Principal, School Principal

Role – Principal

Salary – Leadership Scale L33 to L39 Inner London Negotiable depending on experience

Required – April 2027 or September 2027 (negotiable)

Contract / Duration – Permanent, Full-Time

Location – London Borough of Southwark, Bermondsey, SE16 4UN

We are seeking an inspirational and dynamic Principal to join St Michael’s Catholic College and to lead this exceptionally high performing school with 970 students aged 11-18 into the next phase of its development.

You must be passionate about inclusion and social justice and understand that education is an instrument and tool that facilitates the best future for young people.

In April 2025 Ofsted judged St Michael’s Catholic College to be an outstanding school across all five inspection categories for the third consecutive time. Inspectors highlighted that the school is exceptionally high performing, consistently achieving academic outcomes significantly above local and national averages. Leaders were recognised for their clear vision and high expectations, which foster an environment where students demonstrate exemplary behaviour, feel valued, and benefit from exceptional opportunities to flourish academically, personally, and spiritually.

In the March 2023 Diocesan Section 48 inspection, St Michael’s Catholic College was judged to be an outstanding Catholic school across all key categories, again for the third consecutive time. Inspectors highlighted that the school is deeply rooted in principles of Catholic Social Teaching grounded in Salesian values. They reported that Catholic life sits at the core of the school’s strategic direction, fostering a welcoming, faith-filled community where students grow both spiritually and academically and demonstrate a proud commitment to serving others.

The right candidate must be someone who is able to demonstrate a belief that there are no limits to a child’s potential and an unwavering commitment to bringing each student to the fullness of life through the highest quality of Catholic education and pastoral care, underpinned by Gospel values and the Salesian values of respect, understanding, affection and humour ‘RUAH’.

The St Benedict Trust Directors are seeking candidates that will:

Be a practising Catholic, who will strive to uphold and develop strong spiritual and moral values throughout the whole school and wider community.

Be an inspirational leader with a clear vision for the future of the school, building on its current strong reputation.

Lead by example, with a ‘can-do’ attitude that inspires commitment from students, staff and the local community.

Have a proven track record of raising standards in teaching and learning, resulting in measurable whole school improvement, within an aspirational, caring and accountable ethos.

Closing date:
Friday 6 th November 2026 (9am)

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Criminal Records Bureau. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search.