Teacher of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

About us and the role

Step into a role where curiosity, reflection and meaningful dialogue sit at the heart of learning. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) teacher to inspire young people to explore life’s big questions, develop critical thinking and deepen their understanding of diverse beliefs and values. Within a school rooted in strong ethical principles and a culture of mutual respect, you will empower pupils to think independently, articulate their views with confidence and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality teaching that secures excellent progress and outcomes for all learners, regardless of background or ability. You will plan engaging and thought-provoking lessons, using a range of strategies to meet the needs of every pupil, including those with additional needs or English as an additional language. With a strong focus on literacy, dialogue and reflection, you will help students develop both academically and personally, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and strive for excellence.

Beyond the classroom, you will play a vital role in fostering a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment where pupils feel valued and supported. Building strong relationships with students, families and colleagues, you will contribute to a collaborative and values-driven school community. You will model high expectations in behaviour and conduct, promote safeguarding at all times, and actively contribute to the wider life and ethos of the school.

This role is ideal for a reflective practitioner who is committed to continuous professional development, and is ager to contribute to a thriving department.

School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange a suitable time.

Avanti Grange is Bishop’s Stortford’s newest secondary school, already recognised as Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted (2025). Our state-of-the-art campus serves families across Bishop’s Stortford and neighbouring villages, and is home to a vibrant, ambitious and supportive community. The school is heavily oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation locally and the demand to be part of our journey.

We are a co-educational community school, part of the Avanti Schools Trust, with a clear vision to inspire spiritually compassionate changemakers. Our staff are motivated by a shared purpose: to deliver exceptional teaching, foster character formation, and nurture wellbeing. As one colleague put it: “Working at Avanti Grange feels like being part of a family with a shared, values-driven mission.”

We are equally committed to the growth of our staff as to the success of our students. In 2024, we were awarded the Teacher Development Trust Gold Award for the quality and culture of our professional development – recognition held by only a small number of schools nationally. Through education-leading CPD and coaching, colleagues at Avanti Grange thrive in an environment where “better never stops.”

Students benefit from a rigorous, knowledge-rich curriculum, underpinned by yoga, mindfulness, and an exceptional co-curricular programme. Our pastoral system is a defining strength: impeccable behaviour supports high-quality learning, while wellbeing is woven into daily life through practices that allow both staff and students to flourish.

With more than 660 students on roll and growing each year towards a full secondary and sixth form, Avanti Grange offers a rare opportunity to help shape one of the most exciting schools in the region.

What will you do?

• Deliver the curriculum as relevant to the age and ability group/subject/s that you teach
• Manage classes effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to pupils’ needs in order to inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
• Participate in any relevant meetings/professional development opportunities at the school, which relate to the learners, curriculum or organisation of the school including pastoral arrangements and assemblies
• Work collaboratively with others to develop effective professional relationships

Why should you apply

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place.

You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development
• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility)
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Well-being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps)
• Cycle-to-work Scheme

What are we looking for?

• Qualified to bachelor’s degree level in relevant subject or allied subject
• QTS qualified
• Shows initiative and takes personal responsibility for their own actions with the motivation to work very hard, embrace any activity that is in the interests of protecting and education children and to continually raise standards. Can initiate, complete and finish; be effectively strategic and where appropriate, innovative
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

Further information

Pre-employment checks

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks.

Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics.

Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.