Head Teacher

Headteacher Required from January 2027 or sooner by agreement. Leadership Scale: L13 – L19 (starting salary negotiable, dependent on experience) NOR: 210 (1‑form entry). The Governors of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspirational, committed and faith‑filled Headteacher to lead our school community into its next chapter, following the retirement of the current post holder. St Mary’s is a caring, welcoming Catholic school at the heart of its parish community, where our mission underpins every aspect of school life: Love God… Love Others… Love Ourselves. This mission shapes our culture, our curriculum and our relationships, and reflects our belief that every child is uniquely created, deeply valued and capable of flourishing.

The Role

The Headteacher will work closely with the Governing Body to provide strong strategic leadership and will have overall responsibility for the day‑to‑day leadership and management of the school. You will lead and inspire a dedicated team of professionals who work collectively in the best interests of all children. The successful candidate will also act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding practice and a strong culture of care and vigilance across the school.

We are seeking a Headteacher who:

• Is a practising Catholic, able to nurture faith, spirituality and Gospel values, and provide inspirational Catholic education.
• Can articulate and champion a clear, child‑centred vision rooted in Love God… Love Others… Love Ourselves.
• Is inclusive, aspirational and ambitious for all children and staff.
• Can demonstrate a proven track record of effective, strategic and professional leadership.
• Has a secure and up‑to‑date understanding of safeguarding, child protection and safer recruitment, and is willing to lead as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Is an enthusiastic and collaborative leader, committed to working in close partnership with parents, governors and the parish.
• Is able to manage finite financial resources prudently, demonstrating sound financial awareness and value‑for‑money decision‑making.
• Is confident in the appropriate use of technology to support leadership, learning, administration and operational efficiency.
• Can communicate vision, expectations and priorities clearly, confidently and proactively.
• Will motivate and unite the school community in the pursuit of excellent outcomes for all pupils.
• Is able to work constructively with outside agencies and stakeholders whilst protecting and promoting the best interests and Catholic ethos of the school.

We can offer:

• Children who are enthusiastic, respectful and fully engaged in their learning.
• A professional, dedicated and supportive staff team.
• Active and committed Governors and a strong partnership with parents.
• An aspirational Senior Leadership Team and some administrative support commensurate with budgetary challenges.
• Excellent opportunities for continued professional development.
• A vibrant school community with an active PTA.
• Ofsted (2023): Good Catholic Inspection (2020): Outstanding.

Safeguarding

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, including a check of online activity, along with all other relevant pre‑employment checks.

Application Process

Applications must be made using the CES application form (applications not submitted on the CES form will not be considered). Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a reserved post, open to practising Catholics only. Applicants are advised to refer to the Diocese of Brentwood document “Definition of a Practising Catholic for Reserved Posts”.

School visits are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please contact Mrs Lockwood the School Office to arrange a visit. Information and application packs are available at clockwood5.320@lgflmail.org and completed applications should be sent to this address also. Closing date: 12pm 26 June 2026. Shortlisting: 29 June 2026. Interview: 7 July 2026.

Equal Opportunities

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:

• Promoting equality of opportunity
• Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
• Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
• Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all.

Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme.

For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.

How to apply

Web links to any further information: www.stmaryschingford.com. Please complete the CES - Catholic Education Service Application form on the school website.