Job Description

Assistant Headteacher (Head of Sixth Form)
Required for September 2026
Pay Scale: L12 - L16 (Fringe)

Governors are seeking to appoint, from September 2026, a suitably experienced and qualified individual to join the Senior Leadership Team of our thriving Catholic school. Assistant Headteacher's at BUCHS do not have permanent roles and responsibilities; this facilitates career development and is a successful feature of senior leadership in the school. The successful candidate will initially take responsibility for leading our Sixth Form as Head of Sixth Form, working closely with the Headteacher to further develop our co-educational provision. This role also benefits from our newly built, dedicated Sixth Form Block.

Located in the vibrant town of Brentwood, our popular and oversubscribed Catholic girls' school, which includes a co-educational Sixth Form, is renowned for its academic excellence and strong community ethos. As one of the highest-performing comprehensive schools in Essex, we are proud to have a motivated, supportive and friendly staff team that values collaboration and innovation.

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic teacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. This permanent position offers the opportunity to teach at GCSE and Post-16 level. The ability to teach History and/or Business Studies would be preferred, but we will consider other subjects.

At Brentwood Ursuline, we are committed to supporting your professional development. Our comprehensive staff training programme provides excellent opportunities for both personal and professional growth, enabling you to continue to develop and excel in your career.

Why join us?

· Outstanding results: Consistently among the highest-achieving schools in Essex.

· Supportive culture: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

· Prime location: Conveniently accessible from London and the Essex countryside via the A12 and M25, and within easy walking distance of the Elizabeth Line.

If you are ready to inspire the next generation in a school that values excellence, wellbeing and community, we would love to hear from you.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Please contact Miranda Freeman via email at mfreeman@buchs.co.uk or apply via the Essex School Jobs website using the Apply button.

Closing Date: Wednesday 25 March 2026
Please note: Applications will be considered upon receipt. We do not offer visa sponsorship.
Interviews: To be arranged as soon as possible.

Information about the School

Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School is a Roman Catholic state secondary for girls aged 11-16 with a co-educational Sixth Form, situated in Brentwood, Essex. In 2012 it became an academy; the Bishop, the chair of governors and the Diocesan directors are the trustees.

The school was founded in 1900 by Mother Clare, the first Superior of the Brentwood Ursulines. It was established as two schools – St Philomena’s, for poorer children, and St Mary’s – which merged in 1918. As the school grew, new buildings were added. Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School now has nearly 1,000 pupils, of which 130 are sixth-form students.

Brentwood Ursuline is a successful, happy school which treasures its historic buildings and traditions, but which combines this with recent investment that has enabled us to continue providing an excellent educational environment to both staff and students. Our most recent development of a new Sixth Form Block is due for completion in 2026.

Brentwood Ursuline is a high-achieving, well-regarded and oversubscribed secondary school. In 2025, our Key Stage 4 outcomes were exceptional, with 92.8% of students achieving a GCSE grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics, and 77.2% achieving grade 5 or above in both subjects. 28.9% of students achieved a 9-7 grade in English and Maths. Our Attainment 8 score of 61 placed Brentwood Ursuline as the top-performing comprehensive school in Essex. Students at KS5 continue to secure excellent outcomes at both A Level and in Level 3 vocational subjects.

Students benefit from a wide-ranging and vibrant extra-curricular programme, and staff are actively encouraged to contribute to and share in this rich aspect of school life.

We are deeply committed to staff development. All teaching staff benefit from a comprehensive induction programme, alongside access to high-quality, ongoing professional development overseen by a dedicated member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Brentwood Ursuline has an excellent track record of internal career progression. We actively promote and advertise opportunities internally, with six current Senior Leadership Team posts having been filled through internal promotion, reflecting our strong commitment to developing talent from within.

The motto of the school is "Duty" and its mission is to create a Christian environment in which each student can grow in personality, relationships and skill. The school aims to support pupils to reach their full potential, while ensuring that they are pleasing themselves and God.

Ofsted report: In our recent Ofsted Report from 2023, the quality of education was recognised as outstanding throughout the school, including in the Sixth Form. Our excellent teaching helps our young people excel and we are proud of our outstanding academic record.

Further details of vacancies and the school are available from the Headteacher’s PA, Mrs Freeman, either by email: mfreeman@buchs.co.uk , telephone number 01277 238005 or via the school’s website www.brentwoodursuline.co.uk

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share their commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.