At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant primary school community and inspire both staff and students.
- Company: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Primary School, part of St Francis Catholic MAT.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young learners in a supportive and high-performing environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and experience in teaching or leadership roles.
- Other info: Join a growing network of schools dedicated to excellence and character development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Primary School, Doncaster.
Contract: Full time, permanent.
Start Date: September 2026.
Closing Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 9am.
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 2 March 2026.
We are considering candidates for the opportunity to lead Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Primary School, a highly regarded member of St Francis Catholic MAT. This is an exciting time to join St Francis as a new Catholic Trust of 14 schools, growing to 24 schools in line with the Bishop of Hallam’s vision for education.
We are a community of schools that share and develop practice to create an outstanding provision of education for our young people. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a committed Heads Forum and may have the opportunity to enter Trust Leadership in the future. The Trust is committed to talent spotting, nurturing and progression; this role would suit a candidate new to headship as well as existing headteachers.
Our Lady of Sorrows is a high performing school with exceptional children and a highly skilled and loyal staff. We are significantly oversubscribed, catering for children from wide-ranging backgrounds and contexts. Our families are a joy to serve, and our children benefit greatly from a close, respectful and trusting relationship with parents and carers. We place equal emphasis on the academic excellence of our children alongside developing their character and understanding of the world around them, all founded on Gospel teachings.
As such, our outcomes are strong and our children move onto secondary school as high performing, mature and caring young people.
The successful candidate will be passionate about teaching, learning and curriculum design to continue to develop our school and prepare our children for outstanding futures. Our new Headteacher will also have a true commitment to developing staff so that Our Lady of Sorrows trailblazes professional growth.
We welcome interested applicants to visit the school to meet staff and students and to understand the school’s aspirations. To arrange a visit, please contact the Trust at recruitment@stfranciscmat.com.
To apply for the role, please complete the application form along with a letter of application (no more than 1500 words) and return to recruitment@stfranciscmat.com by 9am on Wednesday 25 February 2026.
Headteacher in Doncaster employer: St Francis CMAT, incorporated
Contact Detail:
St Francis CMAT, incorporated Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take the time to visit Our Lady of Sorrows. Meeting staff and students will give you a feel for the community and help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When discussing your vision for education, make sure to highlight your commitment to both academic excellence and character development. This is key for a role like Headteacher, so let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about leadership! Think about your experiences in developing staff and fostering a positive school culture. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand Our Lady of Sorrows and what we stand for. Check out our values, mission, and the community we serve. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in!
Craft Your Letter Thoughtfully: Your letter of application is your chance to shine! Make sure it reflects your passion for education and leadership. Keep it concise but impactful, and remember to highlight your experience and vision for our school.
Follow the Guidelines: Stick to the application guidelines we've provided. Make sure your letter is no more than 1500 words and that you submit everything by the deadline. We love organised candidates who pay attention to detail!
Show Your Commitment: In your application, express your dedication to developing both students and staff. We’re looking for someone who’s not just about academic excellence but also about nurturing a caring and supportive environment. Let us see your passion!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Francis CMAT, incorporated
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Primary School thoroughly. Understand its ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Headteacher, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster a positive school culture, support staff development, and engage with parents and the community. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about scenarios you might face as a Headteacher, such as handling conflicts or implementing new curriculum changes. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Education
Your enthusiasm for teaching and learning should shine through in your interview. Share your vision for academic excellence and character development, and how you plan to inspire both students and staff. Remember, they want to see your commitment to nurturing the next generation.