Headteacher

Havering Education Services; Greater London; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading primary education institution in Greater London is seeking an inspirational Head Teacher to lead the school starting from 1st September 2026 or sooner. The successful candidate will have a passion for Catholic education, outstanding leadership experience, and a commitment to promoting a child-centered vision. Responsibilities include shaping the strategic direction and managing day-to-day activities within a caring and community-focused environment. Competitive salary with excellent professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive staff and community

Good rated school by Ofsted

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, or Assistant Head Teacher.
• Proven track record of providing inspirational leadership.
• Understanding of safeguarding matters.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of the school.
• Lead day-to-day management of St Mary's.
• Work with Governors to support the school’s vision.

Skills

Leadership experience

Catholic education principles

Child-centered vision

Team leadership

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Practising Catholic

Job description

• Employer: St Mary's Catholic Primary School
• Reference: SCH/26/330421

Leadership L19 - 25

St Mary's Catholic Primary School

Closing on 06/03/2026 at 17:00

Enhanced DBS Check

Permanent | Full Time

Full Time hours per week.

Diocese of Brentwood

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, RM12 4TL

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Head Teacher

Hours: Full Time

Contract: Permanent

Salary: L19 – L25 (starting salary negotiable based on experience).

NOR: 420 (2 form entry).

Required from 1st September 2026 or sooner

The Governors of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Head Teacher. St Mary’s is a caring, friendly school and parish community where our Catholic Ethos is central to all that we do. Our new Head Teacher will work with Governors to shape the strategic direction of the school and will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of St Mary’s.

Our new Head Teacher will lead a team that strives together in the best interest of all of our children, following the school’s values and mission statement:

'With Jesus and through the prayers of Mary, we enjoy learning and celebrate our lives together.'

Applications are invited from Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers or Assistant Head Teachers with outstanding leadership experience.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a practising Catholic who can nurture faith and spirituality and take the lead role in providing inspirational Catholic education based on our shared Gospel values.
• Be passionate in promoting a clear child-centred vision.
• Be inclusive, aspirational and ambitious for all our children and our staff.
• Be a committed and engaging leader as we continue to strive for excellence

Governors are seeking someone who:

• Will encourage a curriculum that our teachers will be excited to teach and will inspire our children to learn.
• Can demonstrate a proven track record of providing inspirational, strategic and professional leadership.
• Has a secure understanding of all matters relating to safeguarding.
• Will be an enthusiastic team leader, with a strong commitment to working in partnership parents and Parish
• Will bring together a team in the school to achieve an outstanding level of education for our children
• Will work hard to ensure that every child is supported and challenged to maximise their potential.
• Can demonstrate to communicate clearly and pro-actively their vision and mission

We can offer the successful candidate:

• Children who are committed, enthusiastic and fully engaged in their learning.
• Professional and dedicated staff, supportive parents, and active Governors.
• An enthusiastic and aspirational Senior Leadership Team and support from a PA.
• Excellent opportunities for further professional development.
• A vibrant community with an active PTA and parent body
• Ofsted (2023) ‘Good’ rated school.
• Catholic Inspection (2025) ‘Good’ rated school.

Applications

We welcome and encourage applicants to visit our school. If required please liaise with the School Office Manager, Joanne Brooks. Information is available at [e-mail].

Please complete the attached application form and return to [e-mail].

Closing date: Friday 6th March 2026 at 5 pm

Shortlisting: Thursday 12th March 2026

Interview: Friday 20th March 2026

Applications should be on a CES application form and sent to the school (applications not submitted on the CES application form will not be considered). Any electronic applications will have to be signed by the applicant attending an interview.

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a reserved post and is open to practising Catholics only, please review the document produced by the Diocese of Brentwood ‘Definition of a Practising Catholic for Reserved Posts’ for further information.

St Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with other relevant employment checks. Please note that this will also include a check of life online.

Safeguarding

Havering Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The protection of our pupils from abuse is the responsibility of all staff within our schools, superseding any other considerations. Therefore Havering Schools comply with the Department for Education ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance.

It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to submit, prior to their interview, a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Upon submission of this information, online checks may be carried out.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicant will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from obtaining a position with the School.

Equal Opportunities

Havering Schools aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment regardless of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, responsibility for dependants, religious or political affiliation and trade union activities. All matters related to employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

How to apply

Please complete the attached application form and return to [e-mail].

Applications should be on a CES application form and sent to the school (applications not submitted on the CES application form will not be considered). Any electronic applications will have to be signed by the applicant attending an interview.

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies.