Assistant Head of PTE; Philosophy, Theology and Ethics - Core RE

Assistant Head of PTE (Philosophy, Theology and Ethics - Core RE)

Job title and organisation: Assistant Head of PTE (Philosophy, Theology and Ethics - Core RE) - Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College
Salary: Appointment will be made on the Sixth Form Colleges Association Salary spine for teaching staff, Spine 1 £ 33,465 to Spine 9 £ 51,714, plus 2 responsibility allowance points (2 x £1,341) per annum.
Hours: Full Time. This post is on an Extended contract of 210 days per year
Contract
:
Permanent
Location: Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, St Mark's Avenue, Leeds, LS2 9BL

Closing Date and Time: Thursday 22 January 2026 at 9 AM

The College is seeking to appoint a well-qualified and enthusiastic individual to the post of Assistant Head of Philosophy, Theology & Ethics (PTE), who will help to lead and inspire a team of experienced teachers. The person appointed will be a practising Catholic
* who is inspirational and ambitious in their commitment to provide the highest quality teaching and learning and who will hold the needs of the students at the centre of their decision making. You should have a track record of outstanding success and be visionary in supporting the leadership of PTE and further developing the team.

PTE is an exploration of faith programme that aims to give our students aged 16-19 an opportunity to reflect on the deeper questions of life, such as who we are, why we are here, and how we want to live our lives and conduct our relationships. The emphasis in the lessons is on active participation and learning from each other, and, on occasion, visiting speakers.

The importance of PTE lies in two main areas. The first is that it augments and supports the distinctive ethos of the College; that we are a community which puts the human being at the centre of all we do, helping to develop values, attitudes and character beyond the main examination subjects. The second is that PTE is the only lesson where the students can meet people outside their chosen subjects, thus allowing them to develop wider relationships, encouraging inclusivity and understanding among our diverse student population.

Notre Dame is not just about gaining qualifications and passing exams. We believe in developing the whole person through the nurture of the virtues to develop ‘good character’. General RE which we call PTE (Philosophy, Theology and Ethics) encourages personal development through social, spiritual and moral growth, and develops important core skills and knowledge which add to the breadth of education.

All students work towards their Stella Maris Leadership Award, which was recently described by Ofsted as ‘innovative’ and clearly ‘valued by students for developing their full potential as a member of society.’

At Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College our aim is to offer a ‘World Class Catholic Education’ by providing the best care, support and outcome for each individual student. As a Catholic College we make Christ known to all members of our extended community through the way we work and the way we act. The virtues of faith, hope and love are at the centre of our teaching, support and guidance.

Through the PTE programme, students will be presented with further opportunities to explore and live out their faith. All students are encouraged to engage with social action, working with the community of Leeds and engage in the numerous charities and volunteering opportunities, including the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes - this year over 30 students have volunteered to attend.

AIMS OF THE PTE DEPARTMENT

• To foster the spiritual life of students.
• To accompany and help facilitate their individual faith journey.
• To foster awareness of the value of self and others.
• For those who have a faith, to offer the opportunity to deepen that faith in a supportive and caring environment.
• To encourage the development of critical and analytical skills within our students.
• To provide opportunities for students to consider, evaluate and debate views on a range of religious, philosophical and ethical issues.
• To encourage the development of empathy, tolerance and respect for others, especially those whose beliefs and culture may differ…