Headteacher

Teaching Vacancies; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School in Lancashire is seeking an exceptional Catholic leader to become headteacher and drive ongoing development and school improvement. The successful candidate will embody the Catholic ethos, inspire staff and pupils, and uphold high standards in an inclusive learning environment.

The role demands strategic vision, strong safeguarding commitment, and the ability to lead a co-educational 11–16 Catholic school with mission at its core.

Qualifications

• The Governing Board seeks a highly effective, dynamic leader with a passion for Catholic education to lead and develop the school.
• The successful applicant will be a practising Catholic committed to the Catholic faith and mission of the Church.
• Strong leadership that inspires staff, engages students and fosters high standards and inclusive learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to sustain high academic achievement and school improvement.
• Model compassionate, inclusive leadership and uphold safeguarding and church ethos.

Skills

Leadership experience

Catholic ethos & mission

Strategic school improvement

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

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 the school offers its staff

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.

Further details about the role

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

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.

Commitment to safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Offer of employment is subject to safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance, pre-employment health check and references.