Lead in Religious Studies

Permanent

Full time 1.0 FTE

TMS - UPS plus TLR 2.1 for Lead Responsibilities in Religious Studies

Plus various Company Benefits

Are you an inspiring educator with a passion for exploring the big questions and a drive to lead a core pillar of our schools community

The Priory Learning Trust (Somerset Business Award winner for Employer of the Year) is looking to recruit a Lead in Religious Studies to work at The King Alfred School - An Academy rated Good by Ofsted November 2022. A school at the heart of the community where we believe it is our role to develop the next generation into successful citizens.

Our Lead will deliver high-quality thought-provoking instruction across Key Stages 3 4 and 5. This is a pivotal role for a practitioner who believes that RS is not just a subject but a vital tool for navigating the complexities of the modern world.

As the Lead in RS you will be responsible for the strategic direction of the department ensuring our curriculum is inclusive academically rigorous and engaging.

As part of this role you will:

• Lead Curriculum Innovation across KS3 KS4 and KS5: Design and deliver a high-quality rigorous RS curriculum - from sparking foundational curiosity in world religions to mastering sophisticated A-Level Philosophy and Ethics - that prepares students for higher education and beyond.
• Drive Academic Excellence & Critical Thinking: Lead GCSE and A-Level cohorts to success by setting ambitious progress goals and fostering deep analytical skills through purposeful well-planned and challenging lessons.
• Foster an Inspiring & Inclusive Learning Environment: Create a positive classroom culture with high expectations for behavior utilizing inspiring teaching and productive relationships to maintain a disciplined and focused atmosphere.
• Provide Tailored & Responsive Instruction: Identify and meet the diverse needs of all learners including those with IEPs by specifying clear objectives and adapting teaching strategies to ensure every student is supported and challenged.

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status.
• Be an expert communicator capable of handling sensitive topics with nuance and a leader who can champion the importance of Religious Studies within the wider school life.
• Relevant teaching experience in KS3 and KS4 (KS5 would be desired but not essential).

For a comprehensive list of responsibilities and required qualifications please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

We pride ourselves on being a flexible employer and creating a supportive team-focused environment that values staff wellbeing. TPLT strives to accommodate a variety of working arrangements so we encourage you to apply.

At the Priory Learning Trust we offer an incredible comprehensive employee benefits package. This includes..

• The PLaTform -Access to our dedicated wellbeing centre & exclusive shopping discounts.
• Healthshield - Funded Healthcare Scheme for employees and all dependents which provides services such as a 24/7 GP Line & Healthcare cashback.
• Discounted nursery fees for parents AND grandparents at our Academy pre schools.
• Contributory pension scheme offering generous employer contribution rates.
• CPD opportunities both internally & externally.
• A very friendly school community with dedicated supportive & inspiring colleagues.
• Health & Fitness offers including incredible discounts on @Worle Sports Centre and Nuffield Health and a Cycle 2 Work Scheme.
• Flu vaccinations.

About The Priory Learning Trust:

TPLT grew from an intent to bring the power of partnership and sharing to bear and provide a first-class education to a wide range of children from all backgrounds.

At our heart is a passion to put Students First and deliver exceptional education; beyond outstanding for every single child. We do this with a relentless drive for academic excellence shared moral purpose and values combined with lots of fun and happiness. We believe that happy schools are also high-achieving successful schools.

We strive for partnerships between students families staff and the wider community to create exceptional student outcomes. We also cherish our staff. We believe they are amazing and are passionate to empower them through support training and career opportunities. With such brilliant people all aiming for the same goals we are able to ensure every student achieves all that they are capable of and more regardless of their background.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

The Priory Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role we expect all staff visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Successful candidates will be required to provide a disclosure of any unspent convictions and cautions as well as any spent convictions or cautions that are not protected () under the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 and 2020).

All appointments are subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (including a Childrens Barred List check) satisfactory references medical fitness Right to Work in the UK and where applicable a prohibition from teaching/management line with KCSIE guidance we will also conduct online searches on all shortlisted candidates.

Our full Recruitment and Selection policy is available on our website.

This role involves working with children on a daily basis and is therefore in regulated activity.

Closing Date: 22nd March 2026

Proposed Interview Date: 27th March 2026

Proposed Start Date: 1st September 2026