Head of Religious Education
About This Role
Head of Religious Education
Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, Wellingborough, Northants
Main/Upper Pay Range + TLR 2b
Full time
Required for September 2026
We are looking for a Head of Religious Education who will have an opportunity to lead a subject that shapes values, thinking and understanding, championing thoughtful enquiry and meaningful dialogue across the school. The role calls for a leader who can inspire curiosity, compassion and critical thinking, placing Religious Education at the heart of school culture.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be an experienced Religious Education teacher and an aspiring or experienced middle leader who will join a committed staff team who support each other in our journey of excellence. You will work with department colleagues to shape the future of RE within a thriving, diverse community, ensuring the subject continues to play a powerful and influential role in the life of the school.
Key responsibilities for the role include:
· Strategic leadership of Religious Education across all Key Stages
· Responsibility for curriculum design, teaching and learning, and long‑term departmental planning
· Building on a strong foundation of existing resources while introducing innovative approaches to curriculum and pedagogy
· Championing Religious Education and promoting enthusiasm for the subject across the wider school community
· Leading, supporting and developing colleagues within an experienced and highly knowledgeable department
About the Department
The Religious Education department benefits from a well‑established and highly successful curriculum, delivering strong academic outcomes across all key stages. RE is taught from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5, with additional dedicated GCSE provision at KS4. At GCSE level, students’ study either Islam and Christianity as a full course or Buddhism and Christianity as part of the core short course. Post‑16 provision is equally strong, with a thriving A Level that attracts motivated, engaged students and achieves excellent outcomes.
The department is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team and sits within a large, collaborative Humanities faculty, working closely with History and Geography. RE plays a central role in promoting diversity, inclusion and whole‑school events, offering further scope to develop its impact on school culture. The student body is a particular strength: diverse, respectful and open‑minded learners who are enthusiastic in lessons, keen to share their perspectives, and who actively contribute to meaningful discussion and deeper thinking within RE.
Colleague statement:
“The students, staff and leadership at Hatton are truly exceptional. The approach to teaching and learning is dynamic and forward-thinking, creating an environment where everyone can flourish.”
— J. Lear, Head of Humanities
About the school
Sir Christopher Hatton Academy is known for its warm, purposeful atmosphere, with staff describing the environment as supportive, productive and genuinely encouraging. The academy places real emphasis on bringing in people who care deeply about shaping opportunities for young people in Wellingborough, and this shared sense of purpose is clear in how colleagues speak about working together.
About the Trust
Hatton Academies Trust is a family of schools committed to outstanding education and improving life chances for every child. Collaboration, integrity and ambition sit at the heart of the Trust’s culture, with a clear focus on inclusion, high expectations and consistent support for people across all academies.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a thriving Academy where staff are valued, supported and encouraged to develop professionally. We are looking for a teacher who shares our ambition to provide exceptional education and who is excited to contribute to a department that continues to grow, innovate and inspire students.
For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact Alastair Mitchell, Co-Principal on mitchella@hattonacademy.org.uk To apply for this post, please go to:
https://www.hattonacademiestrust.org.uk/working-for-us/vacancies/
Closing Date for receipt of applications: 9.00am Monday 11th May 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 19th May 2026
Our recruitment processes help us understand what you uniquely contribute. Submissions that rely too heavily on AI risk obscuring the very qualities we are looking to discover. If you use AI, let it support your thinking, not replace it.
Education without limits; Integrity at all times
Hatton Academies Trust are an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applications from appropriately qualified persons regardless of gender, race, religion, disability or age. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants are required to complete an enhanced Disclosure Bureau Service check and any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references.