Head of Learning - Religious Studies & PSHE

Leigh Academy Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 8GS

32 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  20 April 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  19 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Subjects: PSHE, Religious education
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPS/UPS based on experience + TLR2A (£3,741)
• Additional allowances:

  TLR2A (£3,741)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Leigh Academy Rainham is seeking a dedicated Head of Learning - RE & PSHE to lead our department starting in September 2026. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced practitioner ready to transition into a leadership role where they can truly influence the delivery of these vital subjects. As a successful and growing academy, we are looking for a visionary leader who can maintain high academic standards while ensuring the curriculum remains inclusive, relevant, and deeply engaging for all students.

We are looking for a strategic thinker who understands how to manage a department effectively and support their colleagues through collaborative growth. In return, we provide the professional autonomy and resources necessary for you to thrive, offering a clear pathway for your own leadership development.

What the school offers its staff

Why join us?

• Be part of a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven school

• Work in a modern, purpose-built learning environment

• Join a team that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth

• Receive high-quality training and development through Leigh Academies Trust

Plus, enjoy great staff benefits, including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme

• Enhanced family-friendly policies

• Employee Assistance Programme

• 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service

• Wellbeing support and staff recognition initiatives

• Free onsite parking

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust, consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Including online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Job_Pack___Head_of_Learning_-_Religious_Studies_&_RE___Leigh_Academy_Rainham.pdf - 788 KB (opens in new tab)

About Leigh Academy Rainham

• School type: Free School, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 793 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Leigh Academy Rainham website
• Email address: joinus@latrust.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/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. We will work together to embed the essential skills, knowledge and attributes needed to be highly successful in achieving their own personal goals, as caring members of our community and as leaders in tomorrow’s world.

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.

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!

Arranging a visit to Leigh Academy Rainham

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email joinus@latrust.org.uk.

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