Headteacher

CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is seeking a dedicated Headteacher to lead our school with integrity, warmth and a clear vision for the future. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, a good listener and a supportive presence for pupils, staff and families alike.

As a welcoming, inclusive community church school, we are guided by our Christian vision and strive to ensure every member of our school family flourishes academically and personally.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a primary school or large team is desirable.
• Strong communication and listening skills for pupils, staff and families.
• Commitment to an inclusive, values-driven school environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school with integrity, warmth and a clear vision for the future.
• Uphold and develop the school's Christian vision and values.
• Ensure high standards for teaching, inclusion, staff development and pupil wellbeing.
• Represent the school within the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust and the local community.

Job description

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is seeking to appoint a dedicated, caring and ambitious Headteacher who will lead our school with integrity, warmth and a clear vision for the future. We are looking for a leader who is an excellent communicator, a good listener and an approachable and supportive presence for pupils, staff and families alike.

As a popular one-form entry Church of England primary school, we are guided by our Christian vision, inspired by 1 Corinthians 16:14 – ‘Do everything in love’. Our vision is at the heart of everything we do and underpins our commitment to ensuring every member of our school community feels valued, supported and able to flourish.

We are proud to be a highly inclusive and community-focused school where strong relationships, high aspirations and a genuine sense of belonging enable pupils to thrive both academically and personally. Our recent SIAMS inspection recognised the warm, welcoming Christian environment we have created through our Christian vision which inspires pupils and adults to achieve their best.

Our new Headteacher will uphold and further develop this vision, championing a culture of love, respect and service whilst maintaining high standards for all. They will have the highest aspirations for every child and a clear commitment to excellent teaching, inclusion, staff development, enabling all children to flourish and growing the school’s identity within the local community.

We can offer enthusiastic and well-behaved children, a caring and dedicated staff team, supportive governors and parents, and the opportunity to work collaboratively within Chester Diocesan Academies Trust.

Start date:January 2027

Closing date for applications:4pm on Thursday 17th September 2026

Shortlisting will take place on Friday 18th September 2026, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the shortlisting meeting. Interviews will be held on Thursday 24th September (school-based activities) and Friday 25th September (formal interviews).