Curriculum Lead for History at River Academy

  New


New
  Job Reference #
EDV/2026/RA/79758
  Location
7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
  Contract Type
Permanent
  Contract Term
Full-Time
  Salary
£32,916.00 - £51,048.00 Annually (Actual)
MPR/UPR depending on experience plus an allowance TLR2b
  Closing Date
Midnight, Wed 13th May, 2026
  Start Date
September 2026
  Positions Available
1
   Positions Available        1
  Interview Date(s)
week commencing 13th May 2026
   Interview Date(s)           week commencing 13th May 2026
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About this Role

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 websitewww.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.


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:

  1. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, the personal email I have provided on this document can be uploaded to Every to process my onboarding paperwork
  2. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, the personal email I have provided on this document can be uploaded to National College to receive my induction training
  3. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, that I consent to processing my DBS check using the personal details provided.
  4. Please write your personal statement here:

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