Head of RE

Employer : The Fernwood School

Location : Wollaton NG8 2FT

Salary : MPS/UPS + TLR 2b (£5,373)

Contract type : Full Time

Contract term : Permanent

Closing date : 13th April 2026

Job commences : September 2026

Interview date : 17th April 2026

We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic, and highly skilled Head of Religious Education. The successful candidate will have the vision and expertise to design and deliver an outstanding curriculum for all students, building on the department’s strong foundations and leading the next stage of its success.

The Fernwood School has a long tradition of excellence and an ambitious vision for the future growth and development of its curriculum. The RE department is a well-established team that works collaboratively to deliver a carefully sequenced and thoughtfully planned curriculum, underpinned by the latest teaching and learning strategies. Religious Education sits at the heart of our curriculum and is a core subject studied by all students at GCSE. We are now seeking an inspiring leader to shape the next phase of the department’s journey, bringing fresh ideas and innovation to drive further excellence.

The right candidate will have a proven track record of impact beyond their own classroom and will possess the skills and qualities to inspire and develop colleagues. Alongside being a dynamic leader, the successful candidate will be a passionate subject specialist with strong pedagogical knowledge.

The RE department sits within the wider Humanities faculty, which consists of 15 specialist teachers. The faculty is committed to ensuring all students develop subject fluency and is recognised for the creation of engaging learning experiences, both in and beyond the classroom.

Fernwood is a large 11-16 School, enjoying an excellent reputation for high standards of achievement and behaviour. We offer a school with:

• An ethos of ‘High Achievement with Care and Discipline for All’.

• A wonderful group of students who behave well and have high aspirations.

• Staff and Governors that are professional and enjoy working together for the benefit of the young people we serve.

• An Ofsted outstanding judgement.

• A strong Progress 8 score.

• Access to 24 hours a day confidential employee assistance programme.

• Subsidised yoga classes.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Specsavers Eyecare vouchers for DSE users.

• Leading Edge Status.

The Governors and staff are committed to continuous improvement and welcome applications from candidates with drive and determination to work in an environment that inspires and challenges students of all abilities and from all backgrounds.

The Fernwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Services check along with other relevant employment checks. In addition, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a Self-Disclosure is required for all applicants shortlisted for interview. Online searches will be carried out on all shortlisted applicants as part of due diligence checks.

Further details, including how to apply, are available on the vacancies page of our school website: / .

If you would like any more information on this role, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] (Head of Humanities).