TEACHER OF RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY FOR APRIL 2026

COLFE'S SCHOOL; Lee; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Lee is seeking a passionate Teacher of Religion & Philosophy to join their successful department on a fixed-term basis until April 2026. The role involves developing pupils' critical thinking skills through engaging curriculum covering major religions and philosophical themes. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding teaching abilities and a strong interest in the subjects. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities are offered, alongside a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary scale

Longer holidays than the maintained sector

Free lunches

Free membership of leisure centre

Free on-site parking

Excellent professional development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Annual flu vaccination

Qualifications

• Teachers are expected to maintain high professional standards.
• Contribute to the co-curricular life of the school.

Skills

Passionate interest in both Religious Studies and Philosophy

Excellent subject knowledge

Outstanding classroom teaching skills

Creativity

Strong organisational abilities

Excellent interpersonal skills

Job description

Position Overview

Teacher of Religion & Philosophy (Fixed Term – April 2026)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and conscientious teacher to join our highly successful Religion and Philosophy department for the Summer Term of 2026. Full or part‑time considered. The Religion & Philosophy Department is a thriving and friendly department, fortunate to have two new classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and a new departmental office/resource room.

The first two years at Colfe’s explore both religious and philosophical themes to develop pupils’ critical thinking skills. Pupils are introduced to the beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of people in our multi‑cultural society and the global community. They also consider other themes such as New Religious Movements to enable a deeper understanding of religious belief. The philosophical aspects address issues in Epistemology, Ethics, Political Philosophy and Metaphysics, asking questions about the existence of God, the nature of the mind and how we can know that we exist. The aim is to encourage pupils to think critically about belief and to ask and explore questions without necessarily seeking answers.

In Year 9 pupils study Buddhism, Islam, Contemporary Philosophy and Ethics, plus arguments for and against God’s existence. Virtues such as respect, care, concern, commitment, fairness, tolerance, self‑understanding and enquiry are studied, promoted and fostered, giving students opportunities to grow emotionally as well as intellectually. At GCSE we study the AQA A specification with a focus on Christianity and Buddhism. At A‑level we follow the AQA Philosophy course, tackling epistemology, ethics and metaphysics. Results at GCSE and A‑level have been excellent, both in terms of grades achieved and value added.

Key Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Passionate interest in both Religious Studies and Philosophy
• Excellent subject knowledge
• Outstanding classroom teaching skills
• Creativity, strong organisational abilities and excellent interpersonal skills
• Willingness to join a talented and welcoming team

Teachers appointed to posts are expected to maintain the highest professional standards and to contribute to the co‑curricular life of the school.

Benefits

• Colfe’s highly competitive salary scale
• Longer holidays than the maintained sector
• Free lunches
• Free membership of Colfe’s Leisure Centre
• Free on‑site parking
• Excellent professional development opportunities
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Annual flu vaccination

Application Procedure

The recruitment process will require all applicants to complete an application form, accompanied by a letter of application, current CV and details of two referees, who will be contacted prior to interview, in accordance with the School’s Safer Recruitment procedures. There will be interviews and a lesson observation for short‑listed candidates. The application may be submitted either electronically to [e-mail] or by post to Mrs A Ross, Human Resources, Colfe’s School, Horn Park Lane, London, SE12 8AW. Applications should be sent as soon as possible and by 9:00 am on Wednesday 10 December at the latest. Colfe’s reserves the right to appoint to this post before the closing date if necessary, so early applications are highly encouraged.