At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving school community and inspire staff and students.
- Company: St Edward's Primary, part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and strong community links.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives in a caring, inclusive setting.
- Qualifications: Practising Catholic with leadership experience and a passion for education.
- Other info: Join a joyful family atmosphere where pupils genuinely flourish.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 57000 £ per year.
Are you a practising Catholic with a heart for children, a passion for excellence, and the vision to lead a thriving school community? St Edward’s Catholic Primary School is looking for an inspirational leader who can guide our wonderful school into its next exciting chapter. St Edward’s is proud to be part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP), a family of 32 Catholic schools committed to providing high quality Catholic education across Kent. As a community rooted in Gospel values, we place the formation, wellbeing, and success of every child at the centre of all we do.
About St Edward’s
St Edward’s is a warm, inclusive, one‑form‑entry primary school serving the parish and wider community of St Henry and St Elizabeth in Sheerness. Our children are at the heart of our mission. They are nurtured, challenged, and encouraged to grow spiritually, academically, and personally within a caring and supportive environment. Located close to the beautiful Isle of Sheppey coastline, the school enjoys strong community links, committed staff, and a joyful, family atmosphere where pupils genuinely flourish.
The Role
- Working closely with KCSP’s Area School Improvement Partner, the Headteacher will:
- Build on the strong foundations already in place
- Lead the day‑to‑day running of the school with clarity and purpose
- Inspire, support, and develop a dedicated and talented staff team
- Maintain the highest standards of learning, safeguarding, and pastoral care
- Uphold and champion the school’s Catholic mission and values of ‘Love, Respect, Achieve’.
We are seeking a leader with drive, compassion, and vision, someone who will embrace the strengths of our school while confidently leading it forward.
Catholic Leadership
The Headteacher plays a central role in shaping and sustaining the Catholic life of the school. As such, we are seeking to appoint a practising Catholic who will provide inspirational Catholic leadership and be recognised by pupils, families, and the parish as the school’s spiritual and educational leader.
For reserved posts within Catholic education, a practising Catholic is defined as someone who:
- Has been sacramentally initiated into the Catholic Church
- Lives in accordance with the teachings and moral life of the Church
- Demonstrates outwardly the faith they hold interiorly, inspired by the Gospel and sustained by God’s grace
Visits and Applications
We warmly encourage visits to St Edward’s. This is the best way to experience the school’s community, ethos, and joyful atmosphere for yourself. To arrange a tour, please contact the school office on 01795 662 708.
Please apply by 5pm on Wednesday 15 April. Interviews: Week commencing Monday 20 April 2026. We look forward to welcoming applications from leaders who feel called to join our St Edward’s family. Please send your letter of application and related application documents directly to Sarah McBennett, Director of Education (Primary) c/o: office@kcsp.org.uk. Your supporting statement should be limited to 2,000 words max. and should outline why you feel you are suited to this role, what you believe you can bring to the academy and detail your experience to date, skill set and qualifications.
Equal opportunities
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our Trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment where all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality across all areas of employment and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of our staff—including a strong focus on mental health, family-friendly policies, and inclusive practices that reflect the richness of our school communities. Together, we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children and families we serve.
St Edward’s Primary and KCSP are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and require all staff, helpers and governance committee members to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and a section 128 check.
Headteacher (St Edward\'s Primary, Sheerness) employer: Kent Catholic School Partnership
Contact Detail:
Kent Catholic School Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher (St Edward\'s Primary, Sheerness)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a tour of St Edward’s if you can. This will not only give you a feel for the environment but also show your genuine interest in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to share your vision! Think about how you can build on the strong foundations already in place at St Edward’s. Be ready to discuss specific ideas on how you’ll inspire and support the staff team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for Catholic education! Make sure to highlight your commitment to the values of ‘Love, Respect, Achieve’ during your discussions. This is key to connecting with the ethos of the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher (St Edward\'s Primary, Sheerness)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your love for education and the Catholic mission shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing your vision for leading a thriving school community.
Be Specific: When detailing your experience, be as specific as possible. Use examples that highlight your leadership skills and how you've positively impacted students and staff in previous roles. We’re looking for concrete evidence of your capabilities!
Keep It Concise: Remember, your supporting statement should be limited to 2,000 words max. Make every word count! Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills that make you the perfect fit for St Edward’s.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Catholic School Partnership
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand St Edward’s Catholic Primary School's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to Gospel values and how they nurture children's spiritual and academic growth. This will help you align your answers with what they truly value.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Headteacher, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired and developed staff in previous roles. Highlight your vision for leading a school community and how you plan to maintain high standards of learning and pastoral care.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
St Edward’s prides itself on strong community links. Share your experiences of engaging with parents, local organisations, and the wider community. Discuss how you would foster these relationships to enhance the school's environment and support its mission.
✨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 their current challenges, opportunities for growth, or how they envision the role of the Headteacher evolving in the coming years.