Lead Practitioner for Geography
Thomas Bennett Community College
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 or January 2027
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2B
Join a Leading Trust in Education
Thomas Bennett Community College is proud to be part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), one of the largest and most established multi-academy trusts in the country. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust, colleagues benefit from access to a wide network of professional support, collaboration, and development opportunities across a family of schools committed to excellence in education. The Trust is dedicated to investing in its people, providing high-quality training, career progression opportunities, and a strong culture of teamwork and innovation. Joining Thomas Bennett means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that values inclusion, ambition, and continuous improvement, where staff are empowered to make a real difference to the lives of young people.
About Thomas Bennett Community College
Thomas Bennett Community College is a welcoming and ambitious 11–18 secondary school at the heart of the Crawley community, serving families across the town and the wider West Sussex area. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust, the school combines a strong community ethos with the advantages of a wider network of collaboration and support. With more than 1,200 students, including a thriving sixth form, it provides an inclusive and supportive environment where young people are encouraged to achieve their full potential. The school is committed to delivering a high-quality education through a broad and engaging curriculum across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, supported by modern facilities and dedicated colleagues. Strong relationships with parents, local organisations, and the wider community underpin the school’s work, while students are encouraged to demonstrate aspiration, resilience, respect, and pride in both their achievements and their community.
The Role of the Lead Practitioner for Geography:
The Lead Practitioner for Geography will play a key role in driving excellence in teaching and learning across the Geography department and the wider school. The post holder will model outstanding classroom practice, support curriculum development, and contribute strategically to raising standards and outcomes for all students, particularly at Key Stage Four. The role includes leadership of Key Stage Four, ensuring high-quality provision, consistency of practice, and strong student progress. The Lead Practitioner will also oversee assessment tracking processes within the department, using data effectively to inform intervention, curriculum planning, and teaching strategies.
What We’re Looking For:
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An outstanding Geography practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes across KS3 and KS4 (KS5 desirable).
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A passionate subject specialist with strong curriculum knowledge and a commitment to evidence-informed teaching.
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An inspirational leader who can model exceptional classroom practice and drive high standards across the department.
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Experience of coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues to improve teaching and learning.
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A strategic thinker with the ability to lead on curriculum development, intervention and whole-school improvement priorities.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, influence and build strong professional relationships.
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A reflective and ambitious professional committed to inclusion, continuous improvement and fostering a love of Geography.
As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, our colleagues enjoy:
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Access to a wide range of resources, training, and best practice across the Trust
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Supportive, forward-thinking leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
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Generous Pension Scheme: Significant employer contributions to support your long-term financial wellbeing
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Wellbeing Support: Access to a wellbeing app and an expert-led Eight-Week Mindfulness Programme
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Family Friendly Leave: Policies designed to support work-life balance and caring responsibilities
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Tailored CPD: Ongoing professional development to support your teaching practice and career progression
To find out more, visit our website here or contact the school office on 01293 526255 or
[email protected]
Our Commitment
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Flexible working
We recognise the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. We promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.
Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
At Kemnal, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.
Access to interview
Be Who You Are at Kemnal - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.
