Teacher (RE) (Maternity Cover)

Inspiration Trust Ltd; Norwich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

TPS pension with employer contribution

Health plan and wellbeing support

Cycle‑to‑work scheme

Discounts and salary sacrifice options

Free parking at most sites

Structured induction and CPD

Professional development programme

Job summary

Hethersett Academy, part of Inspiration Trust, seeks an outstanding Teacher of Religious Studies (Maternity Cover) to join a committed team in delivering a knowledge-rich RS curriculum.

The post is full time (32.5 hours weekly), on a fixed term basis until 31st December 2027, with the start date in January 2027. The successful candidate will contribute to raising standards and pupil progress within a supportive Trust-wide framework.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate must have strong communication skills, empathy, patience and creativity in teaching.
• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS).
• Knowledge of Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection requirements.

Responsibilities

• Teach the Religious Studies curriculum to 11-16 students with high standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues and the Senior Leadership Team to raise attainment.
• Plan collaboratively, assess pupil progress, and provide reports and references.
• Engage in meetings, quality assurance, and enrichment activities outside normal hours.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Patience

Creativity

Education

QTS

Degree (subject knowledge)

Job description

Location: Hethersett Academy, Queen's Road, Hethersett, Norwich, NR9 3DB

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS)

Fixed Term: until 31st December 2027

Full Time: 32.5 hours per week

Start Date: January 2027

Hethersett Academy is seeking to appoint an outstanding Teacher of Religious Studies (Maternity Cover).

We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner who will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils to ensure they succeed.

This key role will give you the opportunity to collaborate with the subject team on curriculum approaches, embedding effective pedagogical approaches and driving standards in Religious Studies. Through collaboration with the wider Inspiration Trust RE team, you will ensure the delivery of our exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

You will be part of a team that delivers a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum for pupils. You will monitor and support pupil progress and development and contribute to raising standards and attainment, whilst motivating and challenging pupils to achieve their very best.

This post is suitable for both an experienced or early years career teacher.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, external agencies, and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Participate in meetings, quality assurance processes, and school events outside normal hours.
• Promote and uphold the Trust and Academy’s ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.
• Ensure pupil safeguarding, welfare, attendance, punctuality, and behaviour are monitored and supported.
• Serve as a form tutor, delivering pastoral programmes and supervising pupils as required.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision lessons.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students, and maintain high standards of pupil work.
• Assess pupil progress, evaluate teaching approaches, and provide reports and references to support pupil development.
• Actively contribute to school life, including enrichment activities and departmental discussions on teaching methods.

About You

The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You must have strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and creativity in teaching. You must also be adaptable and passionate about your pupils' success. You will act as a positive role model, foster a supportive learning environment, and be committed to your own continuous learning and professional development.

• An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.
• Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS before taking up the post).
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the wider community.
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.
• Experience of teaching the subject in a secondary school across the 11-16 age range.
• Experience of the wider role of a teacher in the personal development of pupils, including the main responsibilities of a form tutor.
• Postgraduate qualification in the subject or in the teaching of the subject.
• Experience teaching the subject in a Sixth Form or Further Education setting.
• Experience as a form tutor, supporting the wider personal development of pupils.
• Experience examining the subject for an appropriate exam board.
• Ability to offer extra-curricular or enrichment activities and use digital platforms to create and share teaching and assessment resources.

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward‑thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions.
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites.
• Personalised CPD and development programmes.
• A structured and specific induction programme.

* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Hethersett Academy is one of East Anglia’s top-performing schools, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all areas. Inspectors have highlighted how much pupils value their education at the academy - "Pupils flourish at this school. They attend regularly, arrive on time and present themselves impeccably. Pupils respect each other and their surroundings. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that if bullying does happen, staff deal with it effectively and promptly. Pupils have very high expectations of their own and others’ behaviour. They value every minute of learning time".

A growing village school with a strong history in the local community, Hethersett Academy is conveniently located just off the A11, making it a popular choice for families in Wymondham, south Norwich, and the surrounding areas.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

For information on what it is like to live and work in Hethersett, Hethersett Academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The academy inspected in January 2016 when it was ranked as Outstanding in every area assessed. Since then, the school has doubled in size and a Section 8 inspection in September 2022 resulted in another Outstanding rating.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 2nd November 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: OCT20263066 .