Assistant Subject Lead for Religious Education

Dear Applicant,

This is an exciting time for us as we look to further strengthen our Religious Education department here at St Nicholas. This is a subject that matters to us, and we continue to invest in its development so that it is high profile across the school. We really are an excellent Catholic school (confirmed in our most recent inspection in February 2025) where Catholic life and mission, as well as Collective Worship were judged as Outstanding. We have a fantastic reputation for the very highest of standards, fantastic students who are eager to learn and exceptional staff who walk the ‘extra mile’ to ensure that every student fulfils their God-given potential.  

We are looking to appoint an Assistant Subject Leader of Religious Education with a passion and vision for learning and teaching in Religious Education across all key stages. You will be a highly effective practitioner who will make a difference by inspiring a love of learning in your students. You will need to be supportive of the Catholic ethos of the school, but you do not need to be Catholic. 

The successful candidate will join a vibrant, forward thinking, and progressive department which is keen to build upon the many successes within the school’s impressive inspection reports from both the Diocese and Ofsted. This post would suit a colleague wanting to further develop their career in a truly exceptional school. 

St Nicholas has made significant progress with the continuous development of the curriculum we deliver to our students. Our examination results, year on year, are significantly above national averages and we continue to be oversubscribed. The successful candidate will benefit from teaching in a department which offers comprehensive schemes of learning and is well-resourced. 

Everyone Matters here: Our Headteacher is a National Leader in Education, and we lead on training beyond the school, supporting other schools where the need arises. We believe that our professional development offer is one of the best and we are proud of the successes our colleagues have here; many being promoted within the school to leadership posts (please see the enclosed pack for further information about our offer), or to Teaching and Learning Coach positions.  

Furthermore, we are a school genuinely committed to your health and wellbeing and workload: this year, we launched our new Wellbeing Charter and, part of this has resulted in the opening of a new Gym for staff and students. We have an active Staff Wellbeing Committee, which is also attended by the Headteacher and fully supported by an experienced and dedicated Governing Body. 

We take safeguarding seriously: we have a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads, many of whom are experienced and experts in this field. Our Executive Safeguarding Team meet weekly. We ensure that all staff access training on a regular basis and you will be expected to engage in this. 

Visits to our school are warmly welcomed but we do understand that it isn't always easy to leave your current school to visit another one and is not part of the application process. 

Please also visit our website to see videos and additional information: https://st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk/videos/ 

 If you feel that you have what it takes to deliver our vision, we would be delighted to receive an application from you. Please send your applications either via the TES website or by email to d.poole@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk. 

The deadline for applications is 9am Friday 25 April 2025.  Shortlisting and interviews will be confirmed following this date. 

Safer Recruitment Process for all applications at St Nicholas Catholic High School 

Our school is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please refer to the school’s safeguarding policy on the school website here https://st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/Child-Protection-Safeguarding-Policy-2024v2.pdf 

As a result, we would like to draw the following safer recruitment checks to your attention: 

· All appointments are made subject to: 

· An enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check 

· Checks of professional status where applicable. 

· Confirmation of professional qualifications, where applicable. 

· Receipt of suitable references (if not received by the time of interview); and 

· Medical clearance 

· Online vetting check 

· We only accept applications completed on the Catholic Education Service Application  Form with a covering letter. Please do not send C.V's or open testimonials.

Please ensure that the application form is completed in full. In particular, you must ensure that a full work history is provided and that any gaps in your employment are fully explained.