At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Religious Studies department while enhancing student engagement and achievement.
- Company: Join Chessington School, a supportive community focused on excellence in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy modern facilities, career progression, well-being initiatives, and a positive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to raising standards and supporting every child's potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and foster a love for Religious Studies.
- Qualifications: Proven teaching experience and a passion for inspiring students in Religious Studies.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 € per year.
We are seeking to appoint a well-qualified, inspiring and ambitious Head of Religious Studies. This is an excellent opportunity to lead an increasingly popular subject at Chessington School, and to really add value to the Humanities faculty.
You will be an excellent teacher with a proven record of achieving outstanding outcomes for your students. You will have experience of raising achievement and maintaining high expectations for all students, and you will be passionate about your subject. This is a unique opportunity to join a community of staff striving to create a truly great comprehensive school.
Ideal candidates will:
- Love Religious Studies in all its forms and be able to pass this passion on to our students
- Be a leader that can lead strategically and deliver operationally
- Lead by example and be an excellent Religious Studies teacher who inspires and engages within the classroom. Equally, you will provide a wide range of opportunities outside of the classroom
- Have a track record of positive impact on student's progress across the Religious Studies Department
- Possess a strong desire to support and lead part of the Humanities Faculty, and play a key role in raising standards
- Have demonstrable evidence of raising attainment and developing excellence within a team
- Be passionate about developing their own practice and the teaching and learning practice of others
- Communicate effectively to staff, students and parents
- Lead the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and inclusive Religious Studies curriculum which is accessible for all
- Effectively manage and deploy financial and physical resources within the department to support the best outcomes of our students
The successful candidate will:
- Champion all of our young people
- Be passionate about the importance of education for all children
- Refuse to accept that disadvantage or SEND should limit ambition or potential
- Be consistently an outstanding practitioner with a positive work ethic
- Be student centred and progress focused
- Stay solution based
- Be reflective, with a constant drive to improve
- Be a versatile professional who is flexible in their operational and strategic outlook
Why work at Chessington School:
- Our students are wonderful. They love the school, their teachers and learning.
- £30 million state of the art modern facilities in an Ofsted rated 'Good' school
- Fantastic support from line managers and SLT who genuinely want to see you succeed and thrive.
- Excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development in a successful family of schools within the Every Child Every Day Trust.
- A school dedicated to well-being: Increased length of October Half Term, workload reducing feedback strategies, Free gym membership, onsite childcare and more.
Here's what our teachers say:
- "I have been at this school for 9 years and I love it! It gets better and better each year without losing the supportive and caring environment" - Head of Subject
- "I am in my ECT year. The CPD, support and commitment I get has been overwhelming. I made the right choice" - ECT New Teacher
- "This is the best school I have ever worked at" - Deputy Headteacher
The Governing Body are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons and the Headteacher must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS.
We reserve the right to interview sooner should we receive an application from a suitable candidate.
Head of Religious Studies at Chessington School in London employer: Chessington School
Chessington School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment where educators can thrive. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to staff well-being, including generous professional development opportunities and a focus on work-life balance, you will be part of a dedicated team that values every student's potential. Join us in shaping the future of our students while enjoying a fulfilling career in a community that truly cares.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Religious Studies at Chessington School in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Chessington School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Religious Studies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and recent achievements. We want to show that we’re not just passionate about Religious Studies, but also about how it fits into the broader goals of the school. Tailor our answers to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring our teaching philosophy to life during the interview. Share specific examples of how we've raised student achievement in the past. This is our chance to demonstrate our leadership skills and passion for education in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for the Head of Religious Studies position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Religious Studies at Chessington School in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Religious Studies:Make sure to express your love for Religious Studies in your application. We want to see how you can inspire students and share that passion with them, so let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Religious Studies, you'll need to lead by example. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, and how you plan to raise standards within our Humanities Faculty.
Be Specific About Your Achievements:We’re looking for evidence of your impact on student progress. Include specific examples of how you've raised attainment in your previous roles, and any innovative strategies you've implemented to support student learning.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Chessington School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chessington School
✨Show Your Passion for Religious Studies
Make sure to express your love for Religious Studies during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at Chessington School.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed a team or department. Highlight any strategies you've implemented that have led to improved student outcomes, as this will resonate with their focus on raising standards.
✨Engage with the Community
Chessington School values community involvement, so be ready to talk about how you've engaged with parents and the wider community in previous roles. Share ideas on how you can enhance this aspect at the school.
✨Be Solution-Focused
During the interview, showcase your ability to stay solution-based when faced with challenges. Prepare examples of obstacles you've overcome in your teaching career and how you maintained high expectations for all students despite those challenges.