At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Religious Education department in a vibrant Catholic school.
- Company: St Mary's Catholic School, part of a supportive multi-academy trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a strong community ethos.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' spiritual and academic growth in a faith-filled environment.
- Qualifications: Practising Catholic with excellent teaching and leadership experience in RE.
- Other info: Join a growing Trust with strong links to local parishes and primary schools.
The predicted salary is between 34612 - 52500 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a knowledgeable, inspiring and highly committed Head of Religious Education to be the next leader of our successful and vibrant RE Department within our high-performing Catholic secondary school.
St Mary’s Catholic School is a vibrant, ambitious and faith-filled Catholic community, in a flourishing Catholic Multi Academy Trust, where the Catholic Life is strong and well-established, rooted in Gospel values and dedicated to the holistic formation of every young person—academically, spiritually, socially and personally.
As Head of Religious Education at St Mary’s you will also have the opportunity to work with the primary school Headteachers and RE leads in securing the effective transition from KS2 to KS3. You will also be working alongside the Trust Lead on Catholic Life for developing whole Trust celebrations and collective worship opportunities.
This position is a reserved post, in accordance with the Bishops' Memorandum on the Appointment of Teachers to Catholic Schools. It must therefore be filled by a practising Catholic who can offer authentic witness to the faith and actively promote the Church's teaching, ensuring that the Catholic ethos shapes every aspect of school life.
The Head of RE will, in addition to classroom teaching, lead the RE department and provide strategic, theological and pedagogical leadership, ensuring consistently excellent teaching across all key stages in line with Bishops' Conference requirements. They will also work collaboratively with the Trust Lead on Catholic Life and Ethos, the Senior Leadership Team, chaplaincy and wider Trust to strengthen and develop the Catholic life of the school.
We are looking for a candidate who:
- Is a practising Catholic, committed to the Church's teaching and the sacramental life of the faith community.
- Has a strong record of excellent RE teaching and demonstrable leadership experience.
- Can motivate and inspire both staff and students, modelling faith-filled leadership and fostering a culture of high expectations.
- Is committed to forming pupils as compassionate, reflective and responsible members of society, grounded in Gospel values.
- Has a deep understanding of the national curriculum framework for Religious Education in Catholic schools.
- Embraces and champions the Trust's values.
In accordance with the Catholic Education Service, Bishop's Memorandum on appointing staff in Catholic Schools, applications for this role are open to Practising Catholics only. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Bishop's Memorandum.
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. For an informal chat, further information or to arrange a visit please contact recruitment@stmarys.net
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS disclosure is required for all successful applicants.
Head of Religious Education (Full Time) at St Mary\'s Catholic School employer: St Mary's Catholic School
Contact Detail:
St Mary's Catholic School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Religious Education (Full Time) at St Mary\'s Catholic School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those connected to Catholic schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching St Mary’s Catholic School and its values. Show how your teaching philosophy aligns with their mission of 'Love, Respect, Flourish'—it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership in Religious Education. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your passion for teaching!
✨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 the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Religious Education (Full Time) at St Mary\'s Catholic School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for RE: When writing your application, let your love for Religious Education shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to teaching and how you embody the values of 'Love, Respect, Flourish'.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the ethos of St Mary’s Catholic School. Mention how your teaching philosophy aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to the Catholic life of the school.
Be Authentic: As a practising Catholic, it’s important to be genuine in your application. Share personal anecdotes that demonstrate your faith journey and how it influences your teaching and leadership style.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website or MyNewTerm as preferred! Ensure you complete all required forms and submit them on time. Early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait until the last minute!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Mary's Catholic School
✨Know Your Catholic Values
As a candidate for Head of Religious Education, it's crucial to embody the values of the Catholic faith. Be prepared to discuss how you can promote and integrate these values into the school community, demonstrating your commitment to the Church's teachings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your previous leadership experiences in education, especially in Religious Education. Prepare specific examples of how you've motivated staff and students, and how you plan to lead the RE department effectively while fostering a culture of high expectations.
✨Understand the Curriculum Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the national curriculum framework for Religious Education in Catholic schools. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and monitor the RE curriculum to ensure strong progress for all learners, showcasing your pedagogical knowledge.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of community links, particularly with local parishes and primary schools. Prepare to discuss how you would strengthen these relationships and enhance the transition from KS2 to KS3, showing your commitment to holistic student development.