Head of Religious Studies (Maternity Cover)

Watling Academy, Milton Keynes, MK8 1EP

12 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  April or September 2026

• Closing date

  25 February 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  10 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
  • Suitable for early career teachers
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: Religious education
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Full-time equivalent salary: £32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (FTE) +TLR2B (£8100)

Head of Religious Studies (Maternity Cover) job summary

HEAD OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Commencing - April or September 2026

MPS/UPS + TLR2 (£8100 p.a.)

Maternity Cover

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for Religious Studies and a vision for shaping a dynamic, thought‑provoking curriculum? Do you thrive on guiding others to deliver exceptional learning experiences that promote critical thinking and reflection?

The Role

Watling Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and forward‑thinking Head of Religious Studies to lead our RS provision and champion a rich, inclusive exploration of global belief systems, including Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and beyond.

As Head of Religious Studies, you will set the direction for an engaging and ambitious curriculum that ignites curiosity and nurtures analytical thinking. You will empower students to question, evaluate and reason, ensuring these skills sit at the heart of our educational ethos.

Your leadership will also shape the wider personal development of our students. Through thoughtful exploration of diverse religious traditions, you will help them develop empathy, cultural awareness and the ability to reflect deeply on their own values and actions. Under your guidance, students will gain a stronger understanding of their place in the world and the impact they can have on others.

About Watling Academy

Watling Academy is an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ secondary school situated on the western edge of Milton Keynes, encompassing the Whitehouse and Fairfields developments. Opening in September 2020, our school is a new and vibrant learning community for students aged 11-18. We are excited to have opened the Watling Academy Sixth Form to our first cohort of Year 12 students from September 2025, which will provide further educational opportunities. Our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness embody the ‘Watling Way’ and are integral to the way we interact, learn and grow together as a community.

For more information about our school, please explore our website: www.watlingacademy.net

Learn more about why you should join us by downloading the attached Watling Academy Recruitment Pack

About The Alliance Schools Trust

The Alliance Schools Trust is driven by our mission of Care, Education and Opportunity. We prioritise care by ensuring that no student or staff member ever feels anonymous. Everyone is recognised, valued and supported, creating a strong sense of belonging within our community. Our commitment to education is reflected in our proven track record of academic success, consistently outperforming both Milton Keynes and national averages. We offer opportunity through supportive and dynamic learning environments, where every student can thrive and be well-prepared for future success in higher education or employment. For staff, we offer extensive opportunities for professional development and progression within our growing network of schools, empowering you to advance your career within a united, forward-thinking Trust.

We are recognised as leaders in raising educational standards both within our Trust and in the schools we support. We are proud to appoint motivated, highly qualified staff who thrive in a culture where collaboration and the spirit of partnership are central to everything we do.

How to Apply

Due to our commitment to safer recruitment practices, we can only accept applications through My New Term. Please do not submit CVs.

The Alliance Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.

E-mail: hr@tastrust.org.uk

Headteacher: Mrs Emma Anderson

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 25th February 2026, 9am

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 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.

About Watling Academy

• School type: Free School, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1500 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Watling Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/watling-academy

Watling Academy is a purpose-built secondary school in its second year of operation, located within the Whitehouse development on the western expansion area of Milton Keynes. The Academy will have 1800 students when at full capacity. Watling Academy is part of the Denbigh Alliance MAT.

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