Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher (Full-time)

L19 – L23 (Fringe)

Required from September 2025

We require an inspiring and ambitious Deputy Headteacher. The successful candidate will join a strong Senior Leadership Team (SLT), who are utterly committed to developing staff and students to be the best they can be. You will ideally be able to demonstrate: at least a minimum of 3 successful years’ experience as an Assistant Head (or equivalent), bringing about academic, curriculum and/or pastoral improvement; experience in more than one school; the requisite personal resilience, emotional stability and intelligence, commitment and stamina to be a school leader. We can offer you a dedicated Governing Body, responsive and supportive Trust, highly supportive parents, motivated staff and students, and a fantastic environment in which to work.

St Mary’s Catholic School is a founding member of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, established in September 2021. We are in very strong shape, educationally, financially and in our Catholic Life. Our Academic performance figures are consistently strong. KS4 performance is strong, with well above average P8 figures. At A Level we have a high proportion of A*-B Grades with students enrolling at Russell Group Universities, including Oxbridge, and a range of high-quality degree apprenticeships. 

Working at St. Mary’s is an extraordinary opportunity. We take our shared values of Love-Respect-Flourish to the heart of our ethos for pupils and staff. You will be part of a school which has a tremendously talented, committed, creative, and innovative staff; parents who are supportive; and students who are eager to learn, well behaved and motivated to succeed.

As our recent (October 2024) OFSTED judged us as the Quality of Education and Behaviour & Attitudes are graded outstanding and St Mary’s is a very special community to be part of, the energy, determination and tenacity of school leaders and the Trust are bringing about effective and sustained improvements for pupils. And our most recent S48 Inspection (January 2025) also judged us as Good in all areas with Outstanding judgement in quality of provision for the Catholic life and mission of the school. 

In accordance with the Catholic Education Service, Bishop’s Memorandum on appointing staff in Catholic Schools (“the Bishop’s Memorandum”), applications for this role are open to Practising Catholics only. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Bishop’s Memorandum which can be accessed here.

Please refer to the Deputy Headteacher Recruitment Information Pack for full details of the role and how to apply.

Please complete the Application Form (Senior Leadership) and ancillary documents (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Recruitment Monitoring and Consent to Obtain References forms), which are available here, CVs will not be accepted. Please also enclose a supporting letter of application outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the person specification.

Applications should be sent to:

Deirdre McHugh, Headteacher D.McHugh@stmarys.net

St Mary’s Catholic School

Windhill

Bishop’s Stortford

CM23 2NQ

Application closing date: 28th March 2025 – 9:00am

Interview dates: 1st – 2nd April 2025

St Mary’s Catholic School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure from the DBS.

For more information, please refer to the Policies here and in particular candidates should ensure they are familiar with:

·        Child Protection Policy

·        Keeping Children Safe in Education