Head of Religious Education (RE)

Location: Cottenham Village College, Cambridgeshire
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (Part-time considered)
Start Date: April or September
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR (dependent on experience)

About Cottenham Village College

Cottenham Village College is a highly successful 11–16 mixed academy, part of the Astrea Academy Trust, situated just north of Cambridge. We pride ourselves on delivering a knowledge-rich curriculum and fostering a culture of high expectations, excellent behaviour, and academic ambition. Our students consistently achieve strong outcomes and enjoy a wide range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Our ethos is rooted in curiosity, scholarship, and tenacity, ensuring every child thrives and is prepared for life beyond school. 

The Role

We are seeking an inspirational Head of Religious Education to lead our RE department and contribute to the wider life of the school. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher or aspiring leader to shape the vision for RE and ensure students receive a rigorous, engaging, and inclusive curriculum.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the RE curriculum in line with the school’s knowledge-rich approach.
• Drive high standards of teaching and learning across the department.
• Monitor and support student progress, ensuring excellent outcomes at KS3 and KS4.
• Manage departmental resources and assessment strategies effectively.
• Contribute to whole-school initiatives and uphold the highest standards of behaviour and culture.

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate and knowledgeable RE specialist with a track record of strong classroom practice.
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and students.
• Commitment to our values of curiosity, scholarship, and tenacity.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to the wider school community.

Why join us?

Join us and become part of a supportive and ambitious school environment where impeccable student behaviour creates the perfect setting for teaching and learning. We offer access to high-quality CPD and leadership development opportunities, foster a culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and manageable workloads, and provide the chance to make a real impact within a thriving school community.

Closing Date: 08/02/2026

We welcome early applications and may close the vacancy once we have appointed the right candidate—apply today!

Interested in Applying?

If you are passionate about education, looking for a fresh opportunity, or simply want to make a positive impact, we would love to hear from you. Take a look at the job description and candidate pack to find out more about the role and how to apply or contact our recruitment team at recruitment@astreaacademytrust.org.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and enhanced DBS checks. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our workforce. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to promoting a culture that ensures there are no barriers to the recruitment, development, and progression of disabled staff across the trust. We provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window. Apply today to avoid disappointment and become a part of our mission to create a positive impact!

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!