Headteacher
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 9PF30 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 April 2027
Closing date
15 November 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
16 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L32-L38
What skills and experience we're looking for
The Governing Board is seeking to appoint a highly effective, dynamic and inspirational leader with a passion for Catholic education to lead St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School on its continuing development.
The successful applicant will be a practising Catholic who can demonstrate a clear commitment to the Catholic faith and mission of the Church, together with a proven track record of strong, compassionate leadership that inspires staff, engages students, and fosters a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and continuous school improvement.
The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of educational best practices and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff. If you are ready to take on this rewarding and influential role, we encourage you to apply and be part of our team.
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is a co-educational, 11-16 Catholic voluntary-aided school in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, well regarded in the locality for the excellence of our academic achievement and the high level of motivation of pupils and staff. Visitors to our school never fail to comment on our respectful students, the positive team ethos amongst staff and the friendly welcome that they receive. We aim to provide a caring educational environment where each person is valued.
What the school offers its staff
A supportive, driven and highly committed governing board, teaching and support staff and students who are enthusiastic and keen to learn. We offer a bespoke CPD programme, research and development, links and networks with other outstanding schools as well as a plethora of extra-curricular and cross-curricular working opportunities.
Further information about the job
What is it like to attend this school?
Pupils speak with pride about what they have learned. They leave school thoroughly prepared and highly motivated for their next steps in education, employment or training. Pupils achieve extremely well and hold high aspirations for themselves. Pupils attend school regularly and behaviour is exemplary across the school day. Ofsted 2026
You can find out more about this role and St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School by downloading our recruitment pack. Only applications submitted on the CES Application Form to Michelle Foster, Clerk to the Selection Panel, Governor Services, 2nd Floor, Life Centre South, College Avenue, Wigan WN1 1NZ or by e-mail at michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk will be considered.
We actively encourage and welcome visits to our school prior to application. Please contact Mrs P Lennon on PLennon@arrowsmith.wigan.sch.uk or 01942 728651 to make arrangements.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 15th November 2026 at midnight
Shortlisting: Thursday 19th November 2026
Interview dates: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November 2026
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be made subject to DBS clearance and satisfactory references. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
As part of the recruitment process, online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates in accordance with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Commitment to safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Offer of employment is subject to safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance, pre-employment health check and references.
Applying for the job
Please complete the online application.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Apply for this jobAdditional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School, Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Organisation type
- Local authority maintained school, Roman Catholic, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- Size
- 1204 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk
Established in 1961, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School has a proud history. We are a mixed, voluntary-aided Catholic secondary school for pupils aged 11-16, located in Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan in Greater Manchester. The pupil roll is 1,200 and we are over-subscribed year on year due to the excellent reputation the school holds within the community.
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is committed to providing an education rooted in Gospel values, inspiring pupils to make the world a better place. “Prepare the way of the Lord” is the school motto.
Arranging a visit to St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School, Ashton-in-Makerfield
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email michelle.foster@wigan.gov.uk.
School location
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