enquiry and opportunities to apply learning beyond the classroom

• Develop students into confident, curious and critical thinkers

• Champion sustainability, global citizenship and an understanding of the complex challenges facing our planet

• Create a classroom culture where every student is encouraged to question, explore and think deeply

Our vision for Geography is simple: we want students to leave us understanding the world better than when they arrived - and feeling empowered to shape it.

🧭 What You'll Bring

We are looking for someone who is:

• An excellent and enthusiastic classroom practitioner with a genuine passion for Geography

• Ready to lead a department with energy, ambition and purpose

• Creative, reflective and committed to developing an outstanding Geography curriculum

• A strong communicator and collaborative colleague

• An inspiring leader who can motivate others and bring people with them

• Committed to high expectations and inclusive excellence

• Solutions-focused, resilient and optimistic

• Passionate about fieldwork, geographical enquiry and helping students understand the world around them

• Determined to ensure that every student can succeed, regardless of background or starting point

Most importantly, you will believe that Geography is more than a subject. It is a way of understanding people, places, environments and the challenges that will shape our future.

Further Information

🌊 Why Atlantic Academy?

Location matters.

At Atlantic Academy, Geography isn't something that simply happens inside four walls. We are surrounded by opportunities to bring the subject to life - from the spectacular Jurassic Coast to the communities, landscapes and environments of Dorset.

Ambition matters too.

We believe in creating a culture where students are challenged, supported and inspired to achieve their very best. We also want our staff to thrive. You will join a school where professional development, collaboration and wellbeing are taken seriously.

This is an opportunity to put your stamp on Geography, develop your leadership experience and play a significant role in shaping the educational experience of our students.

⭐ Why join us?

At Atlantic Academy you will benefit from:

• Disruption-free classrooms with high SLT visibility throughout the day

• A supportive and collaborative Geography department

• Opportunities to develop fieldwork and curriculum innovation

• A visualiser and mini iPad in every classroom

• Research-led CPD delivered fortnightly

• A strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional growth

• A free on-site fitness suite

• On-site parking

• Genuine opportunities for career progression within the Trust

🌍 Ready to make your mark?

Come and join Atlantic Academy and help us inspire a generation of geographers, explorers, thinkers and future leaders.

The world is waiting. Help our students understand it - and shape what comes next.

About Us

About us

Atlantic Academy Portland is an all-through academy that has transformed opportunities for young people across the island over the past five years.

We are proud members of the Aspirations Academies Trust, working collaboratively across the South Coast and South West region.

Ready to join the journey?

For further information, please contact:

Mr Andy Clark- Assistant Principal

aclark@atlantic-aspirations.org

01305 820262

Safeguarding & Equality

The Aspirations Academies Trust (AAT) requires all prospective employees appointed to work in its academies and/or whose role will involve the undertaking of regulated activity to submit an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate prior to taking up appointment. Applicants are required, before appointment, to disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 by SI 2013 1198). Disclosure of a criminal background does not automatically debar individuals from employment - consideration will be given to relevant factors, including the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.

If you have not heard by Friday 23rd October 2026, unfortunately you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.