At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving Catholic school, nurturing spiritual and academic growth.
- Company: St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, an Outstanding community-focused institution.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a new school building and influence educational vision.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a lasting impact on future generations.
- Qualifications: Inspirational Catholic leader with strategic vision and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in a supportive and dedicated environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an inspirational, practising Catholic leader who:
- Lives out their faith with authenticity and can nurture the spiritual life of pupils and staff.
- Has the strategic vision, professional acumen and warmth needed to lead a thriving school through change.
- Champions excellence in teaching and learning and places pupils at the heart of every decision.
- Builds strong relationships with families, parish, Trust partners and the wider community.
- Values, develops and inspires staff across all roles.
St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School is a vibrant, inclusive and proudly Catholic community where young people are supported to become fully awake, fully human and fully alive - flourishing spiritually, academically and personally. We are delighted to be judged 'Outstanding' by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (November 2025), a reflection of our strong mission, dedicated staff and nurturing ethos. Our current Headteacher is moving on to a well-deserved promotion within another Trust, creating an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the next stage of the school's development.
Why This Role?
- Lead an Outstanding Catholic school with a distinctive mission and joyful culture.
- Influence the creation of a purpose-built, future-focused school as part of the national rebuilding programme.
- Work with talented staff in an environment where pastoral care, high expectations and individuality sit side by side.
- Join a community with a strong identity, rich history and an exciting future.
A Unique Moment in the School's History
St Thomas à Becket is entering a period of transformation. The school has been selected for the DfE School Rebuilding Programme, with a brand-new school building due in the next 3-4 years. This is a rare opportunity for the new Headteacher to:
- Influence the design, layout and educational vision of a new school estate.
- Ensure our environment reflects our Catholic mission, values and inclusive ethos.
- Shape a state-of-the-art learning environment for future generations.
About Our School
- A caring, diverse and family-focused environment where every child is known as an individual.
- A strong Catholic ethos rooted in kindness, dignity, respect and high expectations.
- Around 750 pupils, with a warm community reputation and a long history of serving Wakefield since 1967.
- A highly committed staff who view their roles as a vocation.
- Membership of The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust, offering strong collaborative support.
Headteacher in Wakefield employer: The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Headteacher in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at St Thomas à Becket and chat about their experiences. Building relationships can give us insights that make our application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've nurtured a positive school culture and supported staff development. We want to see how you can inspire others!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your vision for the future! Think about how you would approach the upcoming changes with the new school building and how it aligns with the Catholic ethos. We love forward-thinkers!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always here to help if you have any questions along the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Headteacher in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see how you live out your faith and how that shapes your leadership style. Share personal stories that reflect your values and experiences.
Show Your Vision: This role is all about strategic vision, so make sure to articulate your ideas clearly. We’re looking for someone who can lead us through change, so outline your thoughts on how to develop our school further and what excellence in teaching means to you.
Connect with Our Community: Highlight your experience in building relationships with families, staff, and the wider community. We value strong connections, so share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and support in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to our mission and ethos. We want to see how you align with our values and how you plan to inspire both staff and pupils. Don’t forget to apply through our website for a smoother process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust
✨Embrace Your Faith
As a Headteacher in a Catholic school, it's crucial to demonstrate how your faith influences your leadership style. Be prepared to share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to nurturing the spiritual life of both pupils and staff.
✨Showcase Your Vision
This role requires strategic vision, so think about how you would lead the school through its upcoming transformation. Prepare to discuss specific ideas for the new school building and how it can reflect the school's mission and values.
✨Build Relationships
Strong relationships with families and the wider community are key. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with parents or community partners, and be ready to explain how you would continue to foster these connections.
✨Inspire and Develop Staff
Highlight your experience in valuing and developing staff across all roles. Prepare to discuss how you would inspire a dedicated team and maintain high expectations while supporting their professional growth.