Deputy Headteacher

Catholic Recruitment; Horwich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St Joseph’s Catholic High School in Horwich, England, seeks a Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team following the promotion of our Deputy Headteacher. The post focuses on raising standards and safeguarding our Catholic ethos while driving improvement across teaching, learning and outcomes.

You will lead curriculum development, assessment, data analysis and reporting, and work with senior colleagues to secure excellent academic results.

Qualifications

• Be a practising Catholic who will actively lead and promote the Catholic Christian ethos of our school.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of whole‑school leadership and measurable impact.
• Be an inspirational classroom practitioner with a passion for teaching and learning.
• Bring expertise in assessment, monitoring, tracking and intervention.
• Inspire colleagues through innovative practice and a commitment to professional growth.
• Show resilience, empathy and determination in supporting young people to overcome barriers.
• Champion a culture of high ambition particularly for those with additional needs preparing students to become confident, compassionate “game changers” in the world.

Responsibilities

• Lead and secure excellence in teaching and learning across the school.
• Oversee curriculum development, assessment, data analysis and reporting.
• Ensure outstanding academic outcomes and standards of education.

Skills

Practising Catholic

Whole-school leadership

Inspiring teaching

Assessment & Monitoring

Professional development

Resilience

Inclusion for SEND

Job description

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a thriving, oversubscribed 11–16 Voluntary Aided RC High School at a pivotal moment in its development. Following the promotion of our Deputy Headteacher to headship, our governors are seeking to appoint a new exceptional Deputy Head who is ready to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people.

We are looking for a visionary, energetic and highly motivated leader, someone who combines creativity with strategic thinking, and who is driven by a deep commitment to educational excellence underpinned by Christian values.

Whilst our two Deputy Headteachers carry the fundamental responsibility of deputising for the Headteacher and contributing to the strategic leadership of the school, this particular post will have a primary focus on raising standards across the school. Core areas of responsibility will include leading and securing excellence in teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, data analysis, reporting, and academic outcomes. Whilst these form the overarching remit of the role, the precise portfolio of responsibilities will be determined following appointment and will be shaped by the strengths, experience, and expertise of the successful candidate, alongside a review of the complementary strengths within the existing Senior Leadership Team. This may involve leading and developing Assistant Headteachers or other colleagues who oversee specific operational aspects of these areas; however, the Deputy Headteacher will retain strategic oversight and ultimate accountability for standards, ensuring a coherent and impactful approach that drives continuous improvement and enables every student to achieve their full potential.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, forward‑thinking senior team where their influence will be felt immediately and their leadership potential will be nurtured and expanded. For an aspirant future Headteacher, this role offers the perfect platform to grow, innovate and lead with purpose.

We are seeking a leader who embodies our inclusive values, has a proven record of whole‑school impact, and instinctively takes collective responsibility for the success of every child and every colleague. You will be someone who never walks past an opportunity to improve, who uses their influence courageously, and who leads with integrity, compassion and ambition.

As a Catholic Christian community, we offer a rich and rewarding environment in which to lead. You will work with talented, enthusiastic students, from the most academically able to those who need additional support to thrive and with a dedicated team of skilled, passionate staff. Our induction programme for new colleagues is highly regarded and ensures that leaders joining us feel supported, valued and empowered from day one.

We are unwavering in our mission: to transform lives and create exceptional life chances through outstanding education. We are seeking an inspirational teacher and leader who can ignite curiosity, raise aspirations and model excellence in every aspect of school life.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a Practising Catholic who will actively lead and promote the Catholic Christian ethos of our school
• Demonstrate a strong track record of whole‑school leadership and measurable impact
• Be an inspirational classroom practitioner with a passion for teaching and learning
• Bring expertise in assessment, monitoring, tracking and intervention
• Inspire colleagues through innovative practice and a commitment to professional growth
• Show resilience, empathy and determination in supporting young people to overcome barriers
• Champion a culture of high ambition particularly for those with additional needs preparing students to become confident, compassionate “game changers” in the world

Our Mission

Jesus Christ is our family role model

Opening hearts and minds to dream the impossible and achieve beyond imagination

Valuing, nurturing and respecting every individual

Journeying together to build God’s Kingdom

Striving for academic excellence and celebrating success in all we do

If you believe you can help us realise our vision…

If you can inspire young people to dream boldly and achieve beyond their expectations…

If you want to be part of a life‑changing leadership team…

We would be delighted to hear from you.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.The post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We recognise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool in helping candidates to organise, refine, and present their ideas, and it may assist in the preparation of application materials. However, we are ultimately seeking to appoint a person, not a product of AI. We are looking for a leader who demonstrates authenticity, professional judgement, empathy, and a genuine commitment to young people. We therefore encourage applicants to ensure that their application reflects their own values, experiences, and voice, enabling us to gain a true understanding of who they are as a leader and the contribution they could make to the St Joseph’s community.

We can only accept completed CES Senior Leadership Application Forms