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- Tasks: Lead an outstanding RE department and inspire students and staff.
- Company: A supportive Catholic school with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Excellent CPD opportunities, wellbeing provisions, and free gym access.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Practising Catholic with proven teaching excellence and leadership potential.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We seek to appoint for September 2026, a practising Catholic who is a dynamic and an inspirational Head of Religious Education (RE) to lead an 'outstanding' RE Department (Section 48 inspection January 2020). As a Catholic school, RE is a Core department; all pupils study RE at KS3, KS4 (GCSE AQA Spec B), KS5 (all pupils study Core RE) and we offer Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies. We welcome applications from candidates currently in similar roles or aspiring Middle and Senior Leaders. The successful candidate will benefit from the support and line management of the Headteacher.
Our ideal candidate will be:
- A practicing Catholic (The Head of the RE Department is a reserved role in a Catholic school).
- An outstanding classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellent results and a compelling vision for improvement.
- Committed to working in pursuit of success for pupils and of raising standards.
- A team player, able to lead and inspire colleagues and pupils alike.
- Ability to teach to A-level.
- Sympathetic to the aims, ethos and values of the school.
- Able to build on a highly effective curriculum.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
The successful candidate will lead an RE department and contribute to school-wide leadership. They should be an outstanding classroom practitioner with a track record of improving outcomes, and be committed to raising standards for all pupils. The role includes leadership responsibilities suitable for a Middle or Senior Leader in a Catholic school context, with the option to work under the guidance of the Headteacher.
Benefits and What We Offer
- Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and develop, including Middle Leader training and aspiring SLT programme.
- An Ofsted rated 'good' school.
- A section 48 rated 'outstanding' school.
- Well-resourced RE teaching base.
- A number of wellbeing provisions, including a paid wellbeing day.
- Free access to the school gym.
- Free and secure staff parking on the school site.
- A strong community spirit; staff who are very supportive towards each other with a great camaraderie existing throughout the school.
The successful applicant will be joining a school that has the development of all our members, staff and pupils alike, at the heart of our mission. Our leadership team is committed to the professional and personal development of our teachers, and we actively look for ways to make sure that work-life balance is a reality. The successful applicant will be joining a highly organised, committed, energetic and well-equipped department in a school that has the development of all our members, staff and pupils alike, at the heart of our mission.
If you are an enthusiastic, creative, well-organised professional who wants to develop your craft in a school where human flourishing is at the heart of what we do, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are encouraged - please contact the Headteacher's PA, Ms Rock to arrange.
Please submit your application form to: Application deadline: 20 February 2026. We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date so early application is advised. The school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. This advert may be closed at any time. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Head of Religious Education employer: St James
Contact Detail:
St James Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Religious Education
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Visit the campus, chat with current staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only help you understand their ethos but also give you some great talking points during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your teaching style! Bring along examples of your lesson plans or student work that demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead. We want to see how you can elevate the RE department and engage students effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other educators! Connect with fellow teachers in similar roles on platforms like LinkedIn. They can offer insights into the application process and even share tips on what the school values most in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community and contributing to our mission of human flourishing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Religious Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for RE: Let us see your enthusiasm for Religious Education! Share your experiences and how you’ve inspired students in the past. We want to know what makes you tick and how you can bring that energy to our outstanding RE department.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience as a classroom practitioner and your vision for improvement. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our values, so don’t be shy about showcasing your commitment to Catholic education.
Be Specific About Your Achievements: When discussing your track record, be specific! Use numbers or examples to illustrate how you’ve improved outcomes in your previous roles. We love seeing concrete evidence of your success and how you can contribute to raising standards at our school.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at St James
✨Know Your Faith
As a practising Catholic, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the Church's teachings and how they influence your approach to education. Be prepared to discuss how your faith shapes your vision for the RE department and the impact it has on students' lives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and improving educational outcomes. Prepare specific examples of how you've inspired colleagues and students alike, and be ready to discuss your strategies for fostering a collaborative environment within the RE department.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the current RE curriculum and be ready to discuss how you would build upon it. Think about innovative ways to enhance student engagement and achievement, especially at GCSE and A-Level, and be prepared to share your ideas during the interview.
✨Emphasise Community Spirit
The school values a strong community spirit, so be sure to express your commitment to teamwork and collaboration. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive school culture in the past and how you plan to foster camaraderie among staff and students in your new role.
