Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics and Character Development in Wisbech

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) & Character Education to lead a core academic discipline while also shaping the moral and personal development of students across the school. This role is unusual and exciting within the state sector. Religious Education is a valued, core subject at The Wisbech Academy and will be compulsory at GCSE for all students. As the school grows, you will lead the development of a high‐achieving department with genuine whole‐school impact.

Why This Role Is Unique

• RPE will be studied by every student at GCSE, giving the subject a central place in the curriculum.
• As a new and growing school, you will be building the RPE department almost from the ground up.
• You will help define and embed our emerging ethos through the whole‐school Character Curriculum.
• You will contribute directly to the identity and traditions that future students will come to see as integral to The Wisbech Academy experience.

Whole‐School Leadership: Character Education

• Developing and refining The Wisbech Academy Virtues, our guiding framework for character formation.
• Integrating character development into classroom practice across all subjects.
• Working with middle leaders to identify opportunities for ethical reasoning, civic responsibility and reflective thinking.
• Shaping tutor‐time, assemblies and wider enrichment.
• Ensuring character education becomes a visible, lived part of the school's culture.

This is an ideal opportunity for a leader who is passionate about holistic education and wants to influence students' personal formation as well as their academic success. We welcome applications from experienced heads of department and from outstanding practitioners ready for their first leadership role.

Required Profile

• Excellent subject knowledge in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.
• A strong belief in the importance of RPE within a diverse and modern society.
• The ambition and creativity to shape a department in its early stages.
• A compelling vision for whole‐school character education.
• The ability to inspire colleagues, build culture and promote rigorous thinking.
• A reflective practitioner with strong pedagogical understanding and the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others.
• High expectations for all students and a commitment to inclusive practice.

About the Trust

Our Trust was formed more than 25 years ago with a simple and clear mission – to transform educational performance in all of our communities. Working in some of the most challenging contexts, we improve our students' achievements by making long‐term commitments to the community and championing new approaches to improve the life chances for young people. We believe every child deserves the best possible start, giving them a "ticket for life". If you want to use your skills with an organisation committed to making a difference and improving lives, this is the place for you.

Professional Development

Wisbech Academy is part of Brooke Weston Trust, which offers one of the most extensive and well‐structured professional development programmes in the region. Through the Trust's Centre for Professional Development, colleagues benefit from a comprehensive CPD programme across curriculum, safeguarding, behaviour, SEND, leadership development, and governance, as well as high‐quality training delivered by senior leaders and nationally recognised experts.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Main Teacher pay scale or Upper Teacher pay scale + TLR 2B. Hours per week / Weeks per year: 32.5 hours per week / 52 weeks per year. Start date: September 2026.

Key Highlights

• A rare chance to lead a core subject with compulsory GCSE entry.
• Whole‐school strategic leadership of Character Education.
• The opportunity to shape the identity of a new and growing school.
• Play a central role in recruiting, shaping, and mentoring a future team.
• A supportive, innovative and values‐driven senior leadership team.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth and future progression.
• A caring, aspirational and diverse community of staff and students.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 25 days per year, plus bank holidays. An additional 3 days after 5 years' service and the ability to purchase up to 10 days additional leave per year.
• One wellbeing day a year, in addition to your annual leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill‐health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, covering supermarkets, days out, holidays, health and beauty, dining out and more.
• A freshly prepared breakfast and hot or cold lunch each day when you work in one of our Trust schools.
• Payment of professional subscription / membership – if your role requires you to be a member of a professional body, BWT will cover the fees.
• Employee Assistance Programme – a 24‐hour support programme run by Your Care, offering telephone counselling, face‐to‐face and online services.
• Additional health benefits including a health‐care cash plan and access to an online GP.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Ongoing opportunities for training and development and access to the BWT Centre for Professional Development.
• Collaborative and ambitious colleagues with the support of a committed team who work to maintain high standards and expectations.

Additional Information

To find out more about working for our Trust and the benefits available to staff, please check out the BWT Join Us Guide.