Ebony Kempster

Tell us about your job

As Head of Religious Studies, I lead a department responsible for students’ progress from Years 7–13. I oversee a team of dedicated RE teachers, ensuring that our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive, and aligned with our vision. My role involves monitoring attainment, supporting staff development, and creating a positive culture for learning. Ultimately, I aim to ensure every pupil receives a rich, thoughtful Religious Studies education.

Tell us how your degree helped you get there

My degree gave me the strong subject knowledge needed to teach personal and challenging content with confidence. My dissertation on representations of Islam in the media deepened my ability to approach nuanced topics thoughtfully and challenge misconceptions in the classroom. Supportive lecturers played a key role in nurturing my growth, helping me develop skills such as teamwork, empathy and public speaking. These skills now underpin both my teaching and leadership. This foundation enables me to plan an effective curriculum, guide colleagues, and ensure students receive a high‑quality education.

Tell us about your plans for the future

Looking ahead, I hope to progress into senior leadership with a particular focus on data and curriculum design. I’m motivated by opportunities to shape whole‑school strategy and improve outcomes at scale. In the longer term, I’m interested in moving into consultancy or supporting educational development across a multi‑academy trust, using my experience to guide wider teaching practice and curriculum improvement.