We are looking to recruit a Head of Humanities. This is an exciting time to join us, and a great opportunity to be involved in the next stage of development of this strong team.
Our recent Ofsted inspection shows we have improved in all areas. Leadership, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing were all graded ‘expected standard’ and we are committed to building on this success. The Ofsted visit in January 2026 found that Smith's Wood Academy is the most improved school in England- after a dramatic and fast paced turnaround.
Key points from the report included that
"Staff know that their wellbeing and professional development matters deeply to leaders: They value the training that they receive and the opportunities that they have to pursue leaderships qualifications. Leaders have ensured that staff and pupils benefit from a happy and collaborative place to learn and work."
"Pupils' increasingly positive behaviour reflects the high expectations that leaders have of them."
"Pupils are calm and happy around the school. The school is a friendly, respectful community where pupils can be themselves. Pupils and staff share warm relationships. Increasingly, more pupils enjoy coming to this inclusive school. They speak positively about the support and care that they receive from staff. Pupils feel safe and well looked after."
Please see link below to the Academy Website and the full Ofsted Report. Smith's Wood Academy – Part of Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. A comprehensive school based in Solihull, West Midlands.
The successful candidate will:
- Set high expectations which motivate and challenge students in a productive learning environment
- Promote good outcomes by students, planning well-structured lessons
- Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge
- Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all students
- Make accurate and productive use of assessment
- Fulfil wider professional responsibilities with high standards of personal and professional conduct
In return we will offer you:
- Access to support and guidance from other subject leaders across the MAT and form subject expertise within the Academy SLT
- Bespoke Continual Professional Development (in the academy and online via the National College)
- Perkbox example benefits;
- Discounts at nationwide retailers
- Gym discount
- Cinema discounts
- Employee assistance programme
- Up to 4 structured counselling sessions per year
- A MAT wide focus on staff well-being
Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as well as providing evidence of qualifications.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020).
This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of[1]offenders-act-1974