Teacher of Classics

We are looking for an enthusiastic and conscientious classicist to join our friendly and highly successful Classics Department in September 2026. The successful candidate will have a good degree in classical languages and will be able to teach Latin up to at least GCSE level and Classical Civilisation at GCSE and A-Level.

Reasonably priced accommodation adjacent to the school may be available.

This post would suit a recent graduate, a newly qualified teacher, or an experienced teacher seeking a new challenge. At Colfe’s we are proud of our outstanding record for supporting and training teachers new to the profession.

The Colfe’s Classics Department consists of five teachers. Our priorities are to help all students achieve their full potential and to enthuse and inspire our pupils about the classical world. We pride ourselves on our strong team ethos, collaborating closely to constantly review and develop our practice to ensure the best possible student experience.

All our pupils study Latin in Years 7-8; roughly half choose to carry on in Year 9, and around 25-30 subsequently opt for the GCSE each year. GCSE results in recent years have been very strong: in 2025, 82% of our students achieved grade 8 or 9. Students can also study a combined ‘Gratin’ course in Year 9, with the option of continuing their Greek studies off timetable at KS4. The department has recently introduced Classical Civilisation at GCSE, with around 30-40 students choosing the subject each year. There are typically around 10 Latinists and 15 Classical Civilisation students in the Sixth Form at any one time, and the department regularly sends students on to read for degrees in classical subjects, including several Oxbridge offers in recent years. In 2025, 100% of our A-Level Latin and Classical Civilisation students achieved grade A* to B.

Enrichment is a crucial aspect of Colfe’s Classics department: alongside our range of clinics and extension sessions, we want every Colfeian to leave the school with a genuine appreciation of the classical world and treasured memories of their studies with us. We organise a number of internal Classics events and competitions as well as regular excursions including theatre outings, visits to London museums, residentials (e.g. Bath) and overseas trips (e.g. Greece and Italy). Our teachers are passionate about their subject and department members are positively encouraged to draw on their own particular specialisms and areas of interest to inspire the next generation of classicists.

Teachers appointed to Colfe’s are expected to maintain the highest professional standards and to contribute to the extracurricular life of the community. Those who join the School can expect to become part of a caring, purposeful and committed community.

Teaching staff at Colfe’s enjoy a range of benefits including:

Colfe’s highly competitive salary scale
Longer holidays than the maintained sector
Free lunches
Free membership of Colfe’s Leisure Centre
Free on-site parking
Excellent professional development opportunities
Cycle to Work scheme
Annual flu vaccination

Job Description | Candidate Pack

Application procedure

The recruitment process will require all applicants to complete an application form, accompanied by a letter of application, current CV and details of two referees, who will be contacted prior to interview, in accordance with the School’s Safer Recruitment procedures. There will be an interview and lesson observation for short-listed candidates.

The application should be submitted electronically to: recruitment@colfes.com or by post to: Mrs A Ross, Human Resources, Colfe’s School, Horn Park Lane, London SE12 8AW

Applications should be sent as soon as possible and by 9.00 am on Tuesday 21 April. Colfe’s reserves the right to appoint to this post before the closing date if necessary. We therefore strongly recommend an early application.

Colfe’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.