St James’s Catholic Primary School is an ambitious, joyful and highly successful school serving four local parishes. We are a large, oversubscribed three-form-entry school with a nursery and a specialist resource provision for autistic children. 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.
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 our recruitment partner Dion Mills at Hays Leadership on 07899 063321, or dion.mills@hays,.com. To request an application pack please email dion.mills@hays.com.
Please note only applications received on the CES Application form will be considered for shortlisting.
Application closing date: 9am on Monday 9th February
Interviews: week commencing 23rd February
St James’s Catholic Primary 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 candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign the CES contract of employment.
To apply for this job you are required to do one of the following:
1. Send your completed application forms to the email address below.
2. Email your details or request further information from the email address below.
3. Send your CV if requested. Please only send your CV if requested to do so.
Email: dion.mills@hays.com
Please mention catholicrecruitment.co.uk when applying.