At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an outstanding RE department and inspire students in their religious education journey.
- Company: Join a supportive Catholic school with a strong community spirit and commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent CPD opportunities, wellbeing provisions, and a well-resourced teaching environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on human flourishing and professional development.
- Qualifications: Must be a practicing Catholic with proven teaching excellence and leadership potential.
- Other info: Early applications are encouraged; visits to the school are welcomed.
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.
- Childcare vouchers.
- 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, and we actively look 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.
Please submit your application form to:
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.
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Head of Religious Education 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 Religious Education
✨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, as this will resonate with our commitment to raising standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your understanding of the Catholic ethos and how it informs your teaching practice. Being a practicing Catholic is essential for this role, so be prepared to discuss how your faith influences your approach to education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to inspire and lead a team. We value collaboration, so share instances where you've successfully motivated colleagues or students, and how you foster a supportive learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Take advantage of the opportunity to visit our school before applying. This will give you a feel for our community spirit and allow you to ask questions that can help you tailor your application to align with our values and mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Religious Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Religious Education position. Familiarize yourself with the school's ethos, values, and the curriculum they offer.
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 educational standards.
Show Your Commitment: Clearly express your commitment to the Catholic faith and how it influences your teaching and leadership style. Mention any relevant experiences that demonstrate your alignment with the school's mission.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the listing to show that you are a perfect fit for the role and the school community.
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. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and your vision for enhancing the RE curriculum.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to lead and inspire your team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a team or led initiatives in your previous roles.
✨Align with the School's Ethos
Familiarize yourself with the school's mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your personal beliefs and teaching philosophy align with the Catholic ethos of the school.
✨Prepare for Curriculum Discussions
Since the role involves building on an effective curriculum, be prepared to discuss your ideas for curriculum development. Highlight any innovative teaching methods or resources you would bring to the department.