Headteacher

AD TALENT RECRUITMENT; Long Lee; On-site; GBP 94,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Secondary School, Keighley, is seeking an inspirational Headteacher to drive improvement with clear priorities for teaching, curriculum and pupil outcomes. You will lead with faith, compassion and strategic vision, supported by a strong leadership team and the Catholic Academy Trust.

The role requires a practising Catholic, NPQH or equivalent leadership credentials, and a track record of improving school performance.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status and an appropriate degree.
• Proven track record of senior leadership within a school.
• NPQH or equivalent senior leadership development training.
• Experience leading school improvement and raising standards.
• Strong understanding of curriculum, teaching, assessment and pastoral care.
• Experience building leadership teams and staff development.
• Resilience and judgement to lead through change.

Responsibilities

• Strengthening the Catholic life, ethos and mission of the school.
• Raising expectations and improving outcomes for every pupil.
• Establishing high quality teaching and an ambitious curriculum.
• Developing behaviour, attendance, inclusion and personal responsibility.
• Using data to lead and evaluate school improvement.
• Developing colleagues and building a strong leadership culture.
• Ensuring safeguarding, governance and financial/operational management.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic vision

Curriculum knowledge

Pastoral care understanding

Change management

Team development

Education

QTS and degree

NPQH or SL development

Job description

Lead a Catholic school with heart, purpose and real potential, shaping lasting improvement for pupils, staff and the wider community.

HEADTEACHER

Catholic Secondary School, Keighley

Salary: Leadership Scale L24 to L30, £94,346 to £109,288, subject to the September 2026 pay award
Contract: Full time, permanent

Start date: January 2027
Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 21 September 2026

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2

Our client is seeking an inspirational, practising Catholic Headteacher to lead their school into its next chapter.

They are a mixed 11 to 16 secondary school serving the parishes and communities of Keighley, Haworth, Skipton and the surrounding areas.

Their Catholic faith is at the heart of school life. Through their mission of Awakening Minds, Achieving Dreams and Serving Others, they aim to ensure every young person flourishes academically, spiritually and personally.

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful and lasting improvement. The school has clear priorities around teaching, curriculum delivery, pupil outcomes, attendance and behaviour. It also has important strengths upon which to build. Pupils feel safe and supported, safeguarding is effective, reading is a priority and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are supported well.

You will be supported by a committed Board of Directors, an experienced staff team, active parent and parish communities, a structured senior leadership team and the wider expertise of their Catholic Academy Trust.

THE ROLE

As Headteacher, you will provide visible, compassionate and courageous leadership rooted in the Catholic faith and mission of the school.

Your priorities will include:

• Strengthening the Catholic life, ethos and mission of the school

• Raising expectations and improving outcomes for every pupil

• Establishing consistent, high quality teaching and an ambitious curriculum

• Developing excellent behaviour, attendance, inclusion and personal responsibility

• Using evidence and data to lead and evaluate school improvement

• Developing colleagues and building a strong, accountable leadership culture

• Ensuring effective safeguarding, governance, financial and operational management

The school’s leadership structure is organised around Standards and Outcomes, Curriculum and Organisation, and Culture and Attendance. Each area is led by an Assistant Vice Principal, providing clear responsibilities and a strong foundation for improvement.

ABOUT YOU

Applications are welcomed from serving Headteachers and successful Deputy Headteachers who are ready to take the next step in Catholic school leadership.

You will be a practising Catholic who combines faith, strategic vision and high expectations with humility, courage and compassion.

You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status and an appropriate degree

• Successful senior leadership and management experience within a school

• NPQH or relevant senior leadership development

• Evidence of leading school improvement and raising standards

• A strong understanding of curriculum, teaching, assessment and pastoral care

• Experience of developing colleagues and effective leadership teams

• The resilience and judgement to lead successfully through change

This is a reserved senior leadership post. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practising Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.

WHAT THEY CAN OFFER YOU

• An excellent pension scheme

• Support from an experienced Trust Central Team and Catholic school leaders

• Excellent professional development and termly learning days

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support

• Access to a 24 hour GP and registered nurse service

• Access to Blue Light Card savings

• Annual staff awards

• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to a school and its community

Their Trust currently comprises 17 primary schools and two secondary schools, with planned diocesan changes creating wider opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Any offer will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work and safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Completed formal applications close at 9.00am on Monday 21 September 2026.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available. No recruitment agencies, please.

Relevant job titles may include Head Teacher, Secondary School Headteacher, Catholic Headteacher, Academy Headteacher, Head of School, School Principal, Academy Principal, Executive Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Deputy Principal, Vice Principal, Senior School Leader or Senior Education Leader.