Subject Lead - Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE)

Teaching Vacancies; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Bishop's Stortford is seeking a dedicated Subject Lead for Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics. This role offers the opportunity to lead a crucial area of the curriculum in a rapidly growing school renowned for high educational standards. Passionate about teaching and safeguarding, you'll develop curricular strategies and support staff while also engaging students through inspiring lessons. With a robust professional development framework, this role suits those aiming to make a positive impact in students' lives.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Teacher pension scheme

Well-being programmes

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to deliver high standards in education.
• Experience in developing and leading curriculum.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality delivery of the subject curriculum.
• Lead the development of the annual Department Development Plan.
• Build and support a cohesive team of teaching staff.
• Prepare and develop teaching materials and lessons.

Skills

Teaching experience

Leadership skills

Subject knowledge in Philosophy

Commitment to safeguarding

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

What skills and experience we’re looking for

About us and the role
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Subject Lead for Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) to join our growing school, which was graded Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in May 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious practitioner to lead a key area of our curriculum and contribute to the continued development of a high‑performing and values‑driven school.

As Subject Lead, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for PRE, ensuring a well‑planned, intellectually ambitious, and inclusive curriculum that promotes critical thinking, ethical understanding and personal development. You will lead the design and ongoing refinement of schemes of learning, assessment approaches and teaching strategies that are evidence‑informed and responsive to the needs of all learners.

PRE enjoys strong uptake at Key Stage 4, and as we prepare for the opening of our sixth form, Avanti6, in September 2027, you will play a central role in planning for future Key Stage 5 provision. Your leadership will help shape a coherent and aspirational curriculum pathway from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5.

Working closely with colleagues across the school, you will strengthen cross‑curricular links – particularly in literacy, critical thinking and digital competency – and contribute to wider school improvement priorities. You will oversee departmental planning, ensure high standards of behaviour, safeguarding and wellbeing and play an active role in quality assurance and staff development.

We are looking for a subject leader who combines deep subject knowledge with clarity of vision and a commitment to high standards. You will model excellent classroom practice, mentor and develop colleagues and foster a collaborative and aspirational culture within the department. Alongside your leadership responsibilities you will deliver well‑planned and engaging lessons, use assessment to drive progress and uphold the professionalism, integrity and values we expect from all staff.

This role is well suited to a teacher who is intellectually curious, reflective and passionate about helping young people understand themselves, others and the world around them. If you are ready to lead PRE with purpose, compassion and ambition we would welcome your application.

School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange a suitable time.

Interviews will take place on 27th January 2026.

Avanti Grange is Bishop‑Stortford’s newest secondary school, already recognised as Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted (2025). Our state‑of‑the‑art campus serves families across Bishop‑Stortford and neighbouring villages and is home to a vibrant, ambitious and supportive community. The school is heavily oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation locally and the demand to be part of our journey.

We are a co‑educational community school, part of the Avanti Schools Trust, with a clear vision to inspire spiritually compassionate changemakers. Our staff are motivated by a shared purpose: to deliver exceptional teaching, foster character formation and nurture wellbeing. As one colleague put it: “Working at Avanti Grange feels like being part of a family with a shared, values‑driven mission.”

We are equally committed to the growth of our staff as to the success of our students. In 2024 we were awarded the Teacher Development Trust Gold Award for the quality and culture of our professional development – recognition held by only a small number of schools nationally. Through education‑leading CPD and coaching colleagues at Avanti Grange thrive in an environment where “better never stops.”

Students benefit from a rigorous, knowledge‑rich curriculum, underpinned by yoga, mindfulness and an exceptional co‑curricular programme. Our pastoral system is a defining strength – impeccable behaviour supports high‑quality learning while wellbeing is woven into daily life through practices that allow both staff and students to flourish.

With more than 660 students on roll and growing each year towards a full secondary and sixth form, Avanti Grange offers a rare opportunity to help shape one of the most exciting schools in the region.

What will you do?

• Ensure the delivery of a high‑quality, coherent and cost‑effective curriculum with high expectations of achievement for all students.
• Lead the subject team in developing an annual Department Development Plan aligned with the School Development Plan.
• Build and lead an effective team of teaching and support staff who embody the school’s vision of Educational Excellence, Character Formation and Spiritual Insight.
• Prepare and develop high‑quality teaching materials, lessons and pastoral arrangements as required.

What are we looking for?

• QTS Qualified.
• Significant teaching experience in one or more ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ schools – demonstrably delivering high standards.
• Able to self‑start, work independently and collaboratively as part of a team – whether led or leading.
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students.

What the school offers its staff

• Great opportunities for professional development.
• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility).
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers.
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership.
• Well‑being programmes (retreats, yoga, wellness apps).
• Cycle‑to‑work Scheme.

Why should you apply?

Avanti exists to help each person become a well‑rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place.

Pre‑employment checks

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re‑checks. Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre‑employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics. Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.

Commitment to safeguarding

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re‑checks. Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre‑employment checks.