Full Time Headteacher 

Start Date: 1 September 2025

The Governing Body of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is seeking to appoint a practising Catholic as our next Headteacher—a leader who will nurture and strengthen our strong Catholic ethos and share our vision for the future.

Mission Statement:

"St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is a caring place where we work together to do our best, knowing we are special in God’s eyes."

About Our School:

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive, and high-achieving school located in Workington, on the edge of the stunning Lake District National Park. Our strong links with the local parish and wider community create a family environment where children flourish both academically and personally.

In July 2024, Ofsted judged St Patrick’s to be a ‘Good’ school, highlighting the exemplary behaviour and attitudes of our pupils. Ofsted noted:

"Pupils are proud ambassadors for their school. They flourish due to its peaceful atmosphere and the positive relationships that they have with staff, who care for them well. In the early years, children make a positive start to their education. They show great kindness towards each other. Pupils have impeccable manners. They are happy. Pupils respond well to the high aspirations that the school has for their achievement and conduct. They achieve well."

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a highly motivated, visionary leader who will:
•    Continue to promote high standards of learning and nurture the whole child through an innovative and creative curriculum.
•    Inspire and support a dedicated and skilled team of staff.
•    Build upon our Catholic values and ensure they are at the heart of everything we do.
•    Work closely with our strong and supportive community, including parents, carers, and parish members.
•    Develop and grow our school’s outdoor learning opportunities, following recent significant investment in our environment.
What We Offer:
•    A faith-filled school community where children are at the centre, and Jesus is at the heart of everything we do.
•    A highly supportive and committed Governing Body that champions the success of every child.
•    A dedicated and enthusiastic team of staff, committed to the care and development of each pupil.
•    Happy, engaged, and motivated children who love learning and are supported by committed parents and carers.
•    Strong partnerships with the local parish and a consortium of Workington schools.
•    Opportunities for continued professional development to support your growth as a leader.

A Message from Our Pupils:

Our Head Boy and Head Girl have their own hopes for our new Headteacher:

"We would like a headteacher who is kind and caring and who interacts with the children. Someone who cares about us, and makes good decisions to help our families and other people in our community. Someone who is amazing."

If you are a passionate and faith-driven leader who shares our vision, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in this post and would like the opportunity to visit our school, please contact us on 01900 601807. Visits can only be made by arrangement with our Business Manager, Mrs Annette Glaister.

To apply, please visit the school website www.stpatricksworkington.co.uk to download the application pack.  

All completed application forms and supporting information should be returned to the Clerk to the Governing Body at the following email address: [email protected]

Timeline:

Closing date for applications is noon on Friday 28th March 2025.

Shortlisting will take place on Tuesday 1st April 2025.

Successful applicants will receive notification by Wednesday 2nd April 2025.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th April 2025.

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

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are made subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and satisfactory references.  If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history and an on-line search will be conducted. This includes only information publicly available on-line.
 

Required September 2025

What we are looking for

The Governors of Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School and the Diocese of Lancaster wish to appoint an exceptional, passionate, dynamic and inspirational practising Catholic to take their school forward.

Could this be you?
If it were you, you would:
•    Be a practising Catholic, with a strong faith and commitment to the Catholic ethos of the school and its community
•    Be aspirational in your approach to the quality of teaching and learning and of the achievement and wellbeing of every pupil
•    Be a role model who inspires and encourages others through their commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to raising standards 
•    Be an experienced leader with the interpersonal skills to develop strong working relationships with staff, pupils, parents, parishes and governors
•    Have a proven track record in raising standards in teaching and learning, with demonstrable whole school improvements
What the school will offer you
•    A school which cultivates and celebrates its distinctive Catholic nature through the promotion of dignity and excellence
•    A dedicated family of professionals united in a mission to provide quality education, whist celebrating its Catholic faith
•    A motivated community which holds high expectations and the determination to enable all of pupils to fulfil their potential
•    A supportive and effective governing board, committed to your induction, long term professional development and continuing wellbeing.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and governors to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS, online and social media and health checks.

You must tell us about any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Applying for the job

Application packs can be requested by emailing [email protected]  or downloaded from our website at https://www.newman.cumbria.sch.uk/vacancies

We warmly encourage visits to the school, where you can meet the current Headteacher and Chair of Governors. To arrange a visit, please contact: Julie Hannen, PA to the Headteacher/Clerk to the Governors [email protected] 

Your application form should be supported by a letter of no more than 1300 words.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 14 March 2025. Completed application forms should be emailed to [email protected] 

Short listed candidates will be contacted by telephone or email by 21 March 2025.

Two full-day interviews will be held on Wednesday 2 & Thursday 3 April 2025 from 8.45 am.  Assistance with interview travel and accommodation may be available.