Dean (Catholic Life)

St David's Catholic Sixth Form College; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Wales is seeking a Dean (Catholic Life) to instill Catholic values in all college activities. The role involves strategic leadership, facilitating pastoral care, and ensuring safeguarding processes. Applicants must be practising Catholics with strong educational backgrounds and leadership skills. This position offers the opportunity to shape the college's mission and significantly impact the student experience in an inspiring environment.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement of 42 days plus 8 bank holidays

Opportunities for leadership development

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Practising Catholic committed to the mission and values of Catholic education.
• Experience in pastoral or curriculum leadership.
• Ability to motivate and inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Champion the mission and ethos of the College.
• Oversee strategies for Catholic Life and staff formation.
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Safeguarding expertise

Excellent communication

Pastoral care

Education

Teaching qualification or experience

Job description

Join Our College Leadership Team

Dean (Catholic Life)

📌 Contract Type : Leadership (Please note this role will not have teachers’ terms and conditions and will attract a holiday entitlement of 42 days plus 8 dank holidays.)

✝️ Reserved Post : Applicants must be practising Catholics in accordance with The Bishops’ Memorandum on the Appointment of Teachers (2024).

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About the Role

St David’s Catholic College is seeking to appoint an inspirational and mission-driven leader to the role of Dean (Catholic Life). This role is central to the spiritual, pastoral and cultural life of the College, ensuring that Christ is at the heart of everything we do.

As part of our continued strategic development, this position will strengthen the College’s commitment to servant leadership, formation, subsidiarity, and the integration of mission, pastoral care, and learner experience. The Dean (Catholic Life) will work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to ensure that Catholic Life permeates every dimension of college activity.

This role will appeal to a leader with a deep commitment to Catholic education, a passion for formation and pastoral excellence, and the vision to develop provision that nurtures the full dignity of every learner.

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Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership

  Champion the mission, ethos and Catholic identity of the College.

  Lead as a Servant Leader and Courageous Follower, modelling Gospel values.

  Contribute to the College’s long‑term strategy and culture of excellence.

• Formation & Catholic Life

  Lead the College’s overarching strategy for Catholic Life, spiritual development, and pastoral formation.

  Oversee staff formation and contribute to high‑quality professional learning.

  Represent the College in diocesan and national Catholic education networks.

• Pastoral & Safeguarding Leadership

  Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  Oversee key policies including attendance, studentship and retention.

• Quality Assurance & Improvement

  Lead on Catholic Schools Inspectorate self‑assessment and preparation.

  Develop quality systems that promote excellence in learning and pastoral care.

  Use learner voice and outcomes to drive continuous improvement.

• Governance & Reporting

  Provide expert advice to the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body.

  Support the Catholic Ethos & Culture Committee.

  Produce high‑quality reports and contribute to whole‑college self‑assessment.

• Staff Leadership & Development

  Line manage staff within areas of responsibility.

  Lead teams in delivering strategic and developmental priorities.

  Support appointments, deployment and staff development.

• Budget & Resource Management

  Manage budgets and resources effectively.

  Contribute to whole‑college decisions regarding staffing and financial planning.

Who We’re Looking For

• A Practising Catholic – deeply committed to the mission, values and ethos of Catholic education.
• An Experienced Educator – with a teaching qualifications or experience and strong background in pastoral or curriculum leadership.
• An Inspiring Leader – able to communicate a compelling vision and motivate others.
• A Skilled Strategist – confident in planning, managing change and leading improvement.
• Safeguarding-Confident – experienced in supporting safeguarding processes.
• Mission-Focused – committed to the Common Good, community and servant leadership.
• Data-Informed – able to scrutinise data and use insights to drive progress.
• Excellent Communicator – able to engage staff, learners, families and partners.

Why Apply?

• ✨ Play a central role in shaping the College’s Catholic identity and mission.
• ✨ Lead the integration of formation, pastoral care and spiritual development.
• ✨ Influence strategic decision‑making at a senior leadership level.
• ✨ Join a team committed to subsidiarity, collaboration and educational excellence.
• ✨ Make a transformational impact on the lives of learners from across Cardiff and beyond.

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How to Apply

📩Application Requirements :

Please submit the following documents as part of your application :

1. A letter of application (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining your interest in, and suitability for, the role
2. A completed application form with suitable references, including one from a Catholic priest.

Selection Process

Shortlisting date : To be confirmed

Interviews

The interview process will take place over a full day and will include lunch. It will consist of :

• A presentation to a panel made up of Senior Leadership Team members and Governors and representatives from the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia.
• A formal interview
• Scenario‑based exercises.

Further Information

For further details and to request a full application pack, please contact the People and Culture Team at St Davod’s Catholic College.

Safeguarding Statement

St David’s Catholic College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.