Principal - Secondment
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Bristol, BS5 8AS20 days remaining to apply
Start date details
1st September 2025
Closing date
28 April 2025 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
5 April 2025
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Fixed term
Full-time equivalent salary
- Salary is commensurate with experience and in line with Trust Pay Policy and structures.
Principal - Secondment job summary
Principal Secondment
Fixed-term contract: 2025/26 academic year
The contract will be discussed and reviewed with the successful candidate during the appointment year
Salary: commensurate with experience and aligned with Trust pay structure
An exceptional opportunity to step into headship
We are seeking applications for a secondment to the role of Principal at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School. This is a rare opportunity for a talented and committed leader to step confidently into headship in a supported and collaborative context. Whether you are an experienced Vice Principal, Assistant Head or a serving Principal looking for a new challenge, this role offers the chance to lead a strong school with a positive culture, united team and ambition for the future.
As a Catholic school, we are seeking a practising Catholic leader who can faithfully uphold and promote the Catholic Life and mission of the school. However, in the context of this being a secondment and part of a Trust-wide leadership structure, we also welcome initial conversations with exceptional non-Catholic leaders who are fully supportive of and committed to the ethos of Catholic education. In such cases, the leadership model would include additional strategic support from a senior Catholic leader within the Trust to ensure that the school’s Catholic identity remains secure, visible and central to its life.
This is not a conventional interim post. It is a purposeful secondment designed to support a leader in taking the next step with tailored mentoring, flexible structures and strategic backing from the Newman Catholic Trust. You will work directly with the CEO to shape a leadership model that reflects your strengths, meets the school’s needs and ensures you have the support to flourish.
The Role
As Principal, you will lead St Patrick’s into its next chapter, building on strong foundations and guiding the school with vision, integrity and faith. You will take responsibility for the mission, vision and operational leadership of the school, supported by a dedicated team.
About the School
St Patrick’s is a one-form entry Catholic primary school who, following their recent successful Ofsted inspection, is well positioned to continue its journey with strength and stability. The children are enthusiastic, behaviour is excellent and the staff team is ready for the next phase of development under strong, values-led leadership.
We are looking for a dedicated leader who:
Has a strong track record of senior leadership in education
Is ready to take on the challenge of headship and shape the future of a school
Can lead others with clarity, authenticity and a commitment to Gospel values
Will promote high standards, nurture faith and work closely with families and governors
We can offer:
A secondment structure that supports your success, shaped in collaboration with the Trust
A stable, positive school with a united and ambitious teaching team
Tailored professional development, executive mentoring and strategic input
The chance to make a lasting difference in a school with deep community roots
This is a chance to make a significant impact while being part of a wider Trust family that values coaching, collaboration and Catholic education.
This is an ideal opportunity for a high-potential leader to step into headship with confidence, knowing that support and expertise are close at hand.
Further details are available on: https://www.stpatricksbristol.org.uk/ and www.newmancatholictrust.com or from the St. Patrick’s office.
Application is via a CES application form accompanied by a cover letter to the Chair of the MAT Board (no more than two sides of A4) stating:
suitability for the role,
strengths and self-identified developmental needs,
previous experience linked to key areas of the job description,
how you will contribute to the effectiveness of the school, particularly in the areas identified above.
The application can be sent to:
enquiries@newmancatholictrust.com
ceo@newmancatholictrust.com
Alternatively, applications can be handed in directly to the school or be submitted via My New Term.
Visits to the school would be highly welcome and can be made by appointment.
Closing Date 28th April at 12 pm (shortlisting at 4 pm).
Interviews for candidates will be the week of 5th of May
The Cardinal Newman Catholic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all the necessary pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS; Prohibition Check; Social Media Check; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable) qualifications (where applicable) medical fitness; identity and right to work.
All applicants will be required to provide three suitable references. We promote equal opportunities for all.
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
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs are not accepted.
About St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
- School type
- Academy, Roman Catholic, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary
- School size
- 208 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- St Patrick's Catholic Primary School website
School location
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