Head of Learning - Religious Studies & PSHE - Full-time

Leigh Academy Rainham, a rapidly growing and dynamic school, is looking for an experienced and visionary leader to join our team as Head of Learning - Religious Studies and PSHE. Since our opening in 2021, we have been dedicated to providing cutting-edge education, and we are now seeking a passionate and driven leader to lead the RE and PSHE Curriculum across the Academy. Currently students receive RE and PSHRE lessons within their timetabled curriculum delivered by a range of staff across KS3 and KS4. In addition they receive further statutory PSHE curriculum delivery through the form time programme by form tutors. The successful candidate will take charge of developing and enhancing all these aspects of our curriculum, ensuring our students are equipped with the skills needed for success in a diverse and ever changing world.
Why Choose Us?
+ Leadership Opportunity: Take on a strategic leadership role, driving the development and success of both RE and PSHRE curriculum.
+ Modern Facilities: Lead these curricula in a state-of-the-art environment with cutting-edge resources to support high-quality teaching and learning.
+ Professional Development: Access tailored CPD opportunities, leadership pathways, and resources to support your growth as a leader in education.
+ Supportive Culture: Work within a collaborative, innovative team that values the success of its students and staff.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader with a strong background inReligious and PSHRE studies. You should have the ability to lead a team across the academy, manage curriculum delivery, and foster a culture of high expectations and academic excellence. You will be committed to driving innovation in the teaching and learning of RE and PSHRE in both lessons and the form time programme. You will be confident in and responsible for supporting the ongoing professional development of your department staff. Whether you're already in a leadership position or aspiring to take the next step, you will thrive in our supportive environment and help us shape the future of our students., About Leigh Academy Rainham: In September 2021, we opened our doors to the 180 founding students of our co educational comprehensive school for 11-18 year olds. Already oversubscribed, our new school is firmly set to be a beacon of excellence for secondary education in Medway. The wellbeing and success of each individual child is at the heart of everything and we are driven by the belief that it is our role to ensure all pupils develop an appreciation of the limitless possibilities ahead of them. Every learner is entitled to an enriching, varied and personalised education; delivered through a broad and balanced curriculum that provides challenge, irrespective of need, starting point or background. It is our ambition that in our highly inclusive setting, all our students will flourish, becoming inquiring, compassionate and culturally aware young adults.
Our strong learning community works together and shares the value of collaboration; every member of our academy family works together to achieve success, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our belief in human-scale education, delivered through our college model, ensures every one of our students is known and valued. Strong pastoral care is at the heart of our academy and we place great importance on building strong partnerships with parents and carers. Excellent communication and relationships with parents and carers is a cornerstone of a child's academic success and personal development, hence the Academy is wholly committed to fostering strong partnerships with our families.
Working in a brand new school is a unique opportunity. A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is required, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm. We will be looking to recruit a staff body that has a multitude of talents to enable us to provide a rich academic and co-curricular offer from the outset and look forward to hearing what additional skills, talents and interests you could bring to a role at the Academy. A sense of humour is also essential!
We are an inspirational learning community, with a traditional approach to discipline and broad, innovative digital curriculum, underpinned by the principles of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Through the implementation of our curriculum students mature into reflective and resilient learners who can work both independently and collaboratively to overcome challenges, are confident critical thinkers and master lifelong learning and digital skills.
'At Leigh Academy Rainham students flourish, becoming inquiring, compassionate and culturally aware young adults. We will work together to embed the essential skills, knowledge and attributes needed to be highly successful in achieving their own personal goals, compassionate members of our community and leaders in tomorrow's world.' - Alex Millward, Principal

The successful candidate will be required to teach RE and PSHRE to a minimum of KS4 which will be discussed as part of the interview process. The successful candidate will also need to be able to establish and implement courses in these subjects at KS4 and KS5 as part of a growing offer not yet delivered at Leigh Academy Rainham, with the support of the Trust .

Leigh Academy Rainham offers an ambitious IB-aligned curriculum that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. We are part of the Leigh Academies Trust, which offers extensive opportunities for staff development and career progression. Located in a rapidly expanding community, we take pride in offering outstanding opportunities for both students and staff.
What We Offer
+ Competitive salary with leadership responsibilities.
+ Opportunities for career progression within Leigh Academies Trust.
+ Access to a wide range of co-curricular programmes to enhance school life.
This is a full-time, permanent opportunity offering MPS/UPS commensurate with experience + TLR2B (£7,194)