Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics and Character Development

Brooke Weston Trust; Wisbech; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Wellbeing day

LGPS pension

Life cover

Professional development

Health benefits

Cycle to Work

Job summary

The Wisbech Academy, part of Brooke Weston Trust, seeks an exceptional Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) & Character Education to lead a core academic discipline and shape students’ moral development. You will build the department from the ground up and embed a whole‑school ethos through the Character Curriculum.

You will lead by example, shaping curriculum, pedagogy and enrichment, while collaborating with senior leaders to drive high standards, inclusion and student wellbeing

Qualifications

• Excellent subject knowledge in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.
• Strong belief in RPE within a diverse modern society.
• Ability to shape a department in its early stages.
• Vision for whole-school character education.
• Inspire colleagues, build culture and promote rigorous thinking.
• Reflective practitioner with strong pedagogical understanding and ability to coach and develop others.
• High expectations for all students and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the RPE & Character Education department.
• Develop the Wisbech Academy Virtues and embed character development across subjects.
• Identify opportunities for ethical reasoning, civic responsibility and reflective thinking.
• Shape tutor-time, assemblies and wider enrichment.
• Ensure character education is a visible part of school culture.

Skills

RPE knowledge

Leadership

Pedagogy

Coaching

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) & Character Education to lead a core academic discipline while also shaping the moral and personal development of students across the school. This role is unusual and exciting within the state sector. Religious Education is a valued, core subject at The Wisbech Academy and will be compulsory at GCSE for all students. As the school grows, you will lead the development of a high‑achieving department with genuine whole‑school impact.

Why This Role Is Unique

• RPE will be studied by every student at GCSE, giving the subject a central place in the curriculum.
• As a new and growing school, you will be building the RPE department almost from the ground up.
• You will help define and embed our emerging ethos through the whole‑school Character Curriculum.
• You will contribute directly to the identity and traditions that future students will come to see as integral to The Wisbech Academy experience.

Whole‑School Leadership: Character Education

• Developing and refining The Wisbech Academy Virtues, our guiding framework for character formation
• Integrating character development into classroom practice across all subjects
• Working with middle leaders to identify opportunities for ethical reasoning, civic responsibility and reflective thinking
• Shaping tutor‑time, assemblies and wider enrichment
• Ensuring character education becomes a visible, lived part of the school's culture

This is an ideal opportunity for a leader who is passionate about holistic education and wants to influence students' personal formation as well as their academic success.

We welcome applications from experienced heads of department and from outstanding practitioners ready for their first leadership role.

You should have:

• Excellent subject knowledge in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
• A strong belief in the importance of RPE within a diverse and modern society
• The ambition and creativity to shape a department in its early stages
• A compelling vision for whole‑school character education
• The ability to inspire colleagues, build culture and promote rigorous thinking
• A reflective practitioner with strong pedagogical understanding and the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others.
• High expectations for all students and a commitment to inclusive practice

Our Trust was formed more than 25 years ago with a simple and clear mission - to transform educational performance in all of our communities. Working in some of the most challenging contexts, we improve our students' achievements by making long term commitments to the community and championing new approaches to improve the life chances for young people. Be the difference - At Brooke Weston Trust we believe every child deserves the best possible start, giving them a "ticket for life." If you want to use your skills with an organisation committed to making a difference and improving lives, this is the place for you.

About the School

The Wisbech Academy opened in 2024 and is moving through a dynamic and formative phase of growth. With Year 7 and Year 8 currently on roll, we will expand year by year until reaching full capacity. As a new school, every appointment plays a vital role in shaping our ethos, academic identity and long‑term culture. This post represents a particularly influential opportunity: the successful candidate will help to define how Religion, Philosophy and Ethics-and Character Education become foundational pillars of our school.

• A rare chance to lead a core subject with compulsory GCSE entry
• Whole‑school strategic leadership of Character Education
• The opportunity to shape the identity of a new and growing school
• Play a central role in recruiting, shaping, and mentoring a future team
• A supportive, innovative and values‑driven senior leadership team
• Opportunities for significant professional growth and future progression
• A caring, aspirational and diverse community of staff and students, We place great emphasis on creating a supportive and collaborative working environment in all our schools, where all staff can share best practice through our colleague networks. Brooke Weston staff get access to first class professional development through our Ambition Hub, which is also home to the Northamptonshire Teaching School.

Benefits at Brooke Weston Trust

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 25 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays. An additional 3 days after 5 years' service and the ability to purchase up to 10 days additional leave per year.
• One wellbeing day a year, in addition to your annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill‑health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, covering high street supermarkets, days out and holidays, health and beauty, dining out plus lots more.
• A freshly prepared breakfast and hot or cold lunch each day when you work in one of our Trust schools
• Payment of professional subscription / membership - If your role requires you to be a member of a professional body, BWT will pay for your professional subscription or membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Programme – We have an employee support programme run by Your Care, an independent, external organisation. Your Care is available for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, both face to face and online.
• Additional health benefits including a Health Care cash plan and access to an online GP
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Ongoing opportunities for training and development and access to the BWT Centre for Professional Development
• Collaborative and Ambitious colleagues with the support of a committed team who work to maintain high standards and expectations

Salary: Main Teacher pay scale or Upper Teacher pay scale + TLR 2B

Hours per week / Weeks per year: 32.5 hours per week/ 52 weeks per year

Start date: January 2027