Principal

St Mary's Catholic Primary School; Stafford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Brewood, Stafford, invites applications for a Principal who will lead from January 2027. The role includes some teaching commitments and requires a faith-driven, inspirational leader who can raise standards while staying connected to the classroom.

The successful candidate will nurture a Catholic ethos, build strong partnerships with families and the local parish, and drive rapid, sustainable school improvement within the St Gabriel the Archangel CMAT network.

Qualifications

• Practising Catholic and faith-driven leader who nurtures spiritual life of pupils and staff.
• Proven track record in successful school leadership with raising standards and accelerating progress for all pupils.
• Clear vision for high-quality primary education and determination to deliver rapid, sustained school improvement.
• Valuing parents as genuine partners in children’s education and building strong community relationships.
• Unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of every child.
• Experience of leading and supporting pupils with SEND would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Includes some teaching commitments.
• Lead as Principal from January 2027.
• Collaborate with Catholic Senior Executive Leader and central services to focus on teaching and learning.

Skills

Catholic leadership

Strategic leadership

Parental engagement

Community collaboration

Safeguarding

Job description

Principal

For St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Wharf Lane, Brewood, Stafford, ST19 9BG

Closing Date: Monday 12 October 2026 at 12 noon

Interviews: w/c Monday 19 October 2026

Salary: Leadership Scale L08 - L14

About Us

St Mary’s is a warm, welcoming, and vibrant Catholic primary school set in extensive grounds within the historic village of Brewood. Catering for children aged 3 to 11 of all faiths and backgrounds, we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing environment where every child can flourish. ‘Pupils at St Mary’s flourish in a calm, confident and forward looking school, where every child is celebrated and supported. They achieve highly and with real pride because they follow a curriculum that prepares them confidently for their next steps.’ (OFSTED 2026)

As part of St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust -a collaborative family of 64 schools - our shared mission shapes everything we do. Inspired by St Gabriel, we form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope who embody kindness, seek truth with bold curiosity, hunger for knowledge, and long for justice.

The Role

We are seeking an inspiring, ambitious, and visionary leader to serve as Principal of St Mary’s from January 2027.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity for a leader who values staying connected to the classroom while guiding a school community. Please note that this role includes some teaching commitment.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Is a practising Catholic, faith-driven leader who can actively nurture the spiritual life of pupils and staff while deepening parish links
• Possesses a proven track record in successful school leadership with the ability to raise standards and accelerate progress for all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Brings a clear vision for high-quality primary education and the determination to deliver rapid, sustained school improvement.
• Values parents as genuine partners in their children’s education and builds strong, collaborative relationships across the community.
• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of every child.
• Experience of leading and supporting pupils with SEND would be an advantage.

In return, we offer:

• Strategic Support: Direct collaboration with an experienced Catholic Senior Executive Leader (CSEL) alongside dedicated School Performance and Transformation Partners to develop your leadership.
• Centralised Operations: Dedicated central services for Finance, HR, Estates, and IT—allowing you to keep your focus where it matters most: teaching and learning.
• A Supportive Community: A hard-working, passionate team of staff, governors, and trust colleagues working in a happy, caring, and inclusive environment.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities to share best practices and advance your career within a large, forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust.

St Gabriel the Archangel CMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check, medical clearance, and online/social media checks at shortlisting will be required for the successful candidate.