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- Tasks: Lead St Catherine's School with vision, creativity, and ambition while ensuring excellent pastoral care.
- Company: St Catherine's is a vibrant, inclusive school with a strong Catholic ethos welcoming all girls.
- Benefits: Enjoy support from an experienced leadership team and opportunities for further training and mentoring.
- Why this job: Join a community that values friendship, belonging, and empowers girls for their future.
- Qualifications: Management experience in schools and a passion for girls' education are essential.
- Other info: Applications close on 18 June 2025; contact for a confidential chat about the role.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
To start January or April 2026. The Chair and Governors of St Catherine’s invite applications for the role of Head to succeed Johneen McPherson after seven and a half years of exceptional leadership. All schools speak of their high standards for pastoral care, teaching and learning, and co-curricular provision and we are very proud of our record of excellence in these areas. However, what sets St Catherine’s apart is our school culture. The inclusive and caring Catholic Christian ethos welcomes girls of all faiths and none, and our vibrant community celebrates friendship and belonging, and ensures each person feels supported and valued.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and energetic leader who will embrace the values and faith life of the School, and lead St Catherine’s with confidence into this next period. The next Head will be someone enthusiastic about leading a strong and ambitious curriculum that prepares girls well for the future, while also ensuring pastoral care and co-curricular provision promote pupils’ confidence, integrity and resilience.
At a time of considerable challenge for the independent sector, the successful candidate needs to have the vision, creativity and ambition to take the School forward into the next stage of its development. With a genuine passion for girls’ education, the successful candidate will have the ability to foster effective, collaborative relationships, within the school community and beyond.
Governors look forward to meeting applicants with management experience in schools, and those with the appetite for the challenge, responsibility and privilege of school leadership. The successful candidate will work with a very experienced, personable and innovative senior leadership team and a committed and supportive Governing Board; further training and mentoring will also be available to assist the new Head.
If you have the professional and personal skills needed to become the next Head of St Catherine’s, we will be delighted to consider your application.
The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 10.00am UK time.
The 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 a number of safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS, Barred List and social media checks as part of Keeping Children Safe in Education, and once in post, receive further training and updates.
Contact Name: Jacqueline Bowyer
Contact Email: jbowyer@stcatherineschool.co.uk
Application URL: https://www.rsacademics.com/current-vacancies/head-st-catherines-school/
Contact Detail:
Catholic Independent Schools Recruiting Team
camillaoulton@rsacademics.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head St Catherine\'s School
✨Tip Number 1
Research the unique culture and ethos of St Catherine's School. Understanding their inclusive and caring Catholic Christian values will help you align your leadership style with their expectations, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former staff or governors of St Catherine's. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the school's community and expectations, which you can reference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the future of girls' education. Highlight innovative ideas that promote confidence, integrity, and resilience among students, as these qualities are essential for the role of Head at St Catherine's.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to the RSAcademics team for an initial conversation. This can give you a clearer understanding of what the governors are looking for and allow you to tailor your approach accordingly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head St Catherine\'s School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the School's Ethos: Before applying, take time to understand St Catherine's inclusive and caring Catholic Christian ethos. Reflect this understanding in your application to show how you align with their values.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your management experience in schools. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives that align with the school's vision for strong pastoral care and curriculum development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your genuine passion for girls' education and your vision for leading St Catherine’s into its next phase.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare by thinking about how you would address the challenges facing the independent sector. Be ready to discuss your strategies for fostering collaborative relationships within the school community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Independent Schools
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take time to familiarise yourself with St Catherine's Catholic Christian ethos and how it shapes the school culture. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this inclusive environment and support the values that make the school unique.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous management experience in schools, focusing on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively. Prepare examples of how you've fostered collaboration and built strong relationships within a school community.
✨Emphasise Pastoral Care and Curriculum Development
Be ready to discuss your vision for pastoral care and how it integrates with curriculum development. Share innovative ideas on how to enhance students' confidence, integrity, and resilience through both academic and co-curricular activities.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the school's future direction and the challenges it faces. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school aligns with your leadership philosophy.
