Headteacher

Are you a visionary leader ready to guide a ‘Good’ school toward even greater heights in East London?

Required from January 2027 or April 2027       Salary L15-21 (Inner London) Permanent, Full Time

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy Trust, working in partnership with the Diocese of Brentwood, is seeking 2 dynamic, passionate, and inspirational Headteachers to lead two of our vibrant primary schools in Newham, St Michael’s and St Francis’. Building upon our solid foundations, replacing the existing executive head model with 2 headteachers, we are looking for committed practicing Catholics with the drive, vision, and pedagogical expertise to lead us into our next exciting chapter of excellence.

About Our Trust and Schools

Rooted in Christ, our Trust is a collaborative family of 8 primary schools across the London Boroughs of Newham and Waltham Forest, dedicated to giving every child an exceptional education. Our schools are warm, welcoming communities where our Catholic ethos infuses every aspect of daily life. By joining our Trust, you will not lead in isolation. You will benefit from a highly supportive central executive team, shared pedagogical expertise, and a network of peer Headteachers who collaborate closely to raise standards across our communities.

To find out more please visit:

www.st-francis.newham.sch.uk               www.st-michaels.newham.sch.uk

www.olog.org.uk

The Role

As a Headteacher in either St Michael’s or St Francis’, you will provide the strategic vision, spiritual leadership, and everyday inspiration needed to build upon our inclusive environments. You will empower a dedicated staff team, engage deeply with our diverse communities, and ensure that every pupil, regardless of their starting point, thrives academically, socially, and spiritually.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a Practicing Catholic: A practicing Catholic with a deep commitment to Catholic education and the spiritual development of children and staff.
• Proven School Leader: A proven Senior Leader with a strong track record of sustaining high standards and driving continuous school improvement while promoting a culture where everyone is valued and respected.
• Dynamic Communicator: A dynamic communicator capable of inspiring and engaging our staff and pupils.
• Forward-Thinking Professional: A resilient, forward-thinking professional who champion a curriculum that our teachers will be excited to teach and will inspire our children to learn.
• Fun loving: Have a sense of fun and a desire to make school a happy place.
• Appreciates Collaboration: Will be an enthusiastic leader, with a strong commitment to working in partnership with all stakeholders and will bring together a team in the school to achieve an outstanding education for all.

What We Offer

• Dedicated staff, supportive parents, Governors and Trustees.
• A cluster Local Governing Committee that works across both schools.
• A Senior Leadership Team ready, willing and able to work together.
• Excellent opportunities for further professional development.
• All the benefits of working with the established group of Trust Head Teachers
• Centralised support (Finance, IT, and Estates) allowing you to focus on education standards and spiritual leadership.
• Significant professional development opportunities, including structured executive leadership pathways within the Trust and Diocesan networks.
• A dedicated, welcoming, and hard-working school team and a diverse student body.

Key Responsibilities

• Spiritual & Strategic Leadership: Preserve and develop the distinctive Catholic character of the school, ensuring Gospel values are at the heart of the curriculum, daily life, and the wider Diocesan mission.
• Educational Excellence: Maintain and elevate the high expectations for teaching and learning, driving a rigorous, broad, and engaging inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of our diverse Newham community.
• Culture and Community: Foster an inclusive, safe, and joyful environment where pupil well-being, excellent behaviour, and pastoral care are paramount.
• People Development: Can demonstrate a proven track record of providing inspirational, strategic and professional leadership.
• With our Trust Standards Lead to nurture talent within the school, providing high quality professional development and supporting staff well-being.
• Collaborative Growth: Work closely with Trust leadership and local governors to share best practices and contribute to the wider Trust mission with future opportunities to work across other trust school.

How to Apply

St Francis’ and St Michael’s warmly welcomes the opportunity for potential candidates to visit. If you would like to arrange a visit or require further information about this exciting opportunity, please email info@olog.org.uk   

Please email info@olog.org.uk for an application pack.

Applications are invited from Head Teachers, Deputy Head Teachers or Assistant Head Teachers with outstanding leadership experience.

Closing date:         Monday 12^th October by midday

Shortlisting:          Friday 16^th October

Interview:              Wednesday 21^st October

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.