Headteacher

The Methodist Church in Britain; Millom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development in Catholic/D

Parish and Diocese collaboration

Supportive Governing Body

Catholic ethos and community focus

Job summary

St James' Catholic Primary School is seeking a Headteacher to lead the school and its community. The role focuses on sustaining high-quality teaching, safeguarding, and building strong parish links. This reserved post is for practising Catholics and aligns with Catholic Education Service guidance.

The successful candidate will continue the school's Catholic ethos and work with the Diocese and parish to promote student achievement and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills.
• Clear vision and dedication to Catholic education.
• Practising Catholic with commitment to Catholic Education Service guidance.

Responsibilities

• Guide the school and its community through its next chapter.
• Secure and sustain high-quality teaching and learning with long-term improvement.
• Raise aspirations and achievement through challenge and support.
• Inspire, motivate and support staff and pupils.
• Foster positive relationships with parents, governors, the parish and the wider community.
• Uphold safeguarding and welfare standards for pupils and staff.

Skills

Proven leadership skills

Clear vision for Catholic education

Staff motivation and support

Job description

Headteacher post at St James' Catholic Primary School, succeeding a long-serving head who retires in August 2026. The work centres on guiding the school and its wider community, sustaining high-quality teaching and learning, and upholding safeguarding and welfare. This is a reserved post for practising Catholics, with the school seeking a leader who can build on its Catholic ethos and parish links. Visa sponsorship is not available, and the start is for the Summer term or soon after.

What the job involves

• Guide the school and its community through its next chapter
• Secure and sustain high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on long-term improvement
• Raise aspirations and achievement through challenge and support
• Inspire, motivate and support staff and pupils
• Foster positive relationships with parents, governors, the parish and the wider community
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare for pupils and staff

What’s required

Experience

• Proven leadership skills

Skills & knowledge

• Clear vision and strong dedication to Catholic education
• Passion for making a difference to children's lives

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Eligible to work in the UK

Other

• Practising Catholic, as a reserved post under Catholic Education Service guidance

What’s offered

• Professional development through collaboration with the Diocese of Lancaster and wider networks
• Supportive Governing Body and strong parish links
• Dedicated and talented staff team committed to working in partnership with families
• Welcoming and caring ethos rooted in the Catholic faith