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- Tasks: Lead daily operations, drive academic excellence, and foster a positive school culture.
- Company: Our Lady of Victories is a vibrant primary school in Kensington & Chelsea, part of a supportive Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a welcoming environment focused on safeguarding.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education in a Christ-centred community with dedicated educators and engaged pupils.
- Qualifications: Must be a practising Catholic with leadership experience and relevant qualifications.
- Other info: Applications close on 25th April 2025; informal chats with the Executive Headteacher are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Join Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School, SW7 5AQ, as the Head of School. Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School is seeking a Head of School to lead our community of dedicated educators from 1st September 2025.
About Us
Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School is a top performing, vibrant school in the heart of Kensington & Chelsea and recently became a part of Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust. Nestled between Gloucester Road and South Kensington Underground Stations, we aim to create a safe, secure, inspiring and creative learning environment where children feel valued and happy. Our pupils are encouraged, praised and taught to be responsible citizens and take an active role in their school, parish and wider community. The Trust promotes a collaborative environment, founded on Catholic Social Teaching and the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, ensuring all pupils are supported to grow and succeed.
What We Are Looking For
Our Head of School will lead with the Executive Headteacher to shape the future of our school. Our ideal candidate:
- Is a practising Catholic with a secure understanding of the distinctive nature of Catholic schools and Catholic education
- Holds a good honours degree, along with Qualified Teacher Status
- Holds a National Professional Qualification for Headship or has a willingness to work towards
- Has had proven leadership experience in a primary school setting, including at least three years in a senior leadership role
Key Responsibilities
As the Head of School, you will:
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the school by driving academic excellence, maintaining high standards of behaviour and ensuring a positive school culture that fosters both staff and pupil growth
- Collaborate with the Executive Headteacher and other Trust leaders to implement the school's vision and strategic goals while overseeing the operational management of the school
- Establish and sustain a Christ-centred vision embodied in the school’s Catholic mission, ethos and strategic direction in partnership with the parish, the Trust, those responsible for governance and through consultation with the school community and the Diocese of Westminster
What We Offer
- A competitive Inner London Leadership salary
- Professional development opportunities tailored to support your growth and career progression
- A welcoming, supportive environment with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare for all pupils
Apply Today
For further details on the role, please view the Job Description and Person Specification or visit our website to find out more about us. To apply for this role, please complete the application forms available on our Vacancies webpage. The closing date for applications is 8am on 25th April 2025. The shortlisting date is 25th April 2025. The interview date is 28th April 2025. If you would like to arrange a tour of the school or a telephone call for an informal conversation with the Executive Headteacher about the role, please email.
Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School and Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All roles are subject to satisfactory vetting, including an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List.
Head of School employer: Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Catholic ethos and values of Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School. Understanding their mission and how it aligns with your own beliefs will help you articulate your vision for the school during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at the school or within the Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust. This can provide you with valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be beneficial in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to drive academic excellence and foster a positive school culture. Be ready to share specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider arranging a visit to the school before applying. This will not only show your genuine interest but also give you a first-hand look at the environment and community, allowing you to tailor your application and interview responses more effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of School position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience in primary education, particularly any roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the school's vision.
Demonstrate Your Values: As a practising Catholic, make sure to convey your understanding of Catholic education and how it informs your leadership style. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive school culture and community involvement in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust
✨Understand the Catholic Ethos
As a candidate for the Head of School position, it's crucial to demonstrate a deep understanding of the distinctive nature of Catholic education. Be prepared to discuss how you can embody and promote the school's Christ-centred vision in your leadership.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your proven leadership experience in primary education, especially in senior roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven academic excellence and fostered a positive school culture in your previous positions.
✨Collaborative Vision
The role involves working closely with the Executive Headteacher and other leaders. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you would implement the school's strategic goals while engaging with the wider community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you addressed them, particularly in relation to maintaining high standards of behaviour and supporting staff and pupil growth.
