Job Title: Programme Leader of Religious Studies
Actual Annual Salary: £32,916 - £45,352 (M1 to UPS3)
TLR Allowance: TLR 2B (£5,873)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 32.5 hours per week
Provisional Start Date: September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre-employment checks)
Your opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape the future of Religious Studies at Bristol Metropolitan Academy.
Bristol Metropolitan Academy is a diverse, inclusive school that prides itself on celebrating religion, culture, and our vibrant community. As our Programme Leader of Religious Studies, you will play a key role not only in leading an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, but also in championing the importance of faith, belief, and cultural understanding across the academy.
You will take the strategic lead on curriculum development, teaching, learning, and assessment in Religious Studies across Key Stages 3 and 4. You will guide and support a committed team of teachers, driving high standards and ensuring that every student experiences an engaging and thought‑provoking RS curriculum.
In addition to leading the department, you will have an important role in supporting academy-wide celebrations of religion and culture. You will share ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to events and activities that honour and explore the diverse faith backgrounds of our students, families, and community.
If you are passionate about Religious Studies and excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact both inside and beyond the classroom, we would love to hear from you.
About you:
You will have:
- a degree in a relevant subject and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- expert subject knowledge in Religious Studies and a strong understanding of how to design, sequence, and deliver an effective curriculum.
- experience of leading or supporting teaching and learning within a curriculum or subject team.
- experience of using assessment and progress data to inform planning, interventions, and improvement strategies.
- an excellent standard of oral and written communication, with the ability to convey information clearly and confidently.
- strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage planning, assessment processes, and administrative responsibilities efficiently.
- the ability to build effective working relationships with teachers, support staff, students, and external partners.
- the confidence and professionalism to contribute to team discussions, lead meetings, and support colleagues in a positive and informed manner.
- an understanding of inclusive practice and how to support learners with additional needs, including SEND and EAL.
- a commitment to safeguarding, equality of opportunity, and maintaining a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.
About Bristol Metropolitan Academy:
Bristol Metropolitan Academy (Bristol Met) is an over-subscribed secondary school based in Fishponds, Bristol. It is characterised by energy, enthusiasm and a strong sense of community. The years at school are few and precious, and it is important that students at Bristol Met have a strong sense of belonging and a belief in their right and their ability to achieve highly.
Our students are excited to learn and are real ambassadors for our diverse community. 60% of our students come from global majority groups. We have more than 40 identified primary languages in our student and staff community with over 35% of our students coming from having English as an additional language backgrounds. A higher-than-average number of our students are supported with overcoming barriers due to a special educational need.
We believe we enable all students to achieve their very best through our approach to inclusion coupled with our Metropolitan Way; High Standards, High Aspirations and High Expectations working in harmony with our PROUD values of being ResPectful, Resilient, CompassiOnate, AmbitioUs and UnifieD.
Why work at CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 365 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters. Over 52% of the students who attend Bristol Metropolitan Academy are from global majority groups, so we particularly encourage applicants from those groups in order to represent the students we serve, as well as wider underrepresented groups including gender, transgender, age disability, sexual orientation or religion.
We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
What we can offer you:
- Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing support for career development and wellbeing.
- Sector-leading professional development entitlement and opportunities.
- Collaboration with colleagues across the trust through subject communities and specialist networks.
- Shared CLF curriculum, written and curated by trust experts, reducing individual teacher workload.
- Career enhancing and progression opportunities within the trust and through the CLF Institute.
- A collaborative culture which supports workload.
- Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
- A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
- Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking and many more!
Recruitment timeline:
- Closing Date: 23 April 2026 @11:59pm
- Shortlisting Date: 24 April 2026
- Interviews: 05 May 2026
We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.
As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.