Teacher of Religious Education 0.8

Bridgewater High School in Warrington, Cheshire is seeking a dynamic and visionary Religious Education Teacher to cover a maternity leave from September 2026 for the Autumn and Spring terms.

We are looking for a talented RE specialist who is passionate about student success and committed to innovation and excellence in education.

The RS department is part of the wider History & RS faculty, which currently comprises of 5 subject specialists. Though a large team, we work cooperatively and there is a strong ethos of support within the department. All students are taught in mixed ability sets across KS3 and KS4. The structure of the faculty comprises of the Head of Faculty, Head of RS and two KS3 coordinators.

Religious Studies at Bridgewater High School is a rigorous academic subject delivered to all students in the school. The department aims to deepen students' knowledge and understand of religion and world views and to explore challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality and moral issues. By exploring issues within and across faiths, students learn to understand different religions, beliefs, values and traditions and their influence on individuals, societies, communities and cultures.

At Key Stage 3 there is a detailed programme of study designed to prepare students for the topics and skills required in Key Stage 4. At Bridgewater High School, students follow the Lancashire Agreed syllabus for religious education. The aim of this syllabus at Key Stage 3 is "to support students' personal search for meaning by engaging enquiry into the question 'What does it mean to be human?'". Each unit across Key Stage 3 has a key enquiry question to inform knowledge and lesson sequencing. To design out barriers to success at Key Stage 4, some subjects will be embedded within Key Stage 3 to ensure there is contextual understanding and familiarity. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum currently covers:

Year 7 - Where do we belong?

Year 8 - Where can we find guidance?

Year 9 - What really matters?

What is religion and worldviews?

Where do Muslims find guidance?

We are looking for someone who is passionate about Religious Education and has a strong commitment to student success. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a related field.

At Key Stage 4 Religious Studies is a compulsory subject and is currently split into Option Religious Studies and Core Religious Education. Those following the Core allocation continue in their study of religious beliefs and values relating to religion, philosophy and ethics and the world around them. Students who opt for GCSE Religious Studies follow AQA Specification A with specific study of the religions of Christianity and Islam. The department has a long history of strong GCSE outcomes.

At Bridgewater High School, we value innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Our teachers work together to write and continually develop dynamic and engaging lessons. This collaborative approach to planning and preparation has raised the standards of teaching and learning at Bridgewater over the last few years.

Overall, we believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but about inspiring a pride and joy that will last a lifetime.

Teacher of Religious Education - Part Time 0.8 fixed term (Could possibly be full time), to cover a maternity leave from September 2026 (until February or March 2027 approximately)

M1 to UPS3 (£32,916 to £51,048), What we can offer

As a teacher at Bridgewater High School, you will have the opportunity to work with a motivated student population and collaborate with a team of experienced and supportive colleagues. You will be supported by an outstanding parental body and be encouraged to innovate and experiment with new teaching strategies and techniques.

As part of a successful Multi Academy Trust, with the HQ based on the school site, you will have opportunity to influence the delivery of education across the trust, whilst being able to tap into a diverse community.

At The Challenge Academy Trust, we are building a culture that champions better work and working lives across the Trust; a framework to support and develop our workforce from 'hire to retire'. We are committed to providing a workload that is fair and reasonable, work environment where employee health and wellbeing are actively supported and promoted and structured personal and professional development.

Our staff offer also includes:

§ Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme / Teachers' Pension Scheme.

§ An Occupational Sick Pay Scheme (entitlements based on service).

§ Access to TCAT+ our Reward & Wellbeing platform, including access to retailer discounts, a car lease scheme, discounted healthcare cash plan, cycle to work scheme and online resources to support physical, emotional, professional, financial, and social wellbeing.

§ Access to a comprehensive CPD framework though 'Education Connect', our professional development arm, and online resources from the National College'.

The Challenge Academy Trust is committed to promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our employment policies, procedures and practices are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with legislation. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that is inclusive, positive, and fair with opportunity for all.