Headteacher

Lead a Catholic school with heart, purpose and real potential, shaping lasting improvement for pupils, staff and the wider community.

HEADTEACHER

The Holy Family Catholic School, Keighley

Salary:
Leadership Scale L24 to L30, £94,346 to £109,288, subject to the September 2026 pay award

Contract:

Full time, permanent

Start date:

January 2027
Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 21 September 2026

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2

The Holy Family Catholic School is seeking an inspirational, practising Catholic Headteacher to lead the school into its next chapter.

Holy Family is a mixed 11 to 16 secondary school serving the parishes and communities of Keighley, Haworth, Skipton and the surrounding areas.

Our Catholic faith is at the heart of school life. Through our mission of Awakening Minds, Achieving Dreams and Serving Others, we aim to ensure every young person flourishes academically, spiritually and personally.

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful and lasting improvement. The school has clear priorities around teaching, curriculum delivery, pupil outcomes, attendance and behaviour. It also has important strengths upon which to build. Pupils feel safe and supported, safeguarding is effective, reading is a priority and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are supported well.

You will be supported by a committed Board of Directors, an experienced staff team, active parent and parish communities, a structured senior leadership team and the wider expertise of Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust.

THE ROLE

As Headteacher, you will provide visible, compassionate and courageous leadership rooted in the Catholic faith and mission of the school.

Your priorities will include:

Strengthening the Catholic life, ethos and mission of the school
Raising expectations and improving outcomes for every pupil
Establishing consistent, high quality teaching and an ambitious curriculum
Developing excellent behaviour, attendance, inclusion and personal responsibility
Using evidence and data to lead and evaluate school improvement
Developing colleagues and building a strong, accountable leadership culture
Ensuring effective safeguarding, governance, financial and operational management
The school’s leadership structure is organised around Standards and Outcomes, Curriculum and Organisation, and Culture and Attendance. Each area is led by an Assistant Vice Principal, providing clear responsibilities and a strong foundation for improvement.

ABOUT YOU

Applications are welcomed from serving Headteachers and successful Deputy Headteachers who are ready to take the next step in Catholic school leadership.

You will be a practising Catholic who combines faith, strategic vision and high expectations with humility, courage and compassion.

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
Evidence of leading school improvement and raising standards
A strong understanding of curriculum, teaching, assessment and pastoral care

Experience of developing colleagues and effective leadership teams
The resilience and judgement to lead successfully through change
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

An excellent pension scheme
Support from an experienced Trust Central Team and Catholic school leaders
Excellent professional development and termly learning days
Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support
Access to a 24 hour GP and registered nurse service
Access to Blue Light Card savings
Annual staff awards
The opportunity to make a lasting difference to a school and its community
BCWCAT currently comprises 17 primary schools and two secondary schools, with planned diocesan changes creating wider opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?

Apply through the job board with your CV. The recruitment team will review your application and contact closely…