Headteacher

Lead one of the region's largest Catholic colleges, combining faith, scale and ambition to shape the future of nearly 1,800 young people.
HEADTEACHER
St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, Bradford
Salary:  Leadership Scale L37 to L43, £129,730 to £148,829, subject to the September 2026 pay award

Contract:

Full time, permanent

Start date:

January 2027
Closing date:  12.00 noon on Monday 21 September 2026
Lead with Faith. Inspire Excellence. Shape the Future.
The Board of Directors is seeking an exceptional, practising Catholic Headteacher to lead St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College through its next exciting phase.
St Bede's and St Joseph's is a large and distinctive Catholic College serving approximately 1,800 students aged 11 to 18 across two Bradford sites. Ignis supports students at Key Stage 3, while Ardor serves Key Stage 4. Our thriving St Benedict's Sixth Form provides more than 40 courses for approximately 400 students.
Our mission,  Christus Lumen Gentium , Christ, Light of the Nations, is brought to life through our commitment to academic development, faith, community, participation and experience.
The College is experiencing sustained improvement, with GCSE and A Level outcomes rising over recent years. The latest Ofsted inspection recognised the strength of our post 16 provision, positive behaviour, inclusive curriculum, strong governance and high staff morale. The Catholic Schools Inspectorate judged the College Good overall, with Outstanding Catholic Life and Mission.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a successful and ambitious Catholic College, build upon firm foundations and raise standards and outcomes even further.

THE ROLE
As Headteacher, you will provide strategic, visible and faith filled leadership across both College sites.
Your priorities will include:
Placing Christ at the centre of College life
Establishing a compelling vision for the next stage of the College's development
Raising aspirations and improving outcomes for every student
Ensuring consistently excellent teaching across all subjects and phases
Building upon the strength and success of the Sixth Form
Developing an ambitious, inclusive culture in which students and colleagues can flourish
Inspiring, developing and empowering a talented staff team
Ensuring effective safeguarding, governance, financial and operational management
ABOUT YOU
You will be an accomplished Catholic school leader with the strategic vision, resilience and emotional intelligence to lead a large and complex College.
You will bring:
Qualified Teacher Status and an appropriate degree
Successful senior leadership and management experience within a school
NPQH or relevant senior leadership development
A strong record of leading sustained school improvement
Extensive knowledge of curriculum, teaching, assessment and pastoral care

Experience of developing effective leadership teams
Strong financial, organisational and governance knowledge
The confidence and judgement to lead successfully across two sites
This is a reserved senior leadership post. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practising Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
A vibrant Catholic community with a distinctive identity and mission
Respectful, ambitious students who are proud of their College
Dedicated and talented staff with high morale
A strong senior leadership structure and House system
Support from the Trust Central Team, Board and Diocese of Leeds
Excellent professional development and leadership networks
An excellent pension scheme
Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support
Access to a 24 hour GP and registered nurse service
The opportunity to shape one of the region's largest Catholic Colleges
Planned changes across the Diocese of Leeds will create further opportunities for professional development and collaboration across a larger family of Catholic schools.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?
Apply through the job board with your CV. The recruitment team will review your application and contact closely matched candidates for an initial confidential conversation.
Suitable candidates…