Principal - St John Fisher Catholic Primary School

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Coventry; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant primary school in Coventry is seeking a Principal to provide visionary leadership and ensure high educational standards. The ideal candidate will be a practising Catholic with QTS and a strong track record in primary education. This role is a unique opportunity to lead a nurturing community, promoting values and academic excellence. Interested candidates are encouraged to arrange a visit or a discussion about the role with the CEO and should apply before January 9, 2026.

Benefits

Supportive leadership team

Opportunities for professional development

Strong School Improvement Team

Qualifications

• Practising Catholic committed to Catholic education.
• Proven leadership experience in a primary school setting.
• Strong track record of improving provision and pupil outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
• Engage with parents, parish, and community.
• Ensure high standards in teaching and learning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Commitment to inclusion

Visionary thinking

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

“Through Christ we live, love and learn, in our caring community.”

Saint John Fisher Catholic Primary School is a vibrant, inclusive, and faith-led learning community located in Wyken, Coventry. As part of The Romero Catholic MAC, we serve children aged 3 to 11, rooted in the values of the Catholic faith. Guided by our mission statement, we foster a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to flourish — academically, spiritually, and socially.

The school works in close partnership with Saint John Fisher Church and the parish sister school, Saint Gregory’s, under a joint governing body that strengthens our shared community of faith.

About the Role

The Board of Directors, in partnership with the Local Governing Body and Diocese, is seeking an innovative and inspiring Principal to lead Saint John Fisher into its next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to build on a strong foundation and ensure the school continues to thrive as a beacon of excellence for Catholic education in a fast-evolving educational landscape.

This role can start in the Summer term or September 2026.

We are looking for a leader who will:

• Deepen the ethos and purpose of Catholic education offered by Saint John Fisher school.
• Provide visionary, servant leadership and strategic direction.
• Embrace our trauma-informed approach where every child is respected, valued and loved.
• Create a positive, inclusive culture rooted in Catholic values.
• Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes.
• Manage resources effectively and efficiently.
• Engage actively with parents, parish, and the wider community alongside other schools in the CMAC.
• Promote the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of all pupils.
• Raise the school’s profile within the diocesan family of schools

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Practising Catholic with a deep commitment to Catholic education.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven leadership experience in a primary school setting.
• Strong track record of improving provision and pupil outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff and pupils.
• Secure understanding of school improvement and system leadership.
• Commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all pupils, including the most vulnerable.

What We Offer

• A faith-filled community where every child is valued and cared for, with a sense of belonging.
• Pupils who live out our mission in all they do.
• A committed leadership team and dedicated staff focused on continuous improvement.
• Supportive Parish Priest, governance, an experienced CEO, and a collaborative network of Principals.
• Strong School Improvement Team that will work with you to set out an ambitious curriculum underpinned with Catholic social teaching.
• Centralised MAC services in HR, Finance, IT, Catering, and Estates — allowing leaders to focus on teaching and learning.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.

This is more than a leadership role — it’s a chance to shape lives, strengthen faith, and lead a school where values, vision, and excellence come together.

Potential applicants are invited to meet with Helen Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, and/or visit the school. Please contact HR telephone [phone] to arrange a mutually convenient time or [e-mail] via email.

Dates

Applications close: Friday 9th January 2026 at 9am

Shortlisting: Friday 9th January 2026 at 12pm

Interview Day: w/c 19th January 2026 (TBC)

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This position is subject to criminal record checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service and requires you to disclose details of unspent and unfiltered reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in any application.