Deputy Headteacher

Diocese of Brentwood

ST HELEN’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

North Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AY

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER

Required for September 2026       Leadership Point L11-L15       N.O.R 420

St Helen’s Catholic Primary School is the oldest catholic primary school in Southend and has been on the present site since 1973. We are pleased to have served our community for so long. We hope to deliver our mission statement as written by the pupils, to show respect to ourselves, everyone in our school and wider community and most of all to God our Father in heaven.

Assisi Catholic Trust and the Governors of St Helen’s are keen to appoint a Deputy Headteacher who is an ambitious team player with a commitment to continuous school improvement, who will nurture the children and contribute to leading the staff to excel.  As a practicing Catholic, your drive and vision will help us continue to maximise the development and achievements of all our children, as well as contributing to our local community and wider Trust community of schools. The successful candidate will have the aspiration, resilience, and ability to support the Headteacher in building positive and trusting relationships with pupils, staff and parents and create a culture of learning and ambition that will see our children develop, grow, and contribute as an active member in society today.

We want our Deputy Headteacher to:-

• Be a committed practicing Catholic and to support the Catholic ethos of our Catholic School, including the spiritual development of the pupils and the school’s role within the community.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, enthuse and motivate others and develop effective partnerships.
• Continue to raise 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 proactive, resilient, 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 team of talented and conscientious staff who work together, to provide the best education and support for our pupils.
• The opportunity to work with delightful children, committed staff and supportive parents.
• An enthusiastic and supportive Local Governing Committee and Trust.
• The benefits of extensive support and collaboration across our Trust schools and the wider Diocese of Brentwood and can provide the successful applicant with opportunities for further professional development.
• All the support needed in the form of individual mentoring from an experienced ACT Headteacher.
• Provision of some central functions, enabling you to focus on the quality of education 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 to 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: 11^th May 2026 (9.00am)   Shortlisting:  14^th May 2026   Formal Interviews: 21^st May 2026

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.