Headteacher
St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, A Voluntary Academy, Wakefield, WF2 6EQ20 days remaining to apply
Start date details
From 1 September 2026, or earlier
Closing date
23 February 2026 at 8am
Date listed
3 February 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
- L27-L33
What skills and experience we're looking for
The Leader We Are Seeking
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.
What the school offers its staff
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.
Further information about the job
How to Apply
Visits to school are encouraged and warmly welcomed. Please contact St Thomas a Becket Catholic Secondary School on 01924 303 545 to arrange an appointment.
For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact Rob Barraclough, Acting CEO, The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust on 01924 802285, rbarraclough@bkcat.uk
Visit https://www.bkcat.co.uk/vacancies/ for more details and to apply.
Commitment to safeguarding
The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust is committed to ensuring children are supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children whilst promoting their welfare and expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS with barred list check and other appropriate checks. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance (2024), online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates and shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a form for self-disclosure of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, A Voluntary Academy
- School type
- Academy, Roman Catholic, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 763 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- hradvice@bkcat.uk
- Phone number
- 07907869233
Arranging a visit to St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, A Voluntary Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hradvice@bkcat.uk.
School location
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