At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the RE & Citizenship curriculum, ensuring high-quality teaching and student progress.
- Company: Join Maiden Erlegh School, a vibrant and ambitious secondary school in Reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborate with a supportive team and contribute to whole-school improvement.
- Why this job: Shape an inclusive curriculum and inspire students to achieve their full potential.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and strong subject knowledge in RE & Citizenship required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is seeking to appoint an ambitious, knowledgeable and inspirational Head of RE & Citizenship to lead and develop this important curriculum area within our school. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher or existing middle leader to provide strategic and operational leadership across RE & Citizenship, securing high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, while ensuring all students make strong progress from their starting points. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping an inclusive, aspirational and engaging curriculum that supports excellent outcomes for all learners.
As Head of RE & Citizenship, you will lead the development of a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum that inspires curiosity, critical thinking and meaningful discussion. You will support and develop colleagues within the department, drive improvements in teaching and learning, and ensure assessment is used effectively to secure strong student progress and attainment. You will promote a culture of high expectations, positive behaviour and inclusion, ensuring that all students, including disadvantaged students and those with SEND, are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to whole-school improvement and collaborate across Maiden Erlegh Trust, sharing effective practice and supporting professional growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development of RE & Citizenship across the school
- Develop and implement high-quality schemes of work, curriculum plans and resources
- Model and promote excellent classroom practice across the department
- Monitor teaching, learning and assessment to drive continuous improvement
- Analyse student performance data and implement effective interventions
- Support and develop colleagues through coaching, mentoring and professional dialogue
- Promote high standards of behaviour, attendance and student engagement
- Ensure inclusive provision that supports the needs of all learners
- Contribute positively to whole-school and Trust improvement priorities
- Provide enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities to deepen student engagement and subject understanding
Ideal Candidate
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent teaching qualification
- Has strong subject knowledge in RE & Citizenship
- Has the ability to lead, motivate and develop colleagues effectively
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of curriculum development and assessment
- Has high expectations for student achievement and behaviour
- Is committed to inclusive practice and supporting the wellbeing of all students
- Works collaboratively and positively as part of a wider team
- Shares the values and ethos of Maiden Erlegh Trust
Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust
- Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
- Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service
- ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event
- Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
- Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles
- Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
- Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes
- Mental Health First Aid Support
- Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET
- Employee Referral Scheme
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Head of RE & Citizenship employer: Maiden Erlegh School in Reading
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises staff wellbeing alongside high-quality education. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and a culture that values staff voice, this role offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic curriculum while contributing to the growth of both students and colleagues within a vibrant community. Join us in shaping an engaging educational experience that inspires curiosity and critical thinking among our diverse student body.
Contact Details:
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of RE & Citizenship
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who might know someone at Maiden Erlegh School. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the school culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the school’s ethos. Tailor your examples to highlight how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership style! We want to see how you inspire and develop others. Share specific examples of how you've supported colleagues or improved teaching practices in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Maiden Erlegh Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of RE & Citizenship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for RE & Citizenship shine through! We want to see how much you care about inspiring students and shaping their understanding of the world.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in curriculum development and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate how their background aligns with our vision for high-quality teaching and learning.
Be Specific:Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements and how you've driven improvements in teaching and learning. This helps us see the impact you've made and how you can contribute to our school.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your skills in the best light.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh School in Reading
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in RE & Citizenship. Familiarise yourself with the current curriculum and think about how you can enhance it. Be ready to discuss specific strategies for developing high-quality schemes of work that inspire curiosity and critical thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about how you’ve motivated colleagues, driven improvements in teaching, and supported professional growth. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of high expectations and inclusion.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you analyse student performance data and implement effective interventions. Share specific examples of how you’ve used data to drive continuous improvement and ensure strong student progress and attainment.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Community
Discuss your experience working collaboratively within a team and across departments. Mention how you can contribute positively to whole-school improvement and share effective practices with colleagues. Show that you value staff voice and wellbeing as part of the school community.
