Headteacher

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 3JA

32 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  16 January 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  15 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: L15 – L21

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Governing Body of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Dorking is seeking to appoint a strong, dynamic and inspirational Headteacher to further the achievements of this welcoming and caring school.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School provides exciting and meaningful learning with a strong Catholic ethos for the pupils aged 4 to 11. The school benefits from strong partnerships with other local schools and is at the heart of the Catholic community in Dorking. We are seeking an individual who will ensure that all pupils and staff are able to fulfil their potential within a caring and supportive Catholic community.

The successful applicant will be:

• A practising Catholic who has a clear understanding of the distinctive nature of a Catholic School and is willing to take an active role in the life & mission of the School
• An outstanding primary classroom practitioner
• An experienced school leader who is innovative and knowledgeable; confident to lead the school in line with the Bishop’s strategy for Catholic Education through a Catholic Multi-Academy Trust before 2030
• A strategic thinker who can develop and articulate an innovative, strategic vision for the school effectiveness, inclusion and wellbeing mindful of the impact of these on pupil outcomes
• Able to support, inspire and challenge staff
• Passionate about school improvement and raising standards
• Committed to build on existing relationships with parents, the Parish, the Diocese, Local Authority and wider community whilst fostering new relationships
• Able to identify strengths and weaknesses to further develop the potential of pupils and staff

What the school offers its staff

We can offer you:

• A welcoming, Christ centred community with a strong Catholic ethos
• A real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of our children
• The chance to lead a dedicated and committed staff body
• A supportive Governing Body committed to raising standards and strong local parish links
• An exciting opportunity to further develop the School’s vision and successes
• Commitment to your continuous professional development

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.

Commitment to safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS clearance.
Successful applicants must be able to support the distinctive Catholic ethos of our school.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Upload additional documents

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

St Josephs Dorking Recruitment Pack.pdf - 1.1 MB (opens in new tab)

About St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, Roman Catholic, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 171 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School website
• Email address: ladams@stjosephs-dorking.surrey.sch.uk
• Phone number: 01306 883934
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-dorking

St. Joseph’s is a successful, friendly, one-form entry, Catholic primary school situated in the heart of Dorking.

Arranging a visit to St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email ladams@stjosephs-dorking.surrey.sch.uk.

School location

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