Role: Teacher of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
Salary: MPR/UPS Fringe £33,075 - £50,471 FTE + TLR 2.2 £5,835
Contract type: Full time Permanent
Start date: 1st September 2025

Job overview

Are you passionate about teaching Religion, Philosophy and Ethics? Thamesmead School (Shepperton, TW17) is looking for a dedicated and inspiring teacher to join our team. As a secondary school with 1042 pupils, we are committed to providing an enriching educational experience for all our students.

Purpose of the Post

To contribute to achieving the aims and objectives of the Curriculum Area and of Thamesmead School and to develop and teach an effective and stimulating curriculum, so maximising the attainment of the students.

Accountable to: Subject Leader

Accountable for: Students within teaching area

Key Accountabilities

• To uphold the school’s vision for education and work to develop our school values in students.

• To plan, prepare and teach lessons of the highest quality.

• To use the resources of the subject in an effective and imaginative way.

• To motivate, enthuse, excite and challenge students to produce the highest quality work.

• To contribute to the writing and implementation of the subject’s Development Plan.

• To respond to professional development opportunities and work within the school’s Continuing Professional

• Development Framework, including ICT developments.

• To support departmental and school approaches to assessment, recording and reporting.

• To participate in the pastoral organisation of the school as a form tutor, as required.

Key Tasks

• Work within the subject’s schemes of work and contribute to their review and development.

• Attend subject and other school meetings and so contribute to departmental and whole school improvement.

• Monitor individual student progress by using data and assessment procedures and by giving appropriate feedback to students, parents and line managers.

• Promote the school’s ethos and behaviour management approach.

• Exploit opportunities to develop students’ skills in ICT, literacy and numeracy and to contribute to students’

• personal, spiritual, moral, social, cultural development and race awareness.

• Contribute to the department’s programme of events.

• Promote the general progress and well-being of individual students and of the Tutor Group as a whole.

Person specification

Education and Training

Essential

• Qualified teacher status

• Graduate or equivalent in appropriate subject.

• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Good Honours Degree (First or Second Class)

Experience

Essential

• Successful teaching practice or experience teaching Religion Philosophy and Ethics Studies to students aged 11-16.

• Up to date knowledge and understanding of current educational issues.

• ICT competence and interest in using ICT in the classroom.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of statutory curriculum, assessment, recording and reporting requirements for Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.

• Understanding of the characteristics of high quality teaching in Religion Philosophy and Ethics.

• Knowledge of strategies for raising student attainment.

Desirable

• How to use comparative data, together with information about students’ prior attainment, to set targets for improvement.

Skills

Essential

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• The ability to prioritise, plan and organise.

• The ability to solve problems and make decisions.

• The ability to take responsibility for continuous professional self-development.

• The ability to inspire students and staff.

• The ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.

• The ability to analyse, understand and interpret relevant information and data.

• The ability to use ICT appropriately.

Desirable

• Professional proficiency and experience in the use of ICT.

Attributes

Essential

• Self confidence and initiative.

• Reliability, resilience and integrity.

• Energy, enthusiasm and imagination.

• Personal impact and presence.

• Intellectual ability.

• Be suitable to work with children.

Desirable

• Willing to contribute to the wider life of the school.

• Interests and experiences outside teaching.

What can we offer you?

• An excellent CPD package for staff: Enhance your professional development with comprehensive training opportunities.

• Opportunities for growth and real career development: Progress your career in an encouraging environment with plenty of room for advancement.

• Full support from a dedicated and visible team of senior leaders and pastoral managers: Benefit from the expertise and guidance of our leadership team.

• Employee Assistance Scheme provided by Health Assured: Gain unlimited access to advice, information and face to face counselling support on a range of issues including emotional, personal, legal and financial or relationship issues for yourself and those living within your household.

• A meaningful approach to staff wellbeing: Enjoy a variety of benefits, such as access to cycle to work and electric car schemes, discounted onsite membership, and free parking.

Our location offers access to West and South West London, Surrey and Berkshire, providing fantastic choices for city, suburban or rural living.

“Pupils behave well, are cooperative and respectful towards their teachers and each other. Strong leadership aims to ensure that the school provides the best possible standards of teaching and learning.” – Ofsted

For an informal talk about the role please contract HR by email hr@thamesmead.surrey.sch.uk or phone 01932 219 423.

Thamesmead School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to demonstrably share this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service.