Headteacher

What skills and experience we're looking for

We seek to appoint a Headteacher who will:

• Be a committed practising Catholic with a clear vision and strong dedication to Catholic education.
• Demonstrate proven leadership skills and a passion for making a difference in children’s lives.
• Inspire, motivate, and support staff and pupils, while fostering positive relationships with parents, governors, parish, and the wider community.
• Continue to raise aspirations and achievement through challenge and support.
• Secure and sustain high‑quality teaching and learning, with a focus on long‑term improvement.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare for pupils and staff.

We can offer:

• Enthusiastic and motivated pupils who are proud of their school.
• A welcoming and caring ethos rooted in the Catholic faith.
• A dedicated and talented staff team, committed to working in partnership with families.
• A supportive Governing Body and strong parish links.
• Opportunities for professional development through collaboration with the Diocese of Lancaster and wider networks.

We, the Governors of St. James Catholic Primary School in Millom, Cumbria, wish to invite applications for the post of Headteacher, following the retirement of our current, long standing Headteacher in August 2026. This will provide an excellent opportunity for a practising Catholic leader to guide our popular, well loved, school and its community in its next chapter.

Our mission statement, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love' Jeremiah 31:3 is the beating heart of our unique and inclusive school, where every child is valued, respected and nurtured to enable them to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually and personally. We are proud that St. James was recognised as being a 'good school' in both OFSTED and Section 42 Catholic School inspections, where our Catholic ethos was recognised as a strength.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.