Diocese of Brentwood

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL & NURSERY

Windermere Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2RF

HEADTEACHER

Required for January 2027

Group 3 L11-24

N.O.R 445

Sacred Heart was established over one hundred years ago, and we are pleased to have served our community for so long.  We hope to deliver our mission statement by enabling our pupils and the wider community to learn to love God, learn to love one another, learn to love our world, and develop a love of learning in the process. 

Following the announcement that our serving Headteacher is retiring at Christmas, the Governors of Sacred Heart invite applications from experienced, enthusiastic and suitably-qualified practising Catholic leaders to lead Sacred Heart in the day-to-day leadership and management of the school and build on our successes.

We want our Headteacher to: -

• Be a committed practicing Catholic, with a clear vision and strong commitment to Catholic education, who will cherish and support the Catholic ethos of our school.
• Have proven leadership skills with a passion for education and making a difference to children’s lives.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead, motivate and inspire our children and our staff with a strong commitment to working in partnership with the community.
• Continue to raise the aspirations and achievements of all our children through support and challenge.
• Secure high quality teaching and learning, with the ability to identify and sustain long term improvement.
• Use resources, intellect, creativity and innovation to be successful.
• Have a positive and optimistic approach; be visible, proactive and confident; be an excellent multitasker.
• Be passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare and wellbeing of children and staff.

We can offer you: -

• A supportive, welcoming, and caring ethos based on the values of the Catholic faith.
• A supportive, welcoming and caring ethos throughout the school based on the values of the Catholic faith.
• The opportunity to work with delightful children and a team of talented and conscientious staff committed to working together with our supportive parents to provide the best education and support for all our pupils.
• An enthusiastic and supportive Local Governing Committee and Trust.
• The benefits of a forward-thinking Trust, extensive collaboration across our Trust schools and the wider Diocese of Brentwood, which can provide our new Headteacher with opportunities for further professional development.
• Support, in the form of individual mentoring, particularly for aspiring Headteachers.
• The provision of some central functions so that you can focus on the quality of teaching and learning and school improvement.

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school and should contact Claire Fantini, HR Manager, at the Assisi Registered Office on 01702 344933 or by email on recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com to arrange a visit and if you have any questions.  Full details of the post and relevant application form are available on the school website.  All applicants must complete the CES Senior Leadership Application Form to be considered for this vacancy and submit it to recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com.  Electronic applications are required to be signed by applicants invited to interview prior to interview.  

This is a Reserved Post for Practising Catholics (see guidance document).

Assisi Catholic Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre-employment checks and Enhanced DBS clearance. References will be sought and an online search carried out on applicants as part of our due diligence.

Closing Date: 17^th June 2026 (9am)   Shortlisting: 24^th June 2026   Formal Interviews: 8^th July 2026
Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.