Link to advertisement on School Improvement Liverpool

Headteacher Vacancy

Job Title: Headteacher
Employer: St John's Catholic Primary School
Job Type: Leadership
Job Phase: Primary
NOR: 555
Grade: Leadership Pay Range
Actual Salary: L 18 - L 24
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full time
Location: Liverpool
Start Date: Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Closing Date: Friday, September 12th, 2025

About the School
St John’s Catholic Primary School is a highly successful and inclusive school within the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Due to the forthcoming retirement of our highly respected, successful and much loved Headteacher, Governors are looking to appoint a Headteacher, who is inspirational, enthusiastic and committed to leading our school in the next stage of its development.

Our reputation is strong, and the school community supports the vision and Catholic ethos of the school.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a practising Catholic, who is dynamic, forward thinking and who can work in partnership with staff, children, senior leaders and governors, to drive the continued and future successes of our school.

We are so proud of the following reports and awards:

•  R.E Inspection December 2023
•  Ofsted November 2024
•  The Basic Skills Agency Quality Mark
•  The Early Years Quality Mark
•  The Music Quality Mark
•  The Primary Science Quality Mark
•  Healthy School Award
•  Our school was judged by OFSTED in November 2024 as 'Outstanding' in all five key judgement areas and Liverpool Archdiocese judged us as 'Outstanding' in all four key areas in their Religious Education inspection in December 2023. There is a lot of information about our school within this application pack and on our school website: www.stjohnskirkdale.co.uk

About the Role
Our new Headteacher will understand what is required to continue to move our school forward as this is what our pupils deserve.

They will be someone who measures their own success in the achievements of our children and who would relish the challenges that Headship presents.

We want to welcome a Head who will inspire their colleagues to maintain the tremendous energy and commitment they currently show towards the wellbeing and development of all of our pupils in delivering the best possible outcomes for them.

They will be supported well by highly skilled, committed, enthusiastic and hard-working staff and governors.

We are looking for a Headteacher who recognises that the working conditions of staff are the basis of the learning conditions of our children.

We have a strong commitment in St John’s to professional development and to fostering a school community where staff at all levels know their wellbeing is a priority.

Personal Qualities
We are seeking a person who has:

• a passion for our school, including a genuine enthusiasm and love of children, staff and all that happens at our school, helping us to truly demonstrate our Mission and Catholic ethos.

• a clear vision for our school with the skills and ability to implement this vision through collaboration with all key members of the school community including Governors, staff, parents, our parish and children to deliver the highest level of education, achievement and attainment possible for our pupils. a clear understanding of leadership within Catholic education.

• the ability to build upon the existing rich curriculum with high expectations of children’s attainment, achievement and behaviour, supporting every child to develop and reach their own unique, individual potential.

• a commitment to inclusion; putting the needs of the children first so they are supported in all aspects of their learning journey.

• a strong, proven track record of raising standards across the key stages and who has the leadership qualities to inspire, challenge and encourage staff to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.

• excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills with a positive attitude and an ambition to create a good work life balance for all stakeholders in our community.

• the skills to challenge and empower staff to be the best they can be whilst being committed to their professional development.

How to Apply

Please see Application Pack below.

Completed application forms should be returned via email to mcneill.j@stjohnsprimaryschool.com no later than midnight on September 12th 2025. Visits to the school can be arranged by contacting Mrs Rachel Murphy, our School Business Manager via r.murphy@stjohnsprimaryschool.com

Closing Date: Friday 12th September 2025
Short Listing Date: Wednesday 17th September 2025
Interview Date: Thursday 25th September 2025
2nd Interview Date: Friday 26th September 2025