Head of School

Job Description

Required for 1st January 2027

Permanent, Full-time

NOR: 118

Salary Range: L7 to L11

The Trustees of the Rosary Trust and the Governors of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Head of School from 1st January 2027. St Joseph's is a caring, friendly school and community where our Catholic Ethos is central to all we do. Our new Head of School will be well-supported by all stakeholders and will have the benefit of a close network of colleagues in the CMAT. Our new Head of School will work with the Local Governing Body and the Rosary Trust to shape the strategic direction of the school, and will be responsible for day to day leadership and management of St Joseph's. Our new Head of School will lead a team that strive together in the best interest all our children, following the school's Mission Statement:

In our Catholic School, with God at the centre of our lives, we offer every child a high standard of education.

We meet individual needs, in a caring and loving community, which celebrates our faith.

We follow in St Joseph's footsteps, building a community of love, trust, respect and learning

Applicants are invited from Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers or Assistant Head Teachers with outstanding leadership experience.

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 a clear child-centred vision

• Be inclusive, aspirational and ambitious for all our children and our staff

• Be an enthusiastic leader, with a strong commitment to working in partnership with parents and parish.

Governors are seeking someone who:

• Will champion a curriculum that our teachers will be excited to teach and will inspire our children to learn.

• Can demonstrate a proven track record of providing inspirational, strategic and professional leadership

• Has a secure understanding of all matters relating to safeguarding

• Will be a team leader with experience of coaching and mentoring

• Will work hard to ensure that every child is supported and challenged to maximise their potential.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• Children who are committed, enthusiastic and fully engaged in their learning

• Professional and dedicated staff, supportive parents, and active Governors

• An enthusiastic and aspirational StaffTeam

• Excellent opportunities for further professional development

• Support from the Rosary Trust CMAT

• Support from the Harwich Collaborative of schools

• Good track record in terms of Ofsted (May 2023) and a grade 2 in terms of CSI (March 2024)

• Excellent school building and grounds

• A balanced budget

We warmly welcome and encourage applicants to contact our school and speak to Mrs G Colley SBM to obtain further information and arrange a date to tour the school. An application pack is available on request.

Completed applications should be sent to the school, marked

FAO: Miss E Heaphy (Chair of Governors)

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

The Drive

Dovercourt

Essex

CO12 3SU

Closing Date: 2 October 2026 Shortlisting date: 8 October 2026

Interview Date: 15 October 2026

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 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

St Joseph's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with other relevant employment checks. Please note that this will also include a check of life online.

Applications should be on a CES application form, and sent to the school (applications not submitted on the CES application form will not be considered). Any electronic applications will have to be signed by the applicant attending an interview.

Supporting Documents

• Consent to obtain references (from Parish Priest and Professional Referees)

• Head Teacher Person Specification

• Job Description

• Chair's welcome letter to applicants

• CES Model Application Forms and Supplementary Forms - Notes to applicant

• Recruitment monitoring form