We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Teacher of Religious, Philosophical & Ethical Studies (RPE) to join our team at River Academy. The successful candidate will deliver engaging and challenging RPE lessons, encouraging students to think critically, reflect thoughtfully and develop a strong understanding of religious, philosophical and ethical perspectives. You will support students to make excellent progress, contribute to curriculum development and play a full role in the wider life of the school and Trust.

The role includes teaching across the ability range, acting as a form tutor and contributing to enrichment and whole-school activities.

River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.

You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Way.

River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm, and systems are designed to reduce workload so teachers can focus on their teaching craft. Tutor time is carefully structured and includes reading, assemblies and settling activities to support learning throughout the day. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, resource and deliver high-quality RPE lessons in line with Trust and school schemes of work.
• Inspire students to engage thoughtfully with religious, philosophical and ethical concepts.
• Ensure strong progress and attainment for all students, including disadvantaged learners, those with SEND and the more able.
• Use formative and summative assessment effectively to inform planning and intervention.
• Maintain high standards of behaviour for learning in line with Trust policy.
• Act as a form tutor, delivering high-quality tutor and PSMSC sessions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop curriculum materials and share best practice.
• Contribute to enrichment opportunities, trips, extra-curricular activities and whole-school events.
• Prepare students effectively for internal and external assessments.
• Uphold Trust and school policies, including safeguarding, assessment, behaviour and health and safety.

What we are looking for

You will be a passionate and reflective classroom practitioner with a strong commitment to inclusive education and high expectations.

You will have:

• A good honours degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Strong subject knowledge in Religious Education / RPE and the ability to teach across the ability range.
• Excellent classroom practice, with effective behaviour management skills.
• The ability to inspire curiosity, respectful debate and critical thinking.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, colleagues and parents.
• A commitment to equality, safeguarding and overcoming barriers to learning.
• A willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school and Trust.

Early Career Teachers are welcome to apply.

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 750 staff and 4,500 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 clicking here to visit our website.

About the School

River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area, 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

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.