Head of Religious Studies & Sociology

TOTTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL; Tottington; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A thriving secondary school is seeking an inspirational Head of Religious Studies and Sociology to lead its dynamic department. The ideal candidate will provide strong leadership and vision while ensuring high-quality teaching and engaging curriculum. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, developing an inclusive curriculum, and contributing to the school’s wider life. Benefits include access to a local government pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan

Cycle to work scheme

Access to the Institute of Education

Qualifications

• Excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge in Religious Studies and/or Sociology.
• Ability to inspire students and staff through passion and high expectations.
• Strong leadership potential or experience at middle-leadership level.
• Committed to inclusive education and promoting students' moral, social, and cultural development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership and vision for the departments across Key Stages 3 and 4.
• Deliver outstanding teaching and learning, modelling best practice.
• Develop and implement an ambitious, inclusive curriculum aligned with examination specifications.

Skills

Strong leadership potential

Excellent classroom practitioner

Ability to inspire students

Commitment to inclusive education

Education

Strong subject knowledge in Religious Studies and/or Sociology

Job description

Head of Religious Studies & Sociology

We are seeking an inspirational and committed Head of Religious Studies and Sociology to join our thriving secondary school. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner or aspiring middle leader to shape a dynamic and forward‑thinking department at a key stage of its development. The successful candidate will lead the strategic direction of Religious Studies and Sociology, ensuring high‑quality teaching, strong outcomes, and an engaging curriculum that encourages critical thinking, debate, and reflection.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership and vision for the departments across Key Stages 3 and 4
• Deliver outstanding teaching and learning, modelling best practice
• Develop and implement an ambitious, inclusive curriculum aligned with examination specifications
• Use assessment and data effectively to raise attainment and close gaps
• Support, mentor, and develop staff within the department
• Contribute to the wider life and leadership of the school

Qualifications

• Excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge in Religious Studies and/or Sociology
• Ability to inspire students and staff through passion, толкий and high expectations
• Strong leadership potential or experience at middle‑leadership level
• Committed to inclusive education and promoting students' moral, social and cultural development
• Shares our commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing

Benefits

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days, rising to 39 days after 5 years, inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme – exclusive discounts for all staff
• Free eye tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to the Institute of Education and opportunities to grow, contribute and flourish within the Trust
• Experienced leadership and subject‑specific support
• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors
• Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT
• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate
• Participation in peer reviews
• Access to a suite of online courses
• Placement projects within our family of schools

All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.

Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen. We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. We believe every role holds the power to transform a life.