At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic Philosophy, Religion and Ethics department.
- Company: Dauntsey's, a vibrant school fostering thoughtful dialogue.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, free lunch, and access to sports facilities.
- Why this job: Shape the curriculum and make a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experienced teacher with a passion for philosophy and ethics.
- Other info: Strong examination results and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Dauntsey's is seeking an inspiring and committed Head of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) to lead and develop a vibrant, rigorous and inclusive department. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher to shape the curriculum, drive high standards of teaching and learning, and foster thoughtful, respectful dialogue among students.
This is a full time, permanent position to start in September 2026.
The Department has four members of staff, including the Head of Department, the Deputy Head (Head of the Lower School), the Chaplain, and another full-time member of staff. It is situated centrally in the School and teaches in its own suite of three classrooms. The Department follows a broad-based curriculum in the First to Third Forms (Years 7-9), studying aspects of all six major world faiths as well as introducing students to a wide range of ethical and philosophical issues. The optional GCSE course currently follows the Pearson International GCSE course in Religious Studies. At A-level, we follow the OCR course in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics.
PRE is a popular and well-respected subject at Dauntsey's. Take-up at examination level is good; currently there are 59 students at GCSE and 29 at A-level. Examination results are strong - in summer 94% of grades were at grades 9-7 and 100% achieved A-B at A-level.
Full details of staff benefits specific to each role can be found within the PDF, but below is a summary of just some of the benefits of working with us:
- A competitive salary
- Opportunities for meaningful, personalised professional development and coaching
- Access to a generous contributory pension scheme
- Free lunch provided in the Dining Room when the kitchen is in operation
- Use of the leisure and sports facilities at designated times (which includes a swimming pool and gym)
- Access to activities such as a running club and yoga
- Free on-site parking
- Access to a fully equipped Health Centre on site, staffed with qualified nurses, and access to counsellors, which can help to support staff welfare
The Memorial Hall is one of the largest venues in Wiltshire. Dauntsey's hosts a series of lectures throughout the year, bringing high-profile speakers to address the school and members of the local community. Staff can attend these lectures and invite family or friends.
Candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as you are able. The vacancy may close early if an appointment is made following an interview.
Closing date: 28th January 2026 at 9am. Interviews will be held on 2nd February 2026.
Head of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics in Devizes employer: Dauntsey's School
Contact Detail:
Dauntsey's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics in Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Dauntsey's through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the curriculum and recent developments in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. We want to show that we’re not just passionate about the subject but also ready to lead and innovate within the department.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our responses to common interview questions with a friend or mentor. This will help us articulate our vision for the department clearly and confidently, making a lasting impression on the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Dauntsey's community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics in Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Philosophy, Religion and Ethics shine through. We want to see how you can inspire students and foster engaging discussions in the classroom.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and achievements in teaching PRE. We love seeing how you've shaped curriculums or driven high standards in your previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be personal, share your teaching philosophy, and explain how you plan to lead our department to new heights.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We might start interviewing before the closing date, so get your application in as soon as you can. Head over to our website to submit your application easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dauntsey's School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the curriculum for Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at Dauntsey's. Be ready to discuss how you would shape it and what innovative ideas you could bring to enhance student engagement and learning.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Department, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, fostered collaboration, and driven high standards. Think about how you can inspire your future colleagues and students.
✨Engage in Thoughtful Dialogue
Since the role involves fostering respectful dialogue among students, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to facilitate discussions on sensitive topics. You might want to share strategies you've used to encourage open-mindedness and critical thinking in the classroom.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Dauntsey's values inclusivity, so come armed with examples of how you've created an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Discuss how you plan to ensure that all students feel valued and heard in your department.