Head of RE & Citizenship
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5SL8 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
22 May 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
13 May 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subjects
- Citizenship, Religious education
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Fixed term
Full-time equivalent salary
- £32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (Actual) MPR/UPR based on experience , plus a TLR 2c allowance. Sabbatical cover of 1 year from Sept 26
Head of RE & Citizenship job summary
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is seeking to appoint an ambitious, knowledgeable and inspirational Head of RE & Citizenship to lead and develop this important curriculum area within our school.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher or existing middle leader to provide strategic and operational leadership across RE & Citizenship, securing high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, while ensuring all students make strong progress from their starting points. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping an inclusive, aspirational and engaging curriculum that supports excellent outcomes for all learners.
As Head of RE & Citizenship, you will lead the development of a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum that inspires curiosity, critical thinking and meaningful discussion. You will support and develop colleagues within the department, drive improvements in teaching and learning, and ensure assessment is used effectively to secure strong student progress and attainment.
You will promote a culture of high expectations, positive behaviour and inclusion, ensuring that all students, including disadvantaged students and those with SEND, are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to whole-school improvement and collaborate across Maiden Erlegh Trust, sharing effective practice and supporting professional growth.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the strategic development of RE & Citizenship across the school
Develop and implement high-quality schemes of work, curriculum plans and resources
Model and promote excellent classroom practice across the department
Monitor teaching, learning and assessment to drive continuous improvement
Analyse student performance data and implement effective interventions
Support and develop colleagues through coaching, mentoring and professional dialogue
Promote high standards of behaviour, attendance and student engagement
Ensure inclusive provision that supports the needs of all learners
Contribute positively to whole-school and Trust improvement priorities
Provide enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities to deepen student engagement and subject understanding
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a committed and reflective practitioner who:
Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent teaching qualification
Has strong subject knowledge in RE & Citizenship
Has the ability to lead, motivate and develop colleagues effectively
Demonstrates a strong understanding of curriculum development and assessment
Has high expectations for student achievement and behaviour
Is committed to inclusive practice and supporting the wellbeing of all students
Works collaboratively and positively as part of a wider team
Shares the values and ethos of Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading (MER)
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11-16 secondary school in an urban context. The school is as committed to staff and student wellbeing as it is to delivering high-quality education.
Staff voice is central to shaping change and wellbeing priorities. The school benefits from excellent modern facilities and is proud of its vibrant, diverse student body who work hard and have high aspirations. A link to the school can be found here
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 5,000 students across eleven 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 brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.
Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.
Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.
Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust
Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including :
Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service
ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event
Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles
Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes
Mental Health First Aid Support
Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET
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, 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 and is 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 Maiden Erlegh School in Reading
- School type
- Free Schools, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 885 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Maiden Erlegh School in Reading website
Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11-16 secondary school in an urban context which is as committed to the welfare of students and staff as it is our high quality education. Our school benefits from excellent, modern facilities and teaching spaces and we are very proud of our vibrant, diverse and engaging students who work hard and have high aspirations.
We have a highly effective team of tenacious, optimistic and talented staff , supported by an experienced leadership team.
Professional development is a strength here, thanks to our Teaching School. We offer a flexible CPD programme which staff can tailor to their own needs which includes coaching and training for new entrants to the profession and to support career returners. We are very happy to discuss flexible working arrangements including part-time working and job-sharing.
The school is a part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust which offers a range of career opportunities in our vibrant and successful schools. We have a proven track record of supporting ambitious staff to middle and senior leadership posts and our can offer Specialist Leader of Education and school improvement opportunities to the right candidates
School location
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