Headteacher

Job Description

The Christus Catholic Trust and the Governors of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspirational, dedicated and dynamic Headteacher, from September 2026. St Joseph's is a forward thinking, creative and values driven school where our Catholic ethos is central to all that we do. Our new Headteacher will work with governors to shape the strategic direction of the school and will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of St Joseph's. Our Headteacher will have high expectations, enabling children to flourish, leading a team that prioritises children's learning and staff's development, following the school's mission statement:

'Inspired by Christ, Working Together, Achieving Our Best'

The successful candidate will:

• Be a practising Catholic who can nurture faith and spirituality and take the lead role in providing inspirational Catholic education, based on our shared Gospel values.
• Be passionate in promoting high quality education, making a difference to children's lives and who can lead by example.
• Be inclusive, aspirational and ambitious for all our children and our staff.

The Trust and Governors are seeking someone who:

• Will inspire and empower staff at all levels
• Committed to promoting high standards of teaching and learning.
• Is passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare and wellbeing of children and staff.
• Be an excellent communicator with a strong commitment to working in partnership with Parents, the Parish and Trust.
• Will ensure every child is supported and challenged to maximise their potential.
• Will promote a culture where everyone is valued and respected.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• A supportive, welcoming and caring ethos based on the values of the Catholic faith.
• Children who are committed, enthusiastic and fully engaged in their learning.
• A supportive Local Governing Committee and Trust.
• The benefits of extensive support and collaboration across our Trust schools and the wider Diocese of Brentwood alongside opportunities for further professional development.
• A school based in a vibrant area of regeneration with growth economy
• All the support needed in the form of individual coaching and mentoring from the Trust and Diocese including half termly supervision.
• Excellent opportunities for further professional development.
• Teacher's Pension Scheme
• Half termly individual supervision

The Christus Catholic Trust and the Governors of St Joseph's are committed to ensuring every child in our community has access to the highest possible standard of education and we are looking to appoint a Headteacher who shares this commitment.

We warmly welcome and encourage applicants to visit our school, please speak with the Mrs Staples via email: admin@stjosephsprimary.thurrock.sch.uk or call the office Tel: 01375 672217 to arrange a mutually agreed date and time to visit.

Completed applications should be sent directly to the school via the admin email address.

Please note we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only applications completed on the Catholic Education Service Senior Leadership applications form can be accepted.

This is a reserved post and is open to practising Catholics only, please review the document produced by the Diocese of Brentwood 'Definition of a Practising Catholic for Reserved Posts' for further information.

Shortlisted candidates may be subject to online searches.

Closing date: Friday 1st May 2026

Shortlisting: Wednesday 13th May 2026

Interview: Wednesday 20th May 2026

Information about the School

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a popular, friendly school which primarily serves the Catholic community of Stanford-le-Hope. Each and every child is cherished and expected to achieve their very best. We deliver our mission statement by enabling our pupils and the wider community to be “inspired by Christ, work together to achieve our best” and in doing so, learn to love one another, and develop a love of learning in the process.

We are on an exciting, rapid journey of growth and development whilst preserving our Catholic ethos and living our core Gospel values. We are a vibrant Catholic school which enjoys a rich partnership with the parish of Our Lady and St. Joseph and the wider community. We enjoy wonderful support from our parents in providing an environment where our children thrive.

We promote a rich curriculum with a strong emphasis physical and mental wellbeing as well as utilising our outdoor learning resources.   We serve our community by providing a welcoming, supportive and caring environment where children thrive academically and socially and where the stimulating, aspirational learning ethos reflects high expectations.

At the heart of our vision is that “everybody thrives” and wish others with the same mindset to join us