Head of RE

Harris Federation; Wickford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Harris Allowance 1500

Loyalty Bonus

Pension LGPS

Wellbeing Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Harris Academy Wickford is seeking a qualified Head of Religious Education to lead, manage and develop the department, raising standards and ensuring a broad, rich curriculum.

The role requires QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree; management experience is advantageous. You will teach across the age range, drive improvements, and work within a collaborative Harris Federation framework.

Qualifications

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, with management training desirable.
• Demonstrate successful teaching experience and knowledge of current curriculum developments.
• Experience in initiating and managing change and raising achievement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the RE department.
• Raise attainment and monitor progress across the department.
• Ensure a broad, balanced curriculum and differentiation.
• Teach RE across age and ability range.
• Manage staff, resources and departmental budgeting.
• Support personal and academic growth of students.

Skills

QTS (or equivalent)

Leadership

Curriculum development

Change management

Communication skills

Team management

Education

Undergraduate degree (RE or related)

Management training

Job description

MPS/UPS (London Fringe) + £1,500 Harris Allowance + TLR + Annual Loyalty Bonus + Pension Scheme (LGPS) + Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan + Additional Harris Benefits

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Are you a passionate teacher looking for your next step? We are looking for a qualified, experienced teacher to join Harris Academy Wickford as Head of RE.

WORKING WITH US

Harris Academy Wickford is on an exciting journey to help our fantastic young people harness their potential, achieve extraordinary results and change the world. The Academy joined the Harris Federation in September 2026. The Harris Federation is the most successful large multi-academy trust in the UK and the only large trust where disadvantaged students outperform non disadvantaged students nationally. We are a group of highly ambitious, committed staff who believe in the transformative power of education. Our collective vision is to help our scholars achieve their extraordinary and change the world. Our mission is to become the best school in Essex by 2030. Our values of Hard Work, Ambition, Wisdom and Kindness underpin everything we do.

To learn more about working in our academy and what we can offer you , view our academy page via the “why work at” button.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The purpose of your role will be:

• To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject area.
• To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole subject/curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the aims of the academy and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Principal.
• To teach the relevant subject across the age and ability range.
• To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.
• To effectively manage and deploy staff, financial and physical resources within the department.
• To share and support the school's responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Your main areas of responsibility will fall under the areas of:

• Operational and strategic planning (including formulating the subject and faculty improvement plans, and leading the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching strategies)
• Ensuring the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost effective curriculum and leading development of the subject and its delivery
• Staff development (including recruiting, building and managing an effective team of motivated staff)
• Student outcomes (including ensuring the effective operation of target setting, monitoring and evaluation systems and the input and maintenance of accurate student data)
• Pastoral system (including being a form tutor to a selected group of students)
• Teaching, including acting as an outstanding role model

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you:

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and, ideally, management training
• Demonstrate successful teaching of GCSE at good or better level
• Have experience of initiation and effective management of change
• Show evidence of raising achievement in present post and showing good value added for groups
• Have knowledge of current curriculum developments in subject and their implications
• Have good knowledge and understanding of current educational thinking
• Show good understanding of how children learn and how to raise standards of achievement
• Have good communication skills in speech and writing
• Display excellent organisational skills
• Are able to build and sustain professional standards and relationships with students
• Are able to contribute towards creating a safe and protective environment

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Teacher Development

At Harris, we have curated professional development pathways that will guide you towards achieving your career ambitions. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. With a strong network of passionate educators, expertdevelopment initiatives and a multitude of opportunities for career progression, your journey with Harris could be the most rewarding one yet.

We offer a wide range of high quality teacher professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership. Find out more here.

Flexible Working

We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual's circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includesour Harris Allowance (usually£2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London), an Annual Loyalty Bonus , Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more aboutour benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

Please remember to check your junk mail foldersfor our email communications. You will receive a confirmation email once you submit, or save the progress, of your application. Please check your junk/spam folder andadd us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received. This is important to ensure you are kept up to date on the status ofyour application and to avoid delays in the recruitment process.