Deputy Headteacher

Shorefields; Benfleet, South Benfleet; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Essex is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to lead our one-form entry school with a strong Catholic ethos. You will work with the Headteacher and SLT to drive improvement, nurture pupils and staff, and sustain a culture of high expectations across the community.

The successful candidate will be a practising Catholic with vision, energy and determination, and will lead with kindness and integrity to support continued school development and student

Qualifications

• Is a committed practising Catholic who will actively support and promote the Catholic life and mission of the school.
• Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with a passion for teaching and learning.
• Has the vision, energy and determination to drive school improvement.
• Leads with kindness, integrity and high expectations.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and has the ability to motivate, inspire and develop others

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership team to shape a culture of high expectations, ambition and inclusion.
• Build strong and positive relationships with pupils, staff, families and the wider community.
• Ensure Christ remains at the centre of all we do and lead safeguarding and welfare across the school.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Catholic life & mission

Motivate and develop others

High expectations

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC3441-60 Position Type: Deputy Headteacher Pay Range: Group 2 L6-10

Position Start Date: 01/05/2027 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 26/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 9th December 2026

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER required by April 2027 (or sooner)

Group 2 L6-10 N.O.R 215

At Holy Family Catholic Primary School, we believe passionately that every child deserves the very best. With Christ at the centre of everything we do, we are a truly special one-form entry school with a Nursery, where every child is known, valued and encouraged to thrive. Our wonderful children, dedicated staff and supportive families work together to create a warm, welcoming and nurturing Catholic community, rooted in Gospel values and committed to helping every child reach their full potential.

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to play a key role in the next stage of our school's development. Governors wish to appoint an experienced and highly effective Catholic leader with the vision, ambition and drive to inspire others, support our continued improvement journey, and ensure that every child and member of staff achieves their very best.

As a practising Catholic, you will bring vision, enthusiasm and a deep commitment to Catholic education. Working in partnership with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership team, you will help shape a culture of high expectations, ambition and inclusion. You will build strong and positive relationships with pupils, staff, families and the wider community, ensuring that Christ remains at the centre of all we do. Together, we will nurture children academically and spiritually, enabling them to fulfil their God-given potential and become confident, compassionate members of society.

We are looking for a Deputy Head who:

• Is a committed practising Catholic who will actively support and promote the Catholic life and mission of the school.
• Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with a passion for teaching and learning.
• Has the vision, energy and determination to drive school improvement.
• Leads with kindness, integrity and high expectations.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and has the ability to motivate, inspire and develop others
• Builds strong partnerships with children, families, staff, governors and the wider community.
• Is committed to securing high-quality teaching and learning and sustaining long-term improvement.
• Has high aspirations for every child and is dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.
• Is proactive, resilient, optimistic and able to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Is passionate about safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all children and staff.
• Thrives as part of a collaborative team and is eager to contribute to the next stage of our school's development.

In return, we can offer:

• Enthusiastic children who are proud of their school and who are eager to learn.
• A welcoming, caring and supportive Catholic ethos where relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
• A talented, dedicated and hardworking staff team committed to securing the best outcomes for all pupils.
• Supportive parents who value and actively engage in school life.
• A committed and ambitious Local Governing Committee and Trust Board.
• The opportunity to work alongside a new and ambitious Headteacher and play a key role in shaping the future of the school.
• Excellent professional development, collaboration and leadership opportunities through the Assisi Catholic Trust and the Diocese of Brentwood.
• Extensive support from a strong network of Trust schools committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
• A culture of encouragement, innovation and professional growth where your contribution will be valued and celebrated.

If you are an inspirational Catholic leader who wants to make a meaningful difference and help write the next chapter in the story of Holy Family Catholic Primary School, we would love to hear from you and to show you around our school

To arrange a visit or to ask any questions, please contact the school office on 01268 792231 or by email on [e-mail].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fantini, HR Manager, at the Assisi Catholic Trust on 01702 344933 or by email on [e-mail]

Full details of the post and relevant application form are available from the HR Manager by contacting the above email address. All applicants must complete the CES Senior Leadership Application Form to be considered for this vacancy and submit it to [e-mail]. Electronic applications are required to be signed by applicants invited to interview prior to interview.

This is a Reserved Post for Practising Catholics (see guidance document).

Assisi Catholic Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre-employment checks and Enhanced DBS clearance. References will be sought and an online search carried out on applicants as part of our due diligence.

Closing Date: 26th November2026 (midnight)

Shortlisting: Friday 2nd October 2026

Formal Interviews: 9th December 2026

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Claire Fantini
Kents Hill Road, South Benfleet
Essex, SS7 5PX Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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