Head of Religious Studies or Religious Studies Teacher

Lipson Co-operative Academy, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7PG

24 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  4 February 2026 at 3pm

• Date listed

  9 January 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
  • Head of department or curriculum
  • Suitable for early career teachers
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Subject: Religious education
• Working pattern: Full time: 32.5 Monday-Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPS/UPS
• Additional allowances:

  TLR2a for Head of Department

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking for either a Head of Department or a talented teacher to take our Religious Studies department to the next level.

ARE you ‘hungry, humble and smart’? Do you want to transform lives?

Would you like to work at the highest performing non-selective secondary school in Plymouth?

Lipson Co‑operative Academy is a vibrant, community-focused school built on the values of People, Quality, Achievement. Guided by our P.E.R.K. values—Prepared, Engaged, Respectful, Kind—we foster an environment where students and staff thrive. At Lipson, we pride ourselves on providing an environment where students are happy and love coming to school, while also achieving success. Our staff feel valued and cherished, yet continually challenged to improve their teaching practice through a region leading coaching programme.

“100% of staff would recommend Lipson as a good place to work”, Edurio staff survey December 2025

We are seeking an inspiring Head of Religious Studies or Religious Studies Teacher to join our team. You will:

• Deliver high quality RS lessons across KS3–KS5
• Promote critical thinking, respect, and inclusivity
• Support students’ moral and spiritual development

You’ll need to share our passion for improving the life chances of the children in our community and willing to contribute to enrichment activities. You will need to be relentless, positive and kind, and prepared to teach ‘The Lipson Way’.

What the school offers its staff

What we have to offer

A supportive, welcoming environment in a school that 100% of staff said they would recommend as a good place to work in a recent staff survey!

Opportunities for professional growth

A very attractive salary for the right candidate, reflective of drive, passion, experience and track record of delivering results

A culture of respect, excellence, and belonging

Outstanding wellbeing package

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Upload additional documents

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

R.S. Teacher Recruitment Pack January 2026.pdf - 1.96 MB (opens in new tab)

About Lipson Co-operative Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1096 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Lipson Co-operative Academy website
• Email address: amy.lloyd@lipson.plymouth.sch.uk
• Phone number: 01752 294953
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/lipson-co-operative-academy

Arranging a visit to Lipson Co-operative Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email amy.lloyd@lipson.plymouth.sch.uk.

School location

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