Religious Studies Teacher – Derbyshire – January2026

The Opportunity A well-regarded 11–18 academy in Derbyshire is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Religious Studies Teacher to join its vibrant Humanities team from January 2026. This full-time, permanent role involves teaching RS across Key Stages 3–5 (GCSE and A-Level) and contributing to the school’s ethos, values, and student spiritual development. What We’re Looking For You should: Hold QTS, PGCE, or an equivalent teaching qualification Have strong subject knowledge in Religious Studies / Philosophy / Ethics Be confident teaching RS at GCSE and ideally A-Level Be able to design lessons that provoke reflection, debate, and moral reasoning Use assessment, feedback, and questioning to promote deep understanding Thrive in collaborative settings and engage actively with whole-school life Experience in faith-based projects, community engagement, chaplaincy, or retreat leadership would be advantageous. About the School This academy serves around 1,400 students in a semi-rural Derbyshire setting, with a full 11–18 cohort including sixth form. The school’s latest Progress 8 score is 0.41 (“above average”), meaning students make progress well above expectation. The school enjoys a reputation locally for combining high standards with a caring and inclusive environment. The RS (and Humanities) team is respected for delivering rich, thought-provoking curricula rooted in ethical inquiry, comparative religion, and philosophy. Students regularly engage in debate, mock theology forums, and visits to places of worship. The department benefits from well-resourced classrooms, access to digital learning platforms, and curricular links with PSHE, Citizenship, and Community Studies. Staff speak highly of the collegial culture, a leadership team that listens, and opportunities to contribute to whole-school initiatives such as values days, RE curriculum review, and interfaith awareness. The school is actively invested in improvement and building on its strengths in student personal development and leadership. What’s on Offer Salary on the MPS / UPS scale, with potential for additional responsibilities Access to structured CPD, mentoring, and career advancement pathways A supportive leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional voice Modern department facilities, teaching resources, and on-site parking An environment where your subject voice can help shape whole-school ethos The Role in More Detail You will lead and teach RS lessons across all key stages, guiding students in philosophical enquiry, ethical reasoning, and understanding religious traditions. You’ll design units that encourage students to ask big questions, engage in discussion, and apply critical thinking. You will collaborate with the RS team and wider Humanities faculty on curriculum planning, assessment frameworks, resource sharing, and school-wide events (such as ethical debates or community engagement projects). You may lead enrichment such as faith & philosophy clubs, student chaplaincy, school retreats, or interfaith outreach. How to Apply If you are a reflective and passionate Religious Studies Teacher looking to contribute meaningfully to a forward-looking and values-driven school, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your CV. Early applications are encouraged; interviews may take place on a rolling basis.