Chailey is a thriving, successful school set in rural Sussex, just north of Lewes, and within easy reach of Brighton and Haywards Heath. We are proud of our traditional values and innovative approaches to Teaching and Learning. 

Staff are friendly, dedicated and supportive; our students are happy and proud to be part of the school. We have a very low level of staff turnover because we are kind and supportive to each other.

Staff describe Chailey as “kind, caring, and nurturing” with a strong sense of community. Our recent staff survey highlighted what makes us special:

• A culture of kindness that permeates everything we do
• Supportive, collaborative teams where colleagues feel like family
• Positive relationships with students, creating a calm and respectful atmosphere
• Inclusive and nurturing environment, with exceptional pastoral care
• Broad, enriching education—we’re not an exam factory; we value creativity, trips, and personal development

Chailey is a school where teachers and students can thrive. Of course, working in a school is demanding and all of our staff are hard-working and go above and beyond to support our young people.

Visitors to Chailey School often comment on the calm teaching environment and fantastic relationships between students and teachers.

We had our last Ofsted visit in January 2022 which we were very pleased with.

The Ofsted report contained comments such as:

• ‘This is a kind school. The school’s values of kindness, resilience, independence and creativity permeate everything.’
• ‘Welfare and wellbeing are high priorities in this small rural community school.’
• ‘Pupils are knowledgeable about diversity including Black history and gender equality, sexual orientation and gender identity. Pupils respect different ethnicities and cultures. They value the different contributions that everyone makes.’
• ‘The curriculum is designed well to meet the needs and aspirations of all pupils including the most able.’
• ‘Leaders and governors are ambitious for what pupils can achieve. Parents and guardians speak enthusiastically about the school.’

We believe that this is a very strong foundation from which to aspire to excellence in everything we do.

If you’re looking for a school where professional excellence meets genuine care, join us and help everyone be the best they can be.

Current Vacancies

Head of History

Teacher in charge of History Grade: MPS/UPS TLR 2A

Chailey School is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Teacher in Charge of History to lead and develop our vibrant humanities provision. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator to shape the vision and direction of History across the school, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the past in all students.

Chailey is a very kind school with high standards and a warm and welcoming ethos. Ofsted recently commented that "staff have consistently high expectations of pupils. School routines are very well embedded. Behaviour in lessons and around school is impeccable and consistently calm."

The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge and the ability to motivate and engage learners of all abilities. You will lead on curriculum development, support colleagues within the department, and drive high standards of teaching and learning. A commitment to inclusive education and a belief in every student’s potential are essential.

At Chailey School, we pride ourselves on a supportive and collaborative environment, where staff are valued and professional development is actively encouraged. This role would suit an ambitious teacher looking to take the next step in their career or an experienced middle leader seeking a new challenge.

Join us and play a key role in shaping the historians of the future.

Tues 14^th April 2026 - 9am Informal tour with the Headteacher (email Serena Rodd - srodd@chaileyschool.org to book)

Friday 17^th April 2026 - 9am deadline for applications (applications should be sent to Serena Rodd - srodd@chaileyschool.org)

Friday 24^th April 2026 - interview 

Full application pack and application form below