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Head teacher

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 4TL

37 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  13 April 2026

• Closing date

  9 January 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  3 December 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: L19 - L25

What skills and experience we're looking for

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:

• 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.

What the school offers its staff

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 (2024) ‘Good’ rated school.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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.

We welcome and encourage applicants to visit our school. If required please liaise with the School Office Manager, Joanne Brooks.

Information and application packs are available at admin@stmcps.co.uk and completed applications should be sent to this address also.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Please complete the online application.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Upload additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Person Specification - Headteacher.pdf - 273 KB (opens in new tab)

St Mary's Headteacher Job Description .pdf - 255 KB (opens in new tab)

St Mary's Application Form - Headteacher .pdf - 399 KB (opens in new tab)

About St Mary's Catholic Primary School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, Roman Catholic, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 419 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: St Mary's Catholic Primary School website
• Email address: jobrooks@stmcps.co.uk
• Phone number: 01708 448430
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-hornchurch

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.’

Arranging a visit to St Mary's Catholic Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email jobrooks@stmcps.co.uk.

School location

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