Curriculum Lead for History
River Academy, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ13 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
13 May 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
29 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- History
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (Actual) MPR/UPR depending on experience plus an allowance TLR2b
Curriculum Lead for History job summary
An opportunity to lead History at River Academy, shaping a coherent, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that secures strong outcomes for all students. The role combines strategic curriculum leadership with high-quality classroom practice. You will lead curriculum design, drive standards in teaching and assessment, and develop a culture of high expectations, engagement and achievement across the department.
River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase to 541 as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently heavily oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, River Academy is known for its high expectations and high levels of progress. Last year, in NGRT reading tests, Year 7 progressed from the 53rd percental to the 72nd percentile across the year. Similarly, 44 students in Year 7 achieved awards in the UK Junior Maths Challenge, which is way above the statistical expectation. On weekly basis River Academy is first placed in the entire country for Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader completion rates demonstrating a whole school commitment to ensure no learner falls behind.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation and review of an ambitious History curriculum aligned with Trust expectations
Ensure consistently high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the department
Monitor and evaluate student progress, using data to inform interventions and reduce gaps in achievement
Oversee curriculum planning, schemes of work and enrichment opportunities
Lead and line manage the History team, including performance management and professional development
Support students who are not yet fluent readers through targeted curriculum and intervention strategies
Contribute to whole school and Trust curriculum development and improvement priorities
Ensure compliance with safeguarding, behaviour, equality and health and safety requirements
The Ideal Candidate
Qualified Teacher Status with a strong academic background in History
Proven ability to deliver high-quality teaching and secure strong student outcomes
Experience or readiness to lead curriculum development and implementation
Strong understanding of assessment, data analysis and intervention strategies
Ability to lead, coach and develop colleagues effectively
Commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing and high expectations for all
Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills
About the School
River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.
The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties.
The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.
To learn more about River Academy, please visit the school website: www.river-academy.co.uk
About Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,00 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.
Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.
You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by visiting our website.
Benefits
Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.
Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.
Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.
Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.
Mental Health First Aid support.
Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.
Employee Referral Scheme.
Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.
Additional Information
If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About River Academy
- School type
- Free School, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 186 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- River Academy website
School location
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