An opportunity to lead History at River Academy, shaping a coherent, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that secures strong outcomes for all students. The role combines strategic curriculum leadership with high-quality classroom practice. You will lead curriculum design, drive standards in teaching and assessment, and develop a culture of high expectations, engagement and achievement across the department.
River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase to 541 as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently heavily oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, River Academy is known for its high expectations and high levels of progress. Last year, in NGRT reading tests, Year 7 progressed from the 53rd percental to the 72nd percentile across the year. Similarly, 44 students in Year 7 achieved awards in the UK Junior Maths Challenge, which is way above the statistical expectation. On weekly basis River Academy is first placed in the entire country for Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader completion rates demonstrating a whole school commitment to ensure no learner falls behind.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development, implementation and review of an ambitious History curriculum aligned with Trust expectations
• Ensure consistently high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the department
• Monitor and evaluate student progress, using data to inform interventions and reduce gaps in achievement
• Oversee curriculum planning, schemes of work and enrichment opportunities
• Lead and line manage the History team, including performance management and professional development
• Support students who are not yet fluent readers through targeted curriculum and intervention strategies
• Contribute to whole school and Trust curriculum development and improvement priorities
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, behaviour, equality and health and safety requirements
The Ideal Candidate
• Qualified Teacher Status with a strong academic background in History
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality teaching and secure strong student outcomes
• Experience or readiness to lead curriculum development and implementation
• Strong understanding of assessment, data analysis and intervention strategies
• Ability to lead, coach and develop colleagues effectively
• Commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing and high expectations for all
• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills
About
the School
River
Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school
places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes
specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall,
activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio.
Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.
The school
has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic
excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve
students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource
base for students with moderate learning difficulties.
The school
also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its
after-school Electives programme, available to all students.
To learn
more about River Academy, please visit the school website: www.river-academy.co.uk
About
Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden
Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and
Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every
child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,00 students across nine
schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we
are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
We Aim
High, Be Inclusive, and
Work Together.
These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through
collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Through
the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional
learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership
opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole
team in sharing best practice and learning.
Joining
our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values
expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes
of young people.
You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by visiting our website.
Benefits
Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.
Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.
Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.
Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.
Mental Health First Aid support.
Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.
Employee Referral Scheme.
Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.
Additional Information
If you
believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a
meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please
contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.
Applicants
are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and
interview at any time.
Maiden
Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to
safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate
will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Andy Hartley
A.Hartley@maidenerleghtrust.org
River Academy would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:
