At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a joyful Catholic primary school, inspiring students and staff with a child-centred vision.
- Company: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, a vibrant community in Upminster.
- Benefits: Supportive staff, ongoing professional development, and delightful children eager to learn.
- Other info: Join a well-established school with strong community ties and excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a nurturing environment while leading a committed team.
- Qualifications: Practising Catholic with leadership experience and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 71000 £ per year.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Upminster, is a joyful community rooted in Gospel values and seeks an inspirational practising Catholic Head Teacher to lead our two-form-entry primary school from January 2027.
Responsibilities and Expectations
- Be a practising Catholic in good standing with the Church, able to lead the Catholic life of the school with authenticity, joy and conviction.
- Value the school’s place at the heart of the local Catholic community, strengthening links with families, parish and the Diocese of Brentwood.
- Be a visible, approachable and values‑led leader who builds trust with children, staff, parents, governors and the parish community.
- Be passionate in promoting a clear child‑centred vision.
- Be kind, inclusive, aspirational and ambitious for all our children, staff and wider community.
Governors are seeking someone who will:
- Lead with high expectations for behaviour, achievement and personal development, ensuring that every child is supported to flourish spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.
- Champion and further strengthen a broad, ambitious and engaging curriculum that staff are excited to teach and children are inspired to learn.
- Be able to demonstrate a proven track record of providing inspirational, strategic and professional leadership.
- Be passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare and wellbeing of children and staff.
- Be a team leader with experience of coaching and mentoring.
- Be an excellent communicator with a strong commitment to working in partnership with parents and the parish community.
- Have a positive, optimistic and nurturing approach; be proactive and confident.
Benefits and Support
- Delightful children who are proud of their school and eager to learn.
- A professional, caring and dedicated staff team who want every child to succeed.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development for the Head Teacher and staff team.
- Enthusiastic and aspirational senior leaders.
- A well‑established two‑form‑entry school with strong foundations and clear opportunities for further development.
- A supportive, collaborative and ambitious governing body committed to working in partnership with the new Head Teacher.
- An accessible and central school location with excellent transport links to Essex, London and the South East.
- Ofsted rated “Good” (2022: Section 8).
- Diocese of Brentwood rated “Outstanding” (2022).
Additional Information for Applicants
- Applications must be submitted through the CES application form provided by the school.
- This is a reserved post and is open to practising Catholics only.
- Candidates should review the document produced by the Diocese of Brentwood, “Definition of a practising Catholic for reserved posts”, for further information.
- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the whole school community and expects everyone to share this commitment.
- The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks.
- Consistent with our safer recruitment policy, shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search to identify any public content that may relate to their suitability for the role.
- Closing date: 5pm on 2nd September 2026.
- Shortlisting: 9th September 2026.
- Provisional interview date: 16th September 2026.
Head Teacher employer: Catholic Recruitment
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Upminster is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where both staff and students thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive governing body, and a vibrant community rooted in Gospel values, the school provides a unique opportunity for a Head Teacher to lead with passion and purpose. The accessible location and positive Ofsted rating further enhance the appeal of joining this dedicated team focused on fostering the growth and well-being of every child.
