Head of Religious Studies in London

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.

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.

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.

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.