Headteacher

The Governors of Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, working in partnership with the Diocese of Brentwood, seek to appoint a committed and practising Catholic to the post of Headteacher from September 2026, following the retirement of Dr Richard Wilkin after 14 years of dedicated and highly effective service.

This appointment offers the opportunity to lead an exceptional school community with a strong Catholic Ursuline identity, a tradition of academic excellence and a clear commitment to inclusive, comprehensive education.

About the School

Brentwood Ursuline is a high-achieving and oversubscribed girls’ secondary school with a co-educational Sixth Form, serving approximately 1,000 students, including around 130 in the Sixth Form. The school is widely recognised for its strong academic outcomes and high-quality pastoral care. For several years, Brentwood Ursuline has been the most successful comprehensive school in Essex at Key Stage 4 across a range of indicators.

School Achievements

The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection (2023) judged the quality of education to be outstanding throughout the school, including in the Sixth Form. Our latest Section 48 inspection confirmed that Brentwood Ursuline is an outstanding Catholic school, reflecting the strength of its Catholic life, leadership and mission. The school is committed to the formation of the whole person and to enabling every student to flourish academically, spiritually and personally.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Be a practising and committed Roman Catholic, with the personal faith and integrity to lead a Catholic school in partnership with the Diocese of Brentwood
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to Catholic education, inclusive comprehensive values and the formation of the whole person
• Have a proven and successful record of senior leadership as a Headteacher, Head of School or Deputy Headteacher
• Provide thoughtful, inspirational and strategic leadership within a changing educational landscape
• Foster a culture of high expectations, collaboration and professional development
• Build positive and supportive relationships with parents, carers, parishes and the wider community
• Uphold the highest professional and ethical standards, supported by excellent communication skills
• Demonstrate determination to raise achievement and secure continuous improvement while building on existing strengths

In Return, We Offer:

• A strong, experienced and supportive leadership team
• Dedicated, well-qualified and committed staff
• An effective and supportive governing body
• Excellent facilities, including a new purpose-built Sixth Form block due for completion in 2026
• The guidance, support and challenge of the Diocese of Brentwood

Safeguarding

Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all other relevant safeguarding checks.

Key Dates

• Closing date: Thursday 5 February 2026
• Shortlisting: Wednesday 11 February 2026
• Interviews: Wednesday 25 February and Thursday 26 February 2026

How to Apply

If you are an inspiring Catholic leader with the ambition to serve a secondary school community within the Diocese of Brentwood, rooted in faith and guided by a commitment to excellence, service and respect, we would be delighted to hear from you.

• Application packs available on-line at brentwoodursuline.co.uk or via the Clerk to the Governors, Mrs Bajwa at Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, Queen’s Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4EX. Telephone 01277 227156 or email clerk@buchs.co.uk
• Applications (including all the necessary Catholic Education Service documents as available on the school website) should be returned to the Deputy Chair of Governors, Mr Mark Butcher care of the school address above or via email to clerk@buchs.co.uk by 11.59 pm on the closing date of Thursday 5 February 2026.
• We welcome school visits by appointment with our current Headteacher Dr Richard Wilkin.  To arrange a visit please email Mrs M. Freeman, Headteacher’s PA at mfreeman@buchs.co.uk
• Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other pre-appointment checks outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• We strongly encourage all suitably qualified candidates to apply to join us.