At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant school community, ensuring excellent education and pastoral care for every child.
- Company: Overleigh St Mary’s, a welcoming two-form entry school in Chester.
- Benefits: Supportive staff, strong community ties, and a positive school environment.
- Other info: Opportunities 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 education.
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.
Headteacher in Chester employer: Overleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary School
Overleigh St Mary’s is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where the well-being of both staff and students is paramount. As a Headteacher, you will lead a dedicated team in a school that values strong community ties and upholds a Christian ethos, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with other schools. With a supportive leadership team and engaged families, you will find a rewarding career in a vibrant Chester community that celebrates educational excellence.
Contact Details:
Overleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Attend the open days and chat with staff and parents. This will help you understand the community vibe and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership style. Think about how you can communicate your vision for education while aligning with the school's Christian ethos. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported staff and students in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your listening skills! During the interview, be sure to listen carefully to questions and respond thoughtfully. This shows that you value input from others, which is key for a headteacher.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind for the selection committee.
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.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Overleigh St Mary’s! Research our school and mention specific aspects that resonate with you. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have taken the time to understand our community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Overleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary School
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand the Christian ethos of the school. Familiarise yourself with the Bible verse mentioned in the job description and think about how it aligns with your own values and leadership style. This will help you demonstrate that you can uphold and promote the school's core beliefs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your effective leadership skills. Think about times when you've successfully led a team, improved academic outcomes, or fostered a supportive environment for both staff and students. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into your role as Headteacher.
✨Engage with the Community
Since the school plays a central role in local life, be prepared to talk about how you plan to engage with parents, governors, and the wider community. Share ideas on how you would strengthen these relationships and involve them in the educational process, showing that you value collaboration and community support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that show your genuine interest in the school and its future. Inquire about the current challenges the school faces, the vision of the Leadership Team, and how you can contribute to their goals. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
