Head of Philosophy & Religious Education

Bedales School is a unique educational establishment, set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Our aim is to create an environment where questioning, divergent thinking and freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Central to our success is the sense that each person is a member of our community whose voice is entitled to be heard and treated with respect. Both our staff and students expect of each other the best kind of relationships – co-operative, authentic and trustful.

A first rate, highly skilled, inspirational and encouraging teacher, who embraces and embodies our ethos and values, is sought to lead and develop our successful Philosophy and Religious Education department as Head of Department.

Experience & Background

An outstanding classroom practitioner, you will have a good degree in Religious Studies, Philosophy, Theology or a related area with the vision and ability to lead the department to ensure it remains inspirational, exciting, engaging and relevant. You will oversee the planning, development and implementation of schemes of work, enabling students to attain their optimum potential in the subject. As an effective communicator, your collegiate approach will inspire colleagues to work collaboratively towards achieving these outcomes.

You should also be keen to play a full and inclusive role in the wider life of our busy boarding community and be able to contribute to the development of our innovative school both pastorally and through co-curricular activities.

Timetable

You will be timetabled to teach 28 lessons a week. Learning takes place throughout the day and encompasses tutoring, co-curricular activities, and support and extension sessions as well as subject lessons. Most core curriculum commitments for students are scheduled from 9.00am to 5.30pm on Monday to Friday, and until 12.50pm on Saturday. Students also have access to optional activities before and after the main school day. Typically, students do not have core curriculum lessons scheduled on Wednesday afternoons. 

This post is Regulated Activity.

Benefits

• APTIS pension
• Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
• Salary Extras Benefits Platform
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free meals provided during term time
• Free on-site parking
• Fee Remission for eligible staff
• On-site nursery (subject to availability)
• Gymnasium & swimming pool

How to Apply

For further details on the role and how to apply, please visit the recruitment portal on our website: https://www.bedales.org.uk/our-schools/about-bedales/job-vacancies

All enquiries relating to the recruitment process should be forwarded to recruitment@bedales.org.uk

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 3 March 2025.

Application reviews will be held via MS Teams on a rolling basis during the advertising period.

Interview date: Tuesday 11 March 2025.

Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the application process.

Pre-Appointment Checks

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK on an ongoing basis at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

Safeguarding Statement

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, and Prohibition from Management Checks.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection
• Providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to
• Playing a key role in the prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm
• When concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil

All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.