At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant school community, ensuring excellent education and pastoral care for every child.
- Company: Overleigh St Mary’s, a two-form entry school in Chester with strong community ties.
- Benefits: Supportive staff, engaged families, and a welcoming environment for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with other schools and engage with the local community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while upholding a strong Christian ethos.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a clear vision for educational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
We seek someone who can build on the firm foundations that our current Headteacher and Leadership Team have secured, and to continue to provide an excellent academic and pastoral education for every child in our care. You will be an effective communicator, a good listener, and an approachable, supportive leader who will value all staff, support our community and prioritise our children in every decision.
Our new headteacher will uphold the Christian ethos of our school, which has at its heart the Bible verse ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbour as yourself. Matthew 22: 37 and 39. The successful applicant will be a proven effective leader with a clear vision for excellent education, within a strong Christian ethos. They will appreciate the benefits of working with a supportive team of staff, governors, parents and the wider community. They will also enjoy collaborating closely with other schools within CDAT, learning from and sharing best practice.
Overleigh St Mary’s is a two form entry school in Chester. The school plays a central role in local life, with strong and positive relationships with the local church and the community. We are immensely proud of our most recent Ofsted inspection (October 2024) and the outcome of our SIAMS inspection (November 2025). We can offer our new Headteacher a warm and welcoming school, underpinned by a hard-working and committed staff team, supportive families and friendly, happy children who are keen to learn and who are proud of their school and their community.
Shortlisting will take place on Wednesday 17th June 2026, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the shortlisting meeting. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 23rd June (school-based activities) and Wednesday 24th June (formal interviews).
There will be an opportunity for potential candidates to visit school on 8th June (2pm), 9th June (3.30pm) and 11th June (3.30pm). If you would like to visit, please email Emma Furlong (CDAT Administrator) – office@cdat.co.uk – to register your interest.
Applications must be made via the 'My New Term' portal: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/150917/EDV-2026-OSMCEPS-62823
Headteacher in Chester employer: CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST
Overleigh St Mary’s is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where the academic and pastoral needs of every child are prioritised. With a strong Christian ethos at its core, the school fosters a collaborative culture among staff, governors, and the local community, ensuring that our new Headteacher will be supported by a dedicated team and engaged families. Located in Chester, the school not only boasts a proud history of positive Ofsted and SIAMS inspections but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a vibrant educational setting.
Contact Details:
CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, take some time to visit the school and chat with staff and parents. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in as a supportive leader.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! During the interview, be sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully. Remember, being approachable and supportive is key to building strong relationships with staff and the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your vision to life! Be prepared to share your ideas on how to continue providing excellent education while upholding the school's Christian ethos. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application via the 'My New Term' portal. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your love for education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students and fostered a supportive learning environment. We want to see your commitment to nurturing every child's potential.
Emphasise Your Leadership Style:As a headteacher, your leadership style is crucial. Be sure to highlight your approachability and supportiveness in your application. We’re looking for someone who values collaboration and can inspire both staff and students alike.
Connect with Our Christian Ethos:Make sure to reflect on how you uphold and promote our Christian values in your application. Mention how you can integrate these principles into the school community and decision-making processes, as this is at the heart of what we do.
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to apply through the 'My New Term' portal! It’s super important to follow the application process as outlined. We want to make it easy for you, so just click the link and get started on your journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST
✨Know the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the Christian ethos of the school and how it influences daily operations. Be prepared to discuss how you would uphold this ethos in your leadership style and decision-making.
✨Engage with the Community
Show that you value community relationships by discussing past experiences where you've collaborated with parents, local organisations, or other schools. Highlight your commitment to fostering strong ties within the community.
✨Demonstrate Effective Leadership
Prepare examples of your leadership experience, focusing on how you've built effective teams and supported staff development. Be ready to share your vision for education and how you plan to implement it at Overleigh St Mary’s.
✨Be Approachable and Supportive
During the interview, showcase your communication skills by actively listening and responding thoughtfully. Emphasise your approachability and how you plan to create a supportive environment for both staff and students.
