Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

Lead, Inspire, and Shape the Future – Head of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (RPE) and Character Education

Location: Cambridgeshire

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £32,916 – £51,047 annually (actual) + TLR 2B

Are you a visionary educator with a passion for shaping both academic excellence and personal character? We are seeking an exceptional Head of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (RPE) and Character Development to lead a pivotal area of an expanding secondary environment. This is a rare opportunity to influence whole-school ethos, curriculum design, and the personal development of every student.

⭐ About the Role

As the Head of RPE & Character Development, you will:

• Lead a core academic discipline with high strategic importance.
• Develop a rigorous, engaging RPE curriculum from KS3 upwards, including compulsory GCSE for all students.
• Shape and embed a whole-school Character Education programme.
• Build a thriving, high-performing department as the school grows year by year.
• Influence school culture, traditions, and values in a rapidly developing setting.
• Support colleagues in integrating character formation into daily teaching practice.
• Drive enrichment opportunities, assemblies, tutor-time content, and ethical learning across the curriculum.

This is an ideal role for a leader driven by purpose, values, and ambition—ready to shape the intellectual and moral formation of the next generation.

What Makes This Role Unique?

• RPE is a core subject with compulsory GCSE entry, giving the department exceptional influence.
• You will build the department almost from scratch, shaping its culture and identity.
• You will lead a whole-school Character Curriculum, ensuring it becomes a lived, meaningful aspect of daily school life.
• You will play a central role in shaping the ethos and traditions that students will experience for years to come.

What They’re Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced middle leaders as well as outstanding practitioners seeking their first leadership step. You should have:

• Excellent subject knowledge in Religion, Philosophy & Ethics.
• A deep belief in the importance of RPE within a diverse, modern society.
• Creativity, ambition, and the confidence to shape a new and growing department.
• A compelling vision for Character Education at whole-school level.
• The ability to inspire colleagues and drive culture-building initiatives.
• Strong pedagogical understanding, with the ability to mentor, coach, and develop others.
• High expectations for all students and a commitment to inclusive, values‑driven education.

Why Join Them?

This is a rare and exciting leadership opportunity where you will benefit from:

• Leading a core subject with compulsory GCSE entry.
• Strategic responsibility for whole-school Character Education.
• The chance to influence the identity, ethos, and culture of a rapidly developing school.
• The opportunity to recruit, shape, and mentor a future team as the school grows.
• A supportive, innovative, and values-driven leadership team.
• Exceptional professional development and future progression opportunities.
• A caring, aspirational, and diverse staff and student community.

You’ll also have access to a wide range of staff benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement (where applicable) and well-being days.
• Pension scheme options with life cover and support.
• Retail, leisure, and lifestyle discounts.
• Fresh, daily meals provided on site.
• Professional membership fee contributions (where required).
• Health and well-being support programmes.
• Cycle-to-work and other employee benefit schemes.
• Continuous professional development and leadership training.

Interested?

If you’re excited by the prospect of shaping a core department, leading character education, and influencing the development of a growing school, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to take the next step in your leadership journey.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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