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Teacher of Sociology

Salary £35,607-£51,396 dependent on experience
Location Alwoodley Gates, Leeds
Interview Date 12 October 2026
Hours per week Full time or part time

This is a Fixed term, Full time - full year vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.

  • Fixed term
  • Part time or full time (please specify the hours in your supporting statement)
  • Salary £35,607-£51,396 dependent on experience 

 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and inspiring Teacher of Sociology to join our Senior School as soon as possible on a temporary basis. This appointment is required to provide immediate cover and could be offered on either a full-time or part-time basis (please specify the hours in your supporting statement).  

The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge and the confidence to teach Sociology across the full A-level age range. In particular, they must be able to take responsibility for teaching both Year 12 and Year 13 Sociology, supporting pupils to make strong progress and preparing examination classes effectively for their A-level assessments. 

With a genuine enthusiasm for Sociology, you will deliver engaging and intellectually challenging lessons that encourage pupils to think critically about society and engage confidently with sociological ideas, theories and evidence. You will maintain high academic expectations while building positive relationships and providing appropriate challenge and support for individual pupils. 

At GSAL, we value excellent teaching alongside a collaborative and reflective approach to professional practice. You will work closely with departmental colleagues to ensure continuity of learning, make effective use of assessment to support pupil progress, and contribute to the resources and approaches used within the department. 

The ability to teach Psychology would be an advantage, as would the ability to contribute to another subject at Key Stage 3, but neither is essential. We would welcome applications from experienced teachers and strong early career teachers who have the subject knowledge and confidence to teach Sociology through to Year 13. 

A good degree in Sociology or a closely related subject is expected, together with a PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification. 

Given the nature of this temporary appointment, we are looking for someone who can join us promptly, establish positive relationships with pupils and colleagues, and provide high-quality, consistent teaching throughout the period of cover. 

Beyond the classroom, you will play an active role in the pastoral and co-curricular life of GSAL, contributing to the wider experience of our students through activities, events and the wider corporate life of the school. You will be a strong communicator, well organised and able to work positively as part of a team, with a supportive understanding of the ethos of independent education. This is an exciting opportunity to join a school where academic ambition sits alongside a strong commitment to developing confident, curious and well-rounded young people. 

 

Why GSAL? 

GSAL is a warm, friendly and values-led community where colleagues are supported, trusted and encouraged to make a real difference. 

We’re proud to be: 

  • The Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2026
  • Mental Health in Schools Award 2026 
  • Investors in Diversity Silver Award 2026 
  • North Independent School of the Year 2024 
  • Independent School of the Decade 2021 

Our teachers benefit from excellent facilities, motivated pupils, strong professional development and the opportunity to contribute to a rich programme of academic, pastoral and co-curricular activity. 

The school continues to be a friendly, fun and supportive environment with high investment in pupil and colleague wellbeing, while insisting upon and maintaining high expectations.     

‘Be inspired’ is the ethos behind our teaching and learning at GSAL. We nurture all our pupils to make the most of their talents, realise their potential and develop into confident young people ready to rise to any challenge. These values have been at the heart of our school life for over four centuries.    

GSAL provides a high-quality independent education for 2,100 boys and girls between the ages of three and 18. The main school campus at Alwoodley Gates in north Leeds was purpose built for Leeds Grammar School, which relocated in 1997 from the city centre.    

GSAL is academically selective, with consistently excellent A level and GCSE results. After merger, the school introduced the diamond model of teaching, through which boys and girls learn together up to age 11, then in single sex classes between Year 7 and Year 11, and come together again in Sixth Form lessons. Form time and extracurricular activities are mixed throughout. Class sizes are usually between 16 and 24.    

Academic achievement is at the heart of a rounded education at GSAL, which offers our students personal development opportunities and broad experience beyond the classroom. With superb facilities available in school, students can take part in sport, music, drama, scouts, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, debating and much more. We offer an outdoor learning programme and a wide variety of trips at home and abroad. Our lively house system encourages students to get involved and have fun.    

This success can only be achieved with committed, professional and well-qualified colleagues who are focused upon excellence in the classroom and contributions to the wider life of the school. Colleagues have a good degree of autonomy in their teaching, outstanding learning resources and an attractive benefits package. A large school offers opportunities for CPD, career progression and leadership roles in academic, pastoral and extracurricular areas. 

   

Benefits  

We value our colleagues and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:  

  • Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks) 
  • Significant discount on school fees (eligibility applies)
  • Enhanced, generous PPA time, with most meetings held within the school day 
  • Small class sizes with Y7 average being 24 and is even smaller as pupils move through the school 
  • Subsidised childcare during INSET days (ages 3–11) 
  • Defined Contribution pension scheme through Aviva (0% employee contribution, 21% employer contribution, plus 4x salary life insurance)
  • Training and CPD, including at least five INSET days 
  • Three-course colleague lunches for £2.40, plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate 
  • 24/7 online GP access for you and your family via Health Hero 
  • Employee Assistance Programme through Perkbox, including counselling, legal and financial advice
  • Discounts through Perkbox, teacher discounts and Extras 
  • Scenic lunchtime walking routes across the 140-acre site 
  • Onsite gym and swimming pool, plus fitness classes (Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps) 
  • Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme 
  • Free onsite parking 
  • Access to the school’s extensive library facilities 
  • Generous leave of absence scheme 
  • Opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, wellbeing initiatives and community events  

 

How to apply   

If you're passionate about shaping students' educational experiences and contributing to a vibrant learning community, we encourage you to apply. Simply complete the online application form available on our website. Please be prepared to provide copies of any qualifications mentioned in your application.   

More information about the school, role and responsibilities are contained in the job description and person specification attached in the documents section on our website advert. Please note we cannot offer tours or visits due to the high volume of interest. A virtual tour can be found on our website jobs page and a full tour is provided as part of the interviewing process.    

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact vacancies@gsal.org.uk   

 

Application closing date: 08:00 05 October 2026 

Interview date: 12 October 2026 

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