Headteacher

Faith Commitment

• 1. A practising and committed Catholic in good standing with the Church - R
• Evidence of participation in parish or Catholic community life.
• 2. Evidence of a secure understanding of the distinctive nature of a Catholic primary school - A I
• 3. Understanding and experience of a senior leader’s role as pastor - A I
• 4. Understanding of the school’s role in the Catholic and wider community and experience of promoting this - A I
• 5. Evidence of demonstrating care, compassion and reconciliation in a leadership role in a primary school - A
• 6. Recent experience of leading acts of worship in the Catholic school - I

Qualifications and Training

• 1. Degree + QTS - A D
• 2. Evidence of continuing professional development in preparation for HT post - A
• NPQH
• 3. Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) - D
• 4. Willingness to undertake CCRS within 2 years of appointment - A

Experience

• 1. A record of substantial, successful teaching experience, including teaching more than 1 Key Stage in the primary age range - A R I
• Experience in a variety of schools.
• 2. Experience as a successful Headteacher, Head of School, Deputy or Assistant Headteacher - A R I
• 3. Experience of effecting change in teaching, learning or curriculum either at phase or whole school level - A R I
• 4. Experience of leadership role within a primary school - A R I
• 5. Experience of managing a school budget in challenging financial circumstances

Professional Knowledge and Understanding

• 1. Understanding the expectations in the Ofsted Framework about what makes an effective school and experience of preparing for and dealing with Ofsted inspections at a leadership level - A I
• Understanding of the expectations of CSI denominational Inspection.
• 2. Experience of school planning, evaluation, assessment and accountability - A R I
• The ability to role model excellent teaching.
• 3. Experience of analysing data, developing strategic plans, setting and monitoring targets and achieving desired outcomes - A I
• 4. A thorough knowledge and understanding of current educational issues - A I
• 5. Experience of developing policies and procedures that demonstrate the Catholic ethos of the school and a commitment to equal opportunities for all - A I R

Promoting the Welfare of Children

• 1. Experience of leadership relating to Safeguarding and well-being of staff and pupils, including making referrals and working with outside agencies in relation to safeguarding issues. A good understanding of up to date policy and practice and commitment to promoting safeguarding - I

Professional Skills and Abilities

• 1. Experience of working effectively with the Headteacher, staff, governors and parents - R I
• 2. Experience of communicating effectively in writing and orally to a range of audiences including pupils, parents, staff, governors, clergy, fellow professionals and the media - A I
• 3. Experience of dealing appropriately with challenging situations/individuals
• 4. Experience of producing clear reports, information and advice to staff and governors and providing clear information to the Diocese and the CES when required - I R
• Understanding the criteria for evaluating a Catholic school.

Personal Qualities

• 1. Experience of leading by example in a leadership role, demonstrating good interpersonal skills, with the ability to enthuse and motivate others and develop effective partnerships - R I
• 2. Stamina, energy, resilience and dedication; creativity, confidence, a can do attitude - R I
• 3. Optimistic outlook - R
• 4. Experience of devising and using innovative ideas/solutions to address challenging scenarios.
• 5. Commitment to own work/life balance as well as that of others.

Other

• 1. Experience of supporting the Catholic ethos of our Catholic School, including the spiritual development of the pupils and the school’s role within the community - A I R
• 2. Evidence of a strong commitment to Catholic education - A I R

References

• Positive and supportive reference from the Priest where the applicant regularly worships; in good standing with the Church; reference without reservation.
• Positive recommendations in professional references, without reservation.