Executive Headteacher

St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School and St Cross Catholic Primary School

Full Time, Permanent

Commencing January 2027

Salary: London Fringe L20-L24 (£84,092 - £92,595) FTE

Due to the planned retirement of our current successful Executive Headteacher at the end of the Summer Term 2026, the Governing Bodies of St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School and St Cross Catholic Primary School, warmly invite applications for the post of Executive Headteacher responsible for both schools, commencing January 2027.

We are seeking an Executive Headteacher who can demonstrate proven, substantial whole‑school leadership within a Catholic primary setting and clear impact in leading Catholic life and mission, academic standards, pastoral care, and inclusive practice.

A Shared Opportunity for Executive Leadership

St Cross and St Augustine’s are part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, a family of nine Catholic schools across the Lea Valley Deanery. Together, they offer a compelling and rewarding leadership opportunity. They are two distinct yet complementary communities, united both geographically, (being both located within central Hoddesdon approx. ½ mile apart), in the same catchment area in Hoddesdon and by a strong and authentic Catholic ethos.

First implemented at the schools in September 2024, the Executive Head model has proven that it works especially well in our schools; we are one community, working together. For the postholder, this role provides the chance to lead with vision and faith, to shape strategy across two well established schools, and to make a lasting contribution to Catholic education within the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust and the Diocese of Westminster.

This is an opportunity not simply to sustain success, but to inspire, innovate and leave a legacy of flourishing Catholic education for years to come.

About the Role

The Executive Headteacher will be present in each school, available to parents, staff and pupils, leading assemblies, parent events, staff meetings and performing all the important roles of a Headteacher in all the usual ways. They will also provide visionary, faithful and professional leadership, securing the highest standards of teaching, learning and achievement and nurturing the spiritual, moral, academic and personal development of every child.

It is expected that postholder’s allocation will be split evenly across the two schools (0.5 FTE per school), however, the precise allocation of location and duties may vary to meet the needs of the schools and the Trust from time to time. You will be supported by experienced and capable Senior Leadership Teams, including strong Deputy Heads and Senior leadership teams in both schools, and will benefit from the professional collaboration of the Trust.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience of strategic leadership, school improvement planning and accountability and be able to demonstrate successful collaboration with other school leaders or schools to deliver measurable improvement.

In line with the CES Leadership Standards, the successful applicant will be a faith‑filled leader of integrity and service, able to demonstrate how Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching shape their leadership practice.

This is a rare and rewarding opportunity for an experienced Catholic leader to serve two vibrant school communities, playing a significant role in shaping the future of Catholic education within a supportive and ambitious Trust.

How to Apply:

In accordance with the Catholic Education Service, Bishop’s Memorandum on appointing staff in Catholic Schools (“the Bishop’s Memorandum”), applications for this role are open to Practising Catholics only. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Bishop’s Memorandum which can be accessed here: https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/. Candidates are advised that a priest’s reference will form part of the recruitment process.

Please apply via MyNewTerm (preferred route) or alternatively complete the Application Form (Senior Leadership) and ancillary documents (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Recruitment Monitoring and Consent to Obtain References forms), which are available https://www.stfrancistrust.net/work-with-us/trust-vacancies and submit to Andrew Celano, CEO,  c/o c.boylan@stfrancistrust.net , CVs will not be accepted.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. For an informal chat, further information or to arrange a visit please contact c.boylan@stfrancistrust.net 

Interviews:

Start Date: January 2027

Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 19^th May 2026 (9 a.m.)

Shortlisting: Tuesday 19^th 2026 (11 a.m.)

Interview dates: Wednesday 20^th & Thursday 21^st May 2026

We reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, therefore an early application is advisable.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS disclosure is required for all successful applicants. St Francis of Assisi Trust is committed to the equality of opportunity for all applicants, and we reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, therefore an early application is advisable. 

Details of the standard terms and conditions of a Catholic Education Service contract of employment can be found here: https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/resources/issuing-employment-contracts    Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms prior to interview.