Head of Religious Studies & Citizenship

Lift Schools; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Aylward in London is seeking a Head of RE and Citizenship to provide strategic leadership for two key subjects, shaping the curriculum and driving high-quality teaching and inclusion across the school. You will inspire colleagues, support colleagues to deliver excellent learning, and monitor outcomes to ensure every student achieves their potential.

You will lead with a clear vision, promote critical thinking, and foster respectful discussion of diverse perspectives, contributing to Lift

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher with a clear vision for RE and Citizenship.
• Ability to motivate others and build positive relationships.
• Education is about more than examination results; develops knowledge and understanding.
• Leads subjects that encourage critical thinking and respectful discussion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a broad, engaging RE and Citizenship curriculum.
• Support and develop colleagues to deliver high-quality teaching and learning.
• Monitor student progress and outcomes, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Create a classroom culture where students feel confident to ask questions and engage with different perspectives.
• Promote inclusion, tolerance, and understanding of British values.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school and students' personal development.

Skills

Curriculum leadership

Subject expertise in RE

Leadership & motivation

Inclusive classroom practice

Job description

A Rare and Unique Opportunity – Head of RE and Citizenship (TLR 2A)

Are you ready to inspire young people to think deeply, question the world around them and develop their own understanding of faith, beliefs and society? This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an ambitious and committed Head of RE and Citizenship to lead a subject area that plays an important role in shaping young people's understanding of the world and their place within it. We are looking for someone who can bring Religious Education and Citizenship tolife, creating engaging learning experiences that encourage curiosity, respect, critical thinking and meaningful discussion. You will have the opportunity to shape the curriculum, support colleagues and help students develop the knowledge, confidence and values they need to become thoughtful, informed and responsible citizens.

About the role

• As Head of RE and Citizenship, you will provide clear direction and leadership for both subjects, ensuring high-quality teaching, an engaging curriculum and strong outcomes for all students. You will inspire a love of learning, promote inclusive classroom practice and create opportunities for students to explore different perspectives, challenge assumptions and understand the diverse society in which we live.
• This is an opportunity to make a real difference, working with colleagues to develop the provision, share good practice and ensure that every student is supported to achieve their potential.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a broad, engaging and ambitious RE and Citizenship curriculum.
• Support and develop colleagues to deliver high-quality teaching and learning.
• Monitor student progress and outcomes, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Create a classroom culture where students feel confident to ask questions, express their views and engage respectfully with different perspectives.
• Promote inclusion, tolerance, mutual respect and an understanding of British values.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, supporting students' personal development and preparation for life beyond the classroom.

What we're looking for

• We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher who can bring fresh ideas, strong subject expertise and a clear vision for RE and Citizenship. You will have high expectations for yourself and your students, alongside the ability to motivate others and build positive relationships.
• Youwill be someone who believes that education is about more than examination results; it is about helping young people develop the knowledge, confidence and understanding to navigate the world around them.
• If you are ready to take the next step in your career and lead subjects that encourage young people to think critically, engage thoughtfully and make a positive contribution to society, we would love to hear from you.
• This is more than a leadership role – it is an opportunity toshape learning, influence young people's perspectives and make a lasting difference.

About Lift Aylward

Located in the heart of Edmonton, North London, Lift Aylward is a vibrant 11–18 learning community of over 1,000 students, including a thriving and ambitious sixth form. We're proud to serve a richly diverse community where many of our students speak English as an additional language and bring a wealth of cultural perspectives to school life. Our inclusive ethos ensures that every young person, whatever their starting point, has the opportunity to achieve and thrive.

In our latest Ofsted inspection (December 2025) Lift Aylward was recognised for its strong inclusive culture, with inspectors commenting that “inclusion leaders and staff are highly skilled” and provide tailored support so every pupil can succeed.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.

Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you:

How we support you

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• Head of Department Job Description and Person Specification (1).pdf