Principal - Secondment at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School

7 Days Remaining

Job Reference #

EDV/2025/SPCPS/39925

Location

Blackswarth Road, Redfield, Bristol, Bristol, BS5 8AS

Contract Type

Permanent/Fixed Term

Contract Term

Full-Time

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience and in line with Trust Pay Policy and structures.

Closing Date

12:00pm, 28th Apr 2025

Start Date

1st September 2025

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

Week of the 5th of May

Interview Date(s) Week of the 5th of May

About this Role

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.