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- Tasks: Lead the Religious Studies and Philosophy department, delivering high-quality teaching and developing engaging curriculum.
- Company: Join Forest School, a thriving independent day school with a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous CPD budget, free lunches, fee remission for children, and subsidised leisure centre membership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while exploring diverse beliefs and philosophies.
- Qualifications: Outstanding subject knowledge and effective teaching strategies required.
- Other info: Strong career growth opportunities in a dynamic and inclusive school community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy to join Forest School, a thriving, oversubscribed and academically selective co‑educational independent day school. The successful applicant will have outstanding subject knowledge and a range of highly effective strategies to enable pupils to make excellent progress.
The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department is currently staffed by six, highly qualified full‑time subject‑specialists who enjoy working collaboratively and discussing issues within the subject as well as their teaching practice, leading to expert teaching. Religious Studies and Philosophy is popular and well respected by the pupils throughout the School. All pupils in Years 7‑9 have three 50‑minute lessons of Religious Studies per fortnight and about 75 pupils every year choose to study it for GCSE. We have four attractive and well‑equipped, designated classrooms in the oldest building, at the heart of the School.
The course for Years 7, 8 and 9 covers aspects of the six world religions, philosophy and ethics, giving pupils an insight into a broad range of issues. The success of our course lies in the fact that it builds on pupils' own interests and questions – particularly as we are a multi‑cultural School and a diverse number of faiths are represented in each class. The department is generously resourced and we are able to try new materials and develop and update courses. Outside lessons, we have a thriving debate club for Years 7‑10 who meet weekly.
At GCSE we study the AQA syllabus with a focus on Christianity and Buddhism. The vast majority of our pupils achieve either a grade 8 or a grade 9 (83 % 8‑9 in 2025 and 97 % 7‑9). A highlight of the course is visiting St Paul's Cathedral and the London Buddhist Centre to see the beliefs and practices in action and to discuss what they have learnt with adherents of each religion. At A Level we offer Edexcel Religious Studies (Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Studies and New Testament Studies) and AQA Philosophy as separate subjects. We have a good uptake in both with one or two classes of each and, every year, pupils leave to read Philosophy or Theology at university. Results are strong with roughly 60 % of pupils receiving A.
Qualifications & Responsibilities
Applicants must have outstanding subject knowledge and a range of highly effective strategies to enable pupils to make excellent progress. Responsibilities will include delivering high‑quality teaching, leading the department, developing curriculum and assessments, and contributing to the wider school community.
Safeguarding
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Benefits
- Generous CPD budget
- Comprehensive Professional Development Review system
- Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme
- Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day
- 20 % fee remission (pro‑rata for part‑time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3‑Y13
- Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre
- Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme
- Contribution towards private medical insurance fees
- Membership of a pension scheme
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so early applications are encouraged. Forest School reserves the right to make appointments at any stage.
Head of Religious Studies in Ilford employer: Forest School
Contact Detail:
Forest School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Religious Studies in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Forest School on LinkedIn. 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
Show off your teaching flair! Prepare a mini-lesson or a discussion topic related to Religious Studies or Philosophy. This will not only demonstrate your subject knowledge but also your engaging teaching style when you get that interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Get involved in the community! Highlight any outreach or extracurricular activities you've led in your previous roles. Forest School loves a candidate who can contribute beyond the classroom, so let’s show them how we can enhance their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Forest School family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Religious Studies in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Subject Knowledge: Make sure to highlight your outstanding subject knowledge in Religious Studies and Philosophy. We want to see how you can engage pupils and help them make excellent progress, so share specific examples of your teaching strategies and successes.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and needs of Forest School. Mention how your experience aligns with our thriving, multicultural environment and how you can contribute to our collaborative department.
Be Creative with Your Teaching Approach: We love innovative teaching methods! Share any creative strategies or resources you've used in the classroom that have made a difference in your students' learning. This could be anything from engaging debates to exciting field trips.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long – we review applications on an ongoing basis!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest School
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
As a Head of Religious Studies, you need to demonstrate outstanding subject knowledge. Brush up on the key concepts of the six world religions, philosophy, and ethics. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage pupils with these topics and how your teaching strategies can help them excel.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Strategies
Think about the effective strategies you've used in the past to enable pupils to make excellent progress. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tailored your lessons to meet diverse learning needs, especially in a multicultural environment like Forest School.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research Forest School’s ethos and values. During the interview, connect your teaching philosophy with their commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the school community.
✨Prepare for Curriculum Development Questions
Expect questions about curriculum development and assessment. Think about how you would approach updating courses and integrating new materials. Be ready to discuss your vision for the Religious Studies and Philosophy Department and how you would lead it to success.
