Headteacher

Description Supporting documents

Employer Location

Headteacher

Salary : L20 – L26 £ 86,764 - £99,840

Contract type :
Full time

Contract term :
Permanent

Start date :
April 2026 or September 2026 (by arrangement)

St James’s Catholic Primary School is an ambitious, joyful and highly successful school serving four local parishes. We are ‘Outstanding’ in all areas (Ofsted 2024; Catholic Schools Inspectorate 2025) and have a deeply rooted Catholic mission centred on the formation and flourishing of every child.

The Governing Body seeks a skilful, inspiring and practising Catholic leader with warmth, vision and drive. Our next Headteacher will be committed to educational excellence for each individual child, bring fresh insight and intellectual curiosity and lead with a deep commitment to Catholic education. They will nurture our talented staff, energise our community and help us remain at the leading edge of primary education.

We welcome applications from experienced Headteachers, Headteachers of smaller schools, and ambitious Deputy Headteachers seeking their first headship.

St James’s is a large, oversubscribed three-form-entry school with a nursery and a specialist resource provision for autistic children. Our curriculum is enriched by specialist teaching in music, sport, art and languages, alongside a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities and wrap‑around care. Our motto, “Put out into the deep,” captures the character of our community — courageous, outward‑looking and rooted in faith.

We can offer the successful candidate :

• the opportunity to lead an outstanding school with motivated and enthusiastic pupils
• an inspiring school ethos with strong links to our parish communities
• a highly experienced Senior Leadership Team and Business Manager, ensuring strong operational and pastoral support for a new Headteacher
• a skilled and supportive Governing Body
• the support and involvement of dedicated parents
• a forward-looking environment where curriculum innovation, the thoughtful use of technology, SEND excellence, outdoor learning and staff development continue to evolve

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and advised and can be arranged by contacting Collette Mackin, School Business Manager at the school.

Please note only applications received on the CES Application form will be considered for shortlisting.

Final date to receive applications : 9am on Monday 12th January 2026

Shortlisting :
Tuesday 13th January 2026

Interviews :
Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st January 2026

Safeguarding Statement

St James's Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check, barred list check and a Prohibition from Teaching check. Successful candidates must sign a CES contract of employment.