At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an inspiring Ethics department and shape a dynamic curriculum for students.
- Company: Join Affinity, a supportive and inclusive educational Trust dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, wellbeing initiatives, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young lives and inspire the next generation.
- Qualifications: Passionate about Ethics with teaching experience and leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a vibrant community focused on equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 42600 £ per year.
Location: St Mary's Drive, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 0LL
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full-Time
Salary: £32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (Actual) TLR 1.2, £12,515
Closing Date: 9:00am, Tue 14th Apr, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 1
Interview Date(s): Monday 20th April
About This Role:
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven Director of Learning for Ethics to join our team. If you have a love for Ethics that’s both infectious and inspiring, paired with deep subject knowledge, we want to hear from you.
The successful candidate will be a passionate teacher with expertise in Politics at Key Stage 5 and the leadership skills to head a diverse Ethics faculty, including Religious Studies, Citizenship and PSHE/RSE. You will provide clear direction and support colleagues to deliver engaging lessons that help all students achieve their best.
You will also lead PSHE/RSE across the academy through the Active Tutor and assembly programme, working with the Assistant Principal for Personal Development to ensure statutory RSE guidance is met. You will be responsible for managing faculty resources, developing staff, monitoring student progress, and ensuring consistently high standards across all subjects.
As leader of our dedicated Ethics department, you will enjoy outstanding support and professional development opportunities within both our academy and the wider Trust. This is your chance to thrive in a collaborative environment where your expertise will help shape a curriculum that’s both innovative and research-driven.
Our vision is to ensure that every child in our care has the opportunity to excel, regardless of their background or ability. At de Ferrers, we live by the values of working hard, being kind, and choosing wisely. We take pride in positively shaping the lives and futures of our students each day.
If you are passionate about education, committed to student success, and excited about creating meaningful opportunities for young people, this role is your chance to make a lasting impact. Join us in shaping bright futures and inspiring the next generation. Together, we can make a difference!
32.5 hours per week, 52.143 working weeks per year.
Why Work for Affinity?
At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.
As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.
Our People Strategy Is Built Around Three Core Pillars:
- Belongs - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.
- Progresses - Staff Development and CPD: Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
- Thrives - Wellbeing: We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.
What are the Benefits of Joining Affinity?
- Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
- Removal of performance‑related pay
- A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
- Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
- A Trust‑wide approach to reducing workload
- Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network
- Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
- Access to Benenden Health’s self‑pay private healthcare service
- Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
- Cycle to Work scheme
- BHSF health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination vouchers
Additional Information:
Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.
Please note: Completed applications should be received by 09:00am of the closing date. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.
Director of Learning for Ethics at The de Ferrers Academy employer: The de Ferrers Academy
Contact Detail:
The de Ferrers Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Learning for Ethics at The de Ferrers Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The de Ferrers Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the academy's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about Ethics but also aligned with their mission to shape bright futures for students.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and curriculum development. We want to see how you can inspire and lead a diverse faculty, so be ready to share your vision!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Learning for Ethics at The de Ferrers Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ethics: When writing your application, let your love for Ethics shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in this subject area and why it matters to you. We want to see that infectious enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of The de Ferrers Academy. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing diverse subjects like Religious Studies and Citizenship. This will show us you're a perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our community at Affinity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The de Ferrers Academy
✨Know Your Ethics Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the key concepts in Ethics, Politics, and PSHE/RSE. Brush up on recent developments and how they relate to the curriculum. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to delivering engaging lessons.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about how you can inspire and support colleagues in their teaching. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with the academy's values will set you apart.
✨Engage with the Academy's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the academy's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your approach to teaching Ethics can contribute to shaping bright futures for students. Showing that you resonate with their vision will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the support for staff development or how the academy measures student success. Thoughtful questions show your genuine interest in the role and the institution.