River Academy is seeking to appoint a Curriculum Leader for Geography. This is a key middle leadership role with responsibility for leading the strategic development and implementation of the Geography curriculum. The postholder will work closely with senior leaders to ensure a coherent, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that enables all students to achieve strong outcomes and develop a secure understanding of Geography.

In addition to the expectations of a classroom teacher, you will lead curriculum design, ensure high-quality teaching and assessment, and oversee targeted interventions, including for students who are not yet fluent readers. You will play a central role in shaping whole school and Trust curriculum development, while leading and developing colleagues within 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 and implementation of a high-quality Geography curriculum that secures strong outcomes for all students
Ensure consistently high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the department
Monitor and evaluate student progress and implement effective strategies to address underperformance
Line manage, support and develop colleagues through coaching, performance management and professional development
Oversee curriculum planning, schemes of work and assessment practices
Ensure effective use of data to inform teaching, curriculum development and intervention
Promote a positive, aspirational culture that supports student engagement, wellbeing and achievement
Ensure compliance with safeguarding, behaviour, equality and health and safety requirements within the subject area
Contribute to whole school and Trust improvement priorities

The ideal candidate

A qualified teacher with strong subject knowledge in Geography
Experience of delivering high-quality teaching and securing strong student outcomes
The ability to lead curriculum development and implement effective teaching and assessment strategies
Experience of using data to inform planning and improve student progress
Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills
The ability to coach, support and develop colleagues
A commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing and high expectations for all

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 website: www.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 clicking here to visit 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

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Curriculum Lead for Geography