Head Teacher

Shorefields; Tendring; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

St Clare's Catholic Primary School seeks an inspirational Head Teacher to lead day‑to‑day management from 1 January 2027. The role requires strong Catholic ethos, strategic vision, and partnership with parents and parish within the Rosary Trust CMAT framework.

The successful candidate will provide inspirational, strategic leadership, uphold safeguarding, and drive excellence in teaching and learning across the school.

Qualifications

• Outstanding leadership experience required.
• Must be a practising Catholic.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day leadership and management of St Clare's Catholic Primary School.
• Coach and mentor staff as a team leader.
• Partner with parents and parish to support pupils' development.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Safeguarding

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2060-163L Position Type: Headteacher Pay Range: L17 to L24

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

Application Close: 28/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: Thursday 15th October 2026

About the School

The Trustees of the Rosary Trust and the Governors of St Care's Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Head Teacher from 1st January 2027. St Clare's is a caring, friendly school and community where our Catholic Ethos is central to all we do. Our new Head Teacher will be well-supported by all stakeholders and will have the benefit of a close network of colleagues in the CMAT. Our new Head Teacher will work with the Local Governing Body and the Rosary Trust to shape the strategic direction of the school, and will be responsible for day to day leadership and management of St Clare's. Our new Head Teacher will lead a team that strives together in the best interest of all our children, following the school's Mission Statement:

In our Catholic School, with God at the centre of our lives, we offer every child a high standard of education. We meet individual needs, in a caring and loving community, which celebrates our faith. With Jesus we learn to love and love to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Propound yourself as a practising Catholic who can nurture faith and spirituality and lead inspirational Catholic education based on shared Gospel values.
• Promote a clear child‑centred vision.
• Be inclusive, aspirational, and ambitious for all children and staff.
• Lead as an enthusiastic leader with a strong commitment to partnership with parents and parish.
• Champion a curriculum that teachers will be excited to teach and inspire children to learn.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of providing inspirational, strategic and professional leadership.
• Have a secure understanding of all matters relating to safeguarding.
• Coach and mentor staff as a team leader.
• Ensure every child is supported and challenged to maximise their potential.

What We Offer

• Children who are committed, enthusiastic and fully engaged in their learning.
• Professional and dedicated staff, supportive parents, and active Governors.
• Enthusiastic and aspirational Senior Leadership Team.
• Excellent opportunities for further professional development.
• Support from the Rosary Trust CMAT.
• Support from the Clacton‑on‑Sea Collaborative of schools.
• Good track record in terms of Ofsted (July 2024) and outstanding in terms of CSI (June 2022).
• Excellent school building and grounds.
• A balanced budget.

Application Process

Applicants are invited from Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers, or Assistant Head Teachers with outstanding leadership experience. Must be a practising Catholic. Mandatory: completed applications submitted via CES application form to [e-mail]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a reserved post and open to practising Catholics only.

Supporting Documents

• Consent to obtain references (from Parish Priest and Professional Referees)
• Chair's welcome letter to applicants
• CES Model Application Forms and Supplementary Forms - Notes to applicant
• Recruitment monitoring form

St Clare's is committed to safeguarding and promotes welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, including a check of life online. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements.

FAO: Mrs M Born (Chair of Governors)

St Clare's Catholic Primary School

Cloes Lane

Clacton-on-Sea

CO16 8AG