Assistant Head of Religious Education

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and inspiring Assistant Head of Religious Education to join our well established, high performing department. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced teacher ready to take the next step toward subject leadership, working closely with the Head of Department to deliver an engaging and ambitious curriculum.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to professional excellence and high academic standards, as well as a genuine enthusiasm for developing their own practice within a supportive and forward‑thinking environment. Our department values collaboration and celebrates the unique personalities, skills and interests that each team member brings. We are looking for someone with a true passion for Religious Education, the ability to inspire young people and the dedication to help every student reach their full potential. The ability to teach Philosophy and Ethics at A Level is desirable.

Our RE Department is dedicated to providing a rich and broad curriculum – one that nurtures curiosity, promotes self‑understanding and helps students develop a strong sense of identity and place in the world. The team currently consists of six subject specialists who are deeply passionate about their discipline and continually strive to refine their practice. Collaboration, innovation and mutual support are at the heart of our work.

As a Catholic school, Religious Education is a core subject taught to all students throughout their time with us. GCSE results are consistently excellent; last year, 82% of students achieved grades 4+, with 41% achieving grades 7+. In the Sixth Form, Philosophy and Ethics A Level remains a popular and successful choice. Last year, 94% of students achieved grades A‑C, with 37.5% achieving A‑A.

St John the Baptist School (SJB) is a highly successful school where you can flourish and develop your career. It is a school where teachers can teach effectively in classrooms with students who have a real thirst to learn. Furthermore, it is a place where you will be valued, and your wellbeing is considered to be of great importance. We believe the most effective learning takes place when staff feel happy, supported and appreciated, and we understand the vital role that support staff play in ensuring this.

If you would like to know more about the role, and if you would like to come in and meet the team and discuss the opportunity further, please contact us. St John the Baptist School, part of the Xavier Catholic Education Trust, is a highly successful, over‑subscribed mixed Catholic school and sixth form based in Woking, Surrey. We are incredibly proud of our school community and in particular our students who are hardworking, well‑balanced and enjoy both learning and spending time with each other and our staff. We work in a very positive culture and strive to make all students’ time at school some of the happiest times of their lives. Our staff are vibrant, enthusiastic and passionate about ensuring our students get the very best deal. Standards at SJB are high and academic progress excellent.

We work closely with the Xavier Teaching School Hub, Teach SouthEast SCITT and Schools Alliance for Excellence (SAfE) and lead the North East Hants and Surrey Maths Hub. SJB is a community where every individual is highly valued and where care and concern for others is central to our work. We aim to blend academic learning with excellence pastoral care so that all students and staff thrive and feel successful.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to professional excellence and high academic standards.
• Genuine enthusiasm for developing teaching practice within a supportive and forward‑thinking environment.
• Ability to inspire young people and help every student reach their full potential.
• Desirable ability to teach Philosophy and Ethics at A Level.
• Commitment to collaboration, innovation and mutual support as part of a high performing department.

Benefits

• All teachers are allocated 15% PPA time; above the legal minimum required.
• An extensive range of benefits and discounts with Mylifestyle, our employee benefits hub including pre‑tax car purchasing, cycle‑to‑work, dental care and many retailer discounts.
• Free use of the onsite gym (6‑8 am and 5‑8 pm weekdays).
• Generous Pension Scheme.
• Excellent onsite catering facilities.
• Free onsite parking.
• Regular staff social events calendarled throughout the year.