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- Tasks: Lead the Religious Studies Department, inspiring critical thinking and ethical inquiry.
- Company: Prestigious independent school in Abingdon known for academic excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of students while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Qualifications: Graduate in Religious Studies or related field with QTS and teaching experience.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and extracurricular opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Start Date: January 2026
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Are you an inspiring and experienced Religious Studies educator ready to lead a dynamic department in one of Abingdon's most prestigious independent schools? We are delighted to offer an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding teacher to become Head of Religious Studies, guiding a department that fosters critical thinking, ethical inquiry, and philosophical exploration.
About the School
This renowned independent school is celebrated for its academic excellence and commitment to intellectual curiosity. The Religious Studies Department plays a central role in promoting open-minded debate and reflection on philosophy, ethics, and world religions. With superb facilities, supportive leadership, and a forward-thinking ethos, this is an ideal environment for a motivated academic leader to make a lasting impact.
Why This Is a Remarkable Leadership Opportunity
- Strategic Leadership: Shape the vision and direction of the Religious Studies Department, ensuring a rich, inclusive, and challenging curriculum.
- Collaborative Innovation: Work closely with colleagues across the Humanities faculty, particularly in Philosophy and History, to promote interdisciplinary learning.
- Academic Excellence: Inspire staff and students alike through outstanding teaching, scholarship, and enrichment opportunities.
- Professional Development: Benefit from a culture that values reflective leadership, continuous improvement, and pedagogical innovation.
Your Role as Head of Religious Studies
- Provide strategic leadership and management for the Religious Studies Department.
- Deliver engaging and intellectually rigorous lessons across Key Stages 3–5.
- Lead curriculum development, ensuring alignment with the school’s academic vision.
- Mentor and support colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
- Promote ethical debate, philosophical inquiry, and interfaith understanding.
- Organise and lead extracurricular activities such as philosophy societies, debate clubs, and visiting speaker programmes.
What We Are Looking For
- A graduate in Religious Studies, Philosophy, or a related discipline, with QTS and substantial teaching experience.
- Proven leadership skills and the ability to inspire both students and colleagues.
- A passion for fostering critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and intellectual curiosity.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
- A forward-thinking educator eager to contribute to the broader life of the school.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished and visionary Religious Studies teacher seeking to lead an ambitious and reflective department, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your leadership experience and educational philosophy.
Head of Religious Studies - Independent School in Abingdon employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Religious Studies - Independent School in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend relevant events, and connect with fellow educators on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its ethos. Familiarise yourself with their curriculum and values, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss your experiences in mentoring colleagues and leading initiatives. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Religious Studies - Independent School in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and educational philosophy. We want to see your passion for Religious Studies and how you can inspire both students and colleagues.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Religious Studies role. We’re looking for evidence of your teaching excellence and leadership capabilities, so make those stand out!
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, share your vision for the Religious Studies Department. How would you promote ethical debate and philosophical inquiry? We love innovative ideas, so don’t hold back on how you’d lead the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and keep everything organised. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key topics of Religious Studies, philosophy, and ethics. Brush up on current debates and trends in education, as well as the specific curriculum your potential school follows. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Think about examples where you’ve inspired colleagues or students, and be ready to share these stories. It’s all about demonstrating that you can lead a dynamic department effectively.
✨Engage with Interdisciplinary Learning
Since collaboration is key, think about how you can work with other departments like Philosophy and History. Be ready to suggest innovative ideas for interdisciplinary projects or activities that could enhance the learning experience for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the school’s vision for the Religious Studies Department or how they support professional development. Asking questions shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
