Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust and the Governors of Saint Paul’s Catholic High School are seeking to appoint an ambitious and talented leader who will lead our wonderful Catholic school with drive, compassion and humility.  We would like to appoint a leader who is passionate about our vision which is the belief that every child matters and “Where every child is known and loved, as a child of God”. We are also seeking a candidate with the skills and expertise to raise standards, working positively alongside staff and building on the existing strengths of the school.

 Saint Paul’s has enjoyed a sustained period of success and stability, becoming one of the most oversubscribed schools in the city. Outcomes rose significantly last year and are expected to improve again, while suspensions continue to fall year-on-year. Attendance is now in line with national figures and continues to strengthen. We remain committed to refining our curriculum and further enhancing teaching and learning to ensure our young people receive the very best education and outcomes.

The school belongs to Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust, which provides excellent support to headteachers in terms of finance, HR, IT, school improvement services, SEND and Safeguarding.  At Corpus Christi, we pride ourselves on working alongside leaders, recognising the challenges we face and always being solution-focussed. Therefore, we think this is an attractive post for experienced headteachers who want to be able to focus more on delivering excellent education and less on day-to-day operational matters. We also believe this post will appeal to candidates new to headship, who will appreciate always having someone at the end of a phone with whom you can discuss any worries or concerns, in confidence, and always in a supportive manner.

It is a requirement of this role to be a practising Catholic and there will be Diocesan representation on the interview panel. Applicants are also advised to read the Guidance on securing a Faith Reference in Section J of the Person Specification.

 The successful candidate will:

• Be a practising Catholic who can demonstrate a clear vision and understanding of Catholic education and a commitment to promote the Catholic ethos throughout the whole school community
• Be fully committed to ensuring safeguarding practices at the school are highly effective
• Be able to drive teaching, learning and curriculum development forward, demonstrating passion and enthusiasm
• Be knowledgeable and up-to-date with current educational practice
• Be an excellent leader and manager with strong interpersonal skills
• Be able to motivate others and work as part of a team
• Be an excellent communicator with a calm disposition and welcoming manner
• Be able to work with parents and the wider community
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to raise academic standards

 We can offer the successful candidate:

• A caring, happy school with a strong Catholic ethos
• Friendly and committed staff who are supportive and open to new ideas
• Enthusiastic and well-behaved children who enjoy learning
• Close links and group support from the other schools in this forward-thinking Catholic multi-academy trust at this exciting time in our development
• An opportunity to be part of a team of dedicated, talented and hardworking individuals
• A true commitment to Continuing Professional Development with access to a library of on-line training courses and fully accredited qualifications and opportunities to access other relevant paid training
• A range of employee benefits which support your well-being that includes:
• A confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is extended to members of your family
• A Health Cash Plan which is paid for by the Trust and gives access to a range of benefits which include covering the costs towards optical, dental and alternative therapy treatments; health screening; discounted gym memberships; and a large range of retail discounts. Some benefits are also available to family members
• Flu vaccination clinics
• Eyecare vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme

Prospective candidates are warmly invited to visit the school and meet with Mr Marciniak, Chair of Governors and Mrs Humphries, CEO of Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust. Please email the recruitment team at recruitment@corpuschristitrust.co.uk in order to make arrangements.

If you would like to apply for the position you should complete the CES Leadership Application Form. This can be found at https://www.corpuschristitrust.co.uk/vacancies/.  Completed applications forms should be emailed to Julie.English@dioceseofshrewsbury.org. Please do not apply via the Application Form available on myNewTerm. 

In the supporting statement section, please provide evidence of your suitability for the role by providing a written statement of no more than 1,300 words and refer to section G of the Person Specification for further guidance. You will need to read the Notes to Applicants, Privacy Notice, Job Description and Person Specification.

 Applicants are advised that schools and colleges designated with a religious character in England and Wales are permitted by law to require certain posts to be filled by practising Catholics or individuals who hold a Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies. Where it is not an occupational requirement of the role for the candidate to be a practising Catholic, applications are invited from individuals committed to supporting the Catholic ethos of the school.

 It is an occupation requirement that this role is filled by a practising Catholic.

The Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post will be subject to enhanced DBS and barred list checks, Section 128 checks, satisfactory references, satisfactory pre-employment health checks, satisfactory online checks, and satisfactory overseas checks (where appropriate), and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The applicant will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

The ability to communicate with members of the public in accurate spoken English is an essential requirement for the post.  This is because this is a public-facing public sector post. Please note that this language requirement may be in addition to mandatory English language requirements associated with your immigration route.

Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, religion, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, sex and sexual orientation.

Please note CVs and agency referrals will not be accepted.