Head of Religious Studies

Overview

Head of Religious Studies - Permanent full time (32.5 hours per week) at Haberdashers' Knights Academy, Launcelot Road, Bromley, BR1 5EB. Salary: MPS/UPS +TLR (£40,389 £62,560 + £6,180). Mail: . Phone: 020 8 .

Role Summary

Lead the Religious Studies department, developing a high quality curriculum across KS3 5, delivering outstanding lessons, and fostering an engaging learning environment that promotes the values and ethos of Haberdashers' Academies Trust South.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and deliver the curriculum for Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Ethics for KS3 KS5.
• Secure the quality of teaching and learning across the department, monitoring pupil progress and marking assessments.
• Provide line management and performance support to department staff, ensuring they meet professional standards.
• Promote the subject to increase student enrolment and participation, and integrate Religious Studies into the school's enrichment programme.
• Maintain a high standard of lesson planning, resource utilisation, and assessment consistency.
• Lead development of innovative schemes of work and introduce relevant changes to curriculum and assessment.
• Set and mark internal and external examinations and assessments as required.
• Provide appropriate intervention for learners, identifying learning and behaviour challenges.
• Keep current with developments in the subject area and new teaching methodologies.
• Support wider academy aims - health and safety, safeguarding, equality and diversity, professional development.

Core Competencies & Personal Qualities

• Clear commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (EEDI) and the Trust's vision.
• Positive, proactive, resilient and flexible, able to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, including time management and multi tasking.
• Strong leadership and the capacity to motivate and inspire students and colleagues.
• Professional, calm and well judged in challenging situations.

Educational & Experience Requirements

• University degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• GCSEs in Maths and English, Grade C or above.
• Substantial secondary school teaching experience (minimum 3 years), including experience in KS3 KS5.
• Demonstrated ability to raise standards and improve attainment.
• Knowledge of the National Curriculum, GCSE and A Level specifications in Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics.
• Ability to analyse and use performance data to track student progress.
• Experience of line management and driving improvement.

Salary & Working Conditions

Permanent contract. Salary commences at £40,389 and can increase to £62,560 plus a £6,180 Teacher Leadership Reward. Staff are paid the London Living Wage. Working hours: 32.5 hours per week. The role reports to the Assistant Principal.

Benefits

Full benefits package including Pension Scheme (28.68% for teachers, 19.80% for support staff), Professional Learning programmes, Employee Assistance Program, access to mindfulness and Headspace app, Ride to Work and Cycle to Work schemes, Season Ticket Loan, and various staff incentives.

Application Process

Applications will be assessed against the person specification. Successful candidates will receive an invitation to a written task, classroom visit, and panel interview. The recruitment process will include:

• Written task (if required).
• Classroom visit with staff and students.
• Panel interview on a range of topics.

Closing date: Wednesday 18th March. Shortlisting date: Thursday 19th March. Interview date: Monday 23rd March. Start date: September 2026.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace and recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. Applicants must meet the legal right to work requirements and provide references upon selection.