At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant Catholic primary school, nurturing spiritual and academic growth.
- Company: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a caring and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive staff, and a strong Catholic ethos.
- Why this job: Inspire young minds and make a real difference in a welcoming environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in a primary school and a passion for Catholic education.
- Other info: Visit us to see our community in action; applications close on 11 May 2026.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 ÂŁ per year.
St Joseph’s is a happy and inclusive Catholic primary school where faith, love, and learning come together. Rooted in our mission, “Growing together with Jesus in our Hearts, Heads and Hands” we are committed to providing a nurturing and challenging environment for all to flourish spiritually, academically, and socially.
We need a strategic thinking, passionate leader who has the skill and vision to lead our school to successfully embrace the challenges that lay ahead as we embrace the next chapter of our journey.
We Offer:
- An inclusive, strong and caring school family with talented, hard-working, and committed staff.
- A strong Catholic ethos where Gospel values inspire everything we do.
- Happy, confident, enthusiastic and respectful pupils who love to learn and are proud of their school.
- Pupils who have a high standard of good behaviour and are a pleasure to teach.
- A supportive governing body and close partnership with St Joseph’s Parish and the Diocese of Portsmouth.
- Professional development opportunities, including mentoring for first-time Headteachers.
We Are Looking to Appoint:
- A practicing Catholic who is passionate about Catholic education and dedicated to the spiritual, moral, and academic development of everyone in our school family.
- An exemplary role model who demonstrates their faith through their care and love of our children and all members of our school family.
- A person who has leadership experience and proven success in a senior leadership role in a Primary School setting.
- An inspirational and strategic leader who can drive the school forward and will inspire and challenge, leading our staff to achieve their very best for our pupils.
- A resilient and reflective leader who embodies kindness, integrity, and ambition for all.
- A dedicated leader who fosters a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every member of our school community to thrive.
- An effective communicator committed to promoting strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors and the wider community.
Visits to St Joseph’s are warmly encouraged. To arrange a visit and request a pack please contact the Clerk to Governors Mrs Emily Alder: e.alder@stjosephsbracknell.co.uk
Only completed Catholic Education Service (CES) applications will be considered. A standalone CV will not be considered. All applications must be submitted electronically to Bracknell Forest’s HR department by email to: Sarah.Hunter@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
When applying you should refer to the application pack which includes the Job Description and Person Specification. It is essential that you provide a succinct personal statement that clearly demonstrates how you meet the required skills and attributes outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification. Please use concise examples where possible, to evidence your skill‑set, as your personal statement will be the primary tool used to shortlist candidates.
We look forward to receiving your application. Closing date: Noon, Monday 11 May 2026. Interview days: May 20 & 21 May 2026. Start date: 1 September 2026 or 1 January 2027 for the right candidate.
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to apply: Please complete the attached application form and return it to the school, only CES Application forms will be accepted, DO NOT submit a CV.
Safeguarding: Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. This position requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check because it involves contact with (or access to data concerning) children.
Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to providing equality of opportunity to all. Our aim is to treat all employees and prospective employees with integrity, respect and consideration.
Disability: We are a Disability Symbol User and as such have made a commitment to guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria of the person specification.
Pre‑employment medical check: As a condition of the Offer of Employment, the successful applicant will be asked to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire form.
References: On your application form you will be asked to provide the names and addresses of two people who will provide a reference. At least one must be from your current employer, completed by a suitable person with appropriate authority. We take up references for all shortlisted candidates and wherever possible we like to apply for these prior to interview.
Employment: Any candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.
Headteacher in Bracknell employer: Garth Hill College
Contact Detail:
Garth Hill College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around St Joseph's and soak in the atmosphere. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and values so you can show how you align with their mission during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some thoughtful questions! When you're in the hot seat, asking insightful questions about the school's future plans or community involvement shows you're genuinely interested and ready to lead.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed staff in previous roles. This is your chance to shine as an inspirational leader who can drive the school forward.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description and person specification. We want to see how your experience aligns with what St Joseph's is looking for, so make sure you highlight those relevant skills!
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Keep it concise and use specific examples to demonstrate how you meet the required skills. Remember, this is the primary tool we’ll use to shortlist candidates, so make it count!
Follow the Application Guidelines: Make sure you complete the Catholic Education Service (CES) application form as specified. We won’t be considering standalone CVs, so stick to the guidelines to ensure your application is valid.
Submit Your Application Electronically: Once you’ve got everything ready, send your completed application to the provided email address. We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process, and don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Garth Hill College
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to really understand St Joseph's mission: 'Growing together with Jesus in our Hearts, Heads and Hands'. Reflect on how your own values align with this mission and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you can embody and promote these principles in your leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to share concrete examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills. Think about challenges you've faced, how you overcame them, and the impact your decisions had on your school community. This will help illustrate your capability to lead St Joseph's into its next chapter.
✨Engage with the Community
St Joseph's values strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents, and the wider community. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to foster these relationships and engage with the local community. Consider sharing past experiences where you successfully built partnerships or improved communication within a school setting.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the school and its future. Ask about the school's current initiatives, challenges they face, or how they envision the role of the Headteacher evolving. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.