Curriculum Leader – Religious Education 

Candidates must be a practising Catholic to take on this position.

 TLR 1D 

Cardinal Newman School Luton 

From September 2026

Our passion is to see students achieve the best that is possible, inspired by great teaching and great leaders. Cardinal Newman School is an 11-19 comprehensive school with Specialist Science Status, serving the Roman Catholic community in Luton and Dunstable. We are one of the most successful schools in Luton and have a thriving 6th form with 300 students. We have been consistently described by Ofsted as a ‘good’ school and under Section 48 as an ‘outstanding Catholic school’.

We seek to appoint for September 2026 or earlier, if possible, a practising Catholic who is a dynamic and an inspirational Head of Religious Education (RE) to lead an ‘outstanding’ RE Department (Section 48 inspection June 2022). We are looking to appoint a dynamic and inspiring teacher, with responsibility for monitoring, supporting and tracking the welfare and progress of our students across the Key Stages in Religious Education.

As a Catholic school, RE is a Core department; all pupils study RE at KS3, KS4, KS5 (all pupils study Core RE) and we offer A-Level Religious Studies. We welcome applications from candidates currently in similar roles or aspiring Middle and Senior Leaders. The successful candidate will benefit from the support and line management of the Deputy Headteacher.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• Be a practicing Catholic (The Head of the RE Department is a reserved role in a Catholic school).
• An outstanding classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellent results and a compelling vision for improvement.
• Be committed to working in pursuit of success for pupils and of raising standards.
• A team player, able to lead and inspire colleagues and pupils alike.
• Ability to teach to A-level.
• Be an advocate  to the aims, ethos and values of the school.
• Be able to build on a highly effective curriculum.

What we offer you:

Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and develop, including Middle Leader training and aspiring SLT programme.

• An Ofsted rated ‘good’ school.
• A section 48 rated 'outstanding' school.
• Well-resourced RE teaching base.
• A commitment to staff well-being.
• A two week October half term
• Part of a dynamic and supportive Catholic Trust
• A strong community spirit; staff who are very supportive towards each other with a great camaraderie existing throughout the school.

The successful applicant will be joining a school that has the development of all our members, staff and pupils alike, at the heart of our mission.

Our leadership team is committed to the professional and personal development of our teachers, and we actively look for ways to make sure that work-life balance is a reality.

The successful applicant will be joining a highly organised, committed, energetic and well-equipped department in a school that has the development of all our members, staff and pupils alike, at the heart of our mission.

If you are an enthusiastic, creative, well-organised professional who wants to develop your craft in a school where human flourishing is at the heart of what we do, we would love to hear from you.

Candidates may contact the school, in confidence, for an informal chat. School visits are also very welcome.  

Closing Date:                         Sunday 12 April 2026

Interview Date:                    To be confirmed 

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.  Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, prohibition order check and the Disclosing & Barring Service.

Roman Catholic School in the Diocese of Northampton

‘Together towards our Lord through learning, love and faith’