At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an outstanding RE department and inspire students and staff.
- Company: Join a Catholic school with a strong community spirit and commitment to education.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent CPD opportunities, wellbeing provisions, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on human flourishing and student success.
- Qualifications: Must be a practicing Catholic with proven teaching excellence and leadership potential.
- Other info: Visits to the school are encouraged; early applications are advised.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We seek to appoint for September 2025, a practising Catholic who is a dynamic and inspirational Head of Religious Education (RE) to lead an ‘outstanding’ RE Department (Section 48 inspection January 2020).
As a Catholic school, RE is a Core department; all pupils study RE at KS3, KS4 (GCSE AQA Spec B), KS5 (all pupils study Core RE) and we offer Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies. We welcome applications from candidates currently in similar roles or aspiring Middle and Senior Leaders. The successful candidate will benefit from the support and line management of the Headteacher.
Our candidate will be:
- A practicing Catholic (The Head of the RE Department is a reserved role in a Catholic school).
- An outstanding classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellent results and a compelling vision for improvement.
- Committed to working in pursuit of success for pupils and raising standards.
- A team player, able to lead and inspire colleagues and pupils alike.
- Capable of teaching to A-level.
- Sympathetic to the aims, ethos, and values of the school.
- Able to build on a highly effective curriculum.
What we offer you:
- Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and develop, including Middle Leader training and aspiring SLT programme.
- An Ofsted rated ‘good’ school.
- A section 48 rated ‘outstanding’ school.
- Well-resourced RE teaching base.
- A number of wellbeing provisions, including a paid wellbeing day.
A strong community spirit; staff who are very supportive towards each other with great camaraderie existing throughout the school.
Strong links with other RE departments across the Diocese working in a supportive partnership.
Our leadership team is committed to the professional and personal development of our teachers, actively looking for ways to ensure that work-life balance is a reality.
The successful applicant will be joining a highly organised, committed, energetic, and well-equipped department in a school that has the development of all our members, staff, and pupils alike, at the heart of our mission.
If you are an enthusiastic, creative, well-organised professional who wants to develop your craft in a school where human flourishing is at the heart of what we do, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are encouraged – please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Ms Rock at to arrange.
Application deadline: Friday 11 February 2025.
We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date, so early application is advised. The school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. This advert may be closed at any time.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: HoG-Feb 2025.
- CVs will be considered as additional information to support a fully completed application form.
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Head of Geography employer: St James' Catholic High School
Contact Detail:
St James' Catholic High School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Geography
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in leading a Religious Education department. Share specific examples of how you've improved student outcomes and engaged with the curriculum.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your commitment to the Catholic ethos of the school. Be prepared to discuss how your faith influences your teaching and leadership style.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members if possible. This can give you insights into the school's culture and values, which you can reference during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting the school before applying. Engaging with the community and understanding the environment will help you tailor your approach and show your genuine interest.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Geography
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Geography position. Familiarize yourself with the school's ethos, values, and the importance of Religious Education within the curriculum.
Highlight Your Experience: In your application, emphasize your experience as a classroom practitioner and any leadership roles you've held. Provide specific examples of how you've achieved excellent results and improved standards in your previous positions.
Demonstrate Your Commitment: Clearly express your commitment to the Catholic faith and how it influences your teaching and leadership style. Mention any relevant experiences that showcase your alignment with the school's mission and values.
Prepare for Interviews: Since the school may conduct interviews before the closing date, prepare thoroughly. Be ready to discuss your vision for the RE department, your approach to team leadership, and how you plan to contribute to the school's community spirit.
How to prepare for a job interview at St James' Catholic High School
✨Show Your Passion for Religious Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for teaching Religious Education and how it aligns with your personal values as a practicing Catholic. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams or departments, especially in an educational setting. Discuss how you have motivated colleagues and improved student outcomes through collaborative efforts.
✨Align with the School's Ethos
Familiarize yourself with the school's mission and values. During the interview, articulate how your teaching philosophy and approach to education resonate with their commitment to human flourishing and community spirit.
✨Prepare for Curriculum Discussions
Be ready to discuss your vision for the RE curriculum and how you would build on the existing framework. Consider innovative teaching methods and resources that could enhance student engagement and learning.