Head of Religious Education / Teacher of Religious Education

Or

Teacher of Humanities (with Religious Education specialism) with Leadership responsibilities for the right candidate

Location:                    Didcot Girls’ School & Didcot Sixth Form

Salary allowances:   MPS/UPS scale point with TLR available for candidate taking on leadership responsibilities.

                                            Teacher role is suitable for Early Careers Teacher

Job type:                    Permanent,  Full time or part time considered (please indicate in your application).

Start date:                  1^st September 2026

Close date:                 Monday 2^nd March 2026  

The Post

Are you someone with a genuine and infectious passion for their subject, can you enthuse and engage the students you teach; are you someone with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment?

We welcome applications from experienced teachers as well as those new to the profession and currently in training (for the teacher role)  

Didcot Girls’ School is an accredited teaching school with a significant track record for successful fast-track career progression, leadership development and excellent CPD. The school is also part of Ridgeway Education Trust, a growing multi-academy trust, which provides the opportunity for school improvement and leadership work across schools in the future.

The successful applicant will ideally have the ability to teach RE at key stages 3-5.

DGS Religious Education Department

Driven by an enthusiastic and hardworking team of specialist staff, our Religious Education department offers a vibrant space for intellectual and personal growth. We are dedicated to nurturing erudite, reflective, and respectful students who are prepared to explore the enduring questions of belief, ethics, and philosophy that have intrigued humanity since its beginnings. By fostering an environment that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable, we aim to heighten students' awareness of the spiritual dimension of existence while encouraging them to develop a mature, nuanced response to the diverse views of our global community. We strive to empower our students to become not only independent, critical thinkers but also well-rounded individuals ready for a complex world.

The RE department is based in two dedicated specialist classrooms where fresh ideas and innovative teaching methods are welcomed in order to bring our vision to life across all key stages. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the department's consistently strong results, with students at both GCSE and A Level performing significantly above national averages. Religious Studies is a popular choice at GCSE (AQA Syllabus A) and A Level  (OCR).  We currently have large groups in each of Years 10, 11 and 13 and a smaller group in Y12.

For further information about the role please contact Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk

The School

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged  as continuing to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:

“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”

Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.”

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.

Summer 2025 GCSE results were superb with 87% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 72% doing the same at 5+.  Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 35% of grades awarded as A* or A and 65% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county.  

Employing great staff is key to the success of our school: the Headteacher is actively involved in every interview process.  

We understand that valuing and developing our staff is the best way to release and realise their potential. In return, we seek staff who are passionate about working with young people, resilient, and with a truly growth mindset. If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you!  

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.  

RET – Ridgeway Education Trust

As a member of Ridgeway Education Trust, Didcot Girls’ School (Ofsted Outstanding November 2022) works in close partnership with St Birinus School (Ofsted Good, February 2025). The two schools share a 400 strong mixed Didcot Sixth Form (Ofsted Outstanding, November 2022) which is based predominantly at St Birinus.  

Application process: 

Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks.  All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check.  The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.  

To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: https://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/265/school-policies

 Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced. 

Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.

We are committed to expressing our values of high-quality learning, respectful relationships and an inclusive environment in the day-to-day experience of staff and students throughout the school.

Didot Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer.