Headteacher, AD TALENT RECRUITMENT

Guardian Jobs; Long Lee; On-site; GBP 94,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension

Professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

24 hour GP service

Blue Light Card

Staff awards

Job summary

Guardian Jobs is seeking a Headteacher for a Catholic secondary school in Keighley. The role starts January 2027, with Leadership Scale L24 to L30 (£94,346–£109,288). This full-time, permanent post places faith, pupil outcomes and community at the heart of school life.

The successful candidate will lead teaching, safeguarding and partnership work within a Trust and local parishes, delivering strategic improvement and inclusive education.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic vision

Catholic ethos

Community engagement

Curriculum planning

Behaviour management

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

University degree

NPQH or equivalent

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.