Headteacher

St Edmund Arrowsmith RC High School; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, invites applications for a dynamic Catholic leader to steer the school’s ongoing development. The successful applicant will be a practising Catholic with a clear commitment to mission, and a proven track record of compassionate leadership that motivates staff and students.

The role requires a strong understanding of educational best practice and a drive to foster an inclusive, high-expectation learning environment within a

Qualifications

• Experience leading a secondary school or equivalent environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and mission.
• Strong track record of enhancing teaching, learning and school culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational and inclusive leadership to drive school improvement.
• Foster high expectations, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing across the school.
• Lead and develop staff, engage with families and the wider community.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Catholic ethos

Staff development

Behaviour & safeguarding

Job description

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School

Rookery Avenue

Ashton-in-Makerfield

Wigan

WN4 9PF

Leadership Pay Spine (L32 L38)

Full Time

Permanent

Required for 1st April 2027

What is it like to attend this school? “Pupils speak with pride about what they have learned. They leave school thoroughly prepared and highly motivated for their next steps in education, employment or training. Pupils achieve extremely well and hold high aspirations for themselves. Pupils attend school regularly and behaviour is exemplary across the school day” Ofsted 2026

The Governing Board is seeking to appoint a highly effective, dynamic and inspirational leader with a passion for Catholic education to lead St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School on its continuing development.

The successful applicant will be a practising Catholic who can demonstrate a clear commitment to the Catholic faith and mission of the Church, together with a proven track record of strong, compassionate leadership that inspires staff, engages students, and fosters a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and continuous school improvement.

The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of educational best practices and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff. If you are ready to take on this rewarding and influential role, we encourage you to apply and be part of our team.

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is a co-educational, 11-16 Catholic voluntary-aided school in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, well regarded in the locality for the excellence of our academic achievement and the high level of motivation of pupils and staff. Visitors to our school never fail to comment on our respectful students, the positive team ethos amongst staff and the friendly welcome that they receive. We aim to provide a caring educational environment where each person is valued.

What we can offer you: A supportive, driven and highly committed governing board, teaching and support staff and students who are enthusiastic and keen to learn. We offer a bespoke CPD programme, research and development, links and networks with other outstanding schools as well as a plethora of extra-curricular and cross-curricular working opportunities.

We actively encourage and welcome visits to our school prior to application. Please contact Mrs P Lennon [e-mail] or 01942 728651 to make arrangements.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 15th November 2026 at midnight

Shortlisting: Thursday 19th November 2026

Interview dates: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November 2026

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be made subject to DBS clearance and satisfactory references. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

As part of the recruitment process, online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates in accordance with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus child barred list check

The employer is committed to safeguarding