At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant school community towards strategic development and excellence in education.
- Company: St Joan of Arc Catholic School, part of All Saints Catholic Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership network, and enhanced professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while nurturing a strong Catholic ethos.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a commitment to Catholic education.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team in a dynamic environment with a proud history.
The predicted salary is between 109637 - 126780 ÂŁ per year.
Employer Location: Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: ÂŁ109,637 - ÂŁ126,780 per annum (L31-L37 Fringe)
Posted: 30th January 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Expires: 2nd March 2026 09:00 AM
Required for September 2026. Due to the retirement of the current Headteacher at the end of this academic year, All Saints Catholic Academy Trust (ASCAT), and St Joan of Arc Catholic School seek to appoint an inspirational and visionary senior leader with a track record of success, to lead the school community into its next phase of strategic development.
As well as looking for a candidate who will further strengthen teaching and learning, we are also looking for a leader of faith; a defining feature of life at St Joan of Arc - a school with a long and proud history of Catholic education. Our mission statement “Love Christ, inspire others”, reflects the importance that we place on the development of our Catholic life and mission of the St Joan of Arc community and we are therefore looking to appoint the best custodian of this for the future.
As a Headteacher within ASCAT, you will be well supported by a highly committed and experienced Central Team, a supportive Senior Leadership network and access to enhanced CPD opportunities.
There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that this post be filled by a practising Catholic and a Priest’s reference will be sought prior to shortlisting (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales).
Key Dates:
- School Tours: Monday to Wednesday, 9th to 11th February 2026
- Closing Date for Applications: Monday 2nd March 2026 by 9am
- Interview Dates: Thursday 12th & Friday 13th March 2026
Safeguarding Statement: All Saints Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to understand and share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, at least two satisfactory references must be provided, and any other safeguarding checks that are required at the time of appointment will be applied to the pre-employment process. All offers of employment are conditional and subject to safeguarding checks being met successfully. The Trust reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment should it deem pre-employment checks as unsatisfactory.
Following the shortlisting stage, and prior to making a final decision, the Trust/School will collect and process information publicly available about you by conducting a brief online search using an internet search engine. We do this to ensure that the school acts in accordance with its obligations set out in the latest version of KCSiE. By signing the application form I understand that I am giving my consent for the Trust/School to carry out an online search if I am shortlisted for this post. The search would be part of the Trust/School's due diligence in line with the latest KCSIE guidance and would be limited to identifying any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online. I understand that the Trust/School might want to explore any such incidents or issues with me at interview.
Headteacher in Rickmansworth employer: Ascatonline
Contact Detail:
Ascatonline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Rickmansworth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research St Joan of Arc Catholic School. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members if you can. They can give you insider info about the school's culture and what they're really looking for in a Headteacher. Plus, it shows initiative and commitment!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle challenges related to teaching and learning, as well as faith leadership. Practise your answers with a friend or mentor to build confidence and clarity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it ensures that your application is seen by the right people. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to lead a vibrant school community!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at St Joan of Arc, so don’t hold back on sharing your vision for the school community!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in leading educational initiatives and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your capability as a Headteacher. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles!
Be Authentic: We’re looking for a leader of faith, so be authentic in your application. Share your personal journey and how your faith influences your leadership style. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our Catholic ethos.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary documents and information to help you put your best foot forward.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascatonline
✨Know Your Vision
As a Headteacher, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the school. Reflect on how you can inspire both staff and students while aligning with the school's mission statement. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to successful outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share examples of your leadership style and how it has positively impacted teaching and learning. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to foster a collaborative environment and support your team in achieving their goals.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Catholic Education
Since this role requires a practising Catholic, be prepared to discuss your faith and how it informs your leadership. Share experiences where your values have guided your decision-making and contributed to the school community's spiritual life.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your experience in engaging with parents, local organisations, and the wider community. Discuss how you plan to strengthen these relationships and involve them in the school's development, ensuring that everyone feels part of the journey.