About this role
A – Application form
D – Documents
I – Interview
R – References
Faith Commitment
1. A practising and committed Catholic in good standing with the Church -R
Evidence of participation in parish or Catholic community life.
2. Evidence of a secure understanding of the distinctive nature of a Catholic primary school -A I
3. Understanding and experience of a senior leader’s role as pastor -A I
4. Understanding of the school’s role in the Catholic and wider community and experience of promoting this -A I
5. Evidence of demonstrating care, compassion and reconciliation in a leadership role in a primary school -A
6. Recent experience of leading acts of worship in the Catholic school -I
Qualifications and Training
1. Degree + QTS -A D
2. Evidence of continuing professional development in preparation for HT post -A
NPQH
3. Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) -D
4. Willingness to undertake CCRS within 2 years of appointment -A
Experience
1. A record of substantial, successful teaching experience, including teaching more than 1 Key Stage in the primary age range -A R I
Experience in a variety of schools.
2. Experience as a successful Headteacher, Head of School, Deputy or Assistant Headteacher -A R I
3. Experience of effecting change in teaching, learning or curriculum either at phase or whole school level -A R I
4. Experience of leadership role within a primary school -A R I
5. Experience of managing a school budget in challenging financial circumstances
Professional Knowledge and Understanding
1. Understanding the expectations in the Ofsted Framework about what makes an effective school and experience of preparing for and dealing with Ofsted inspections at a leadership level -A I
Understanding of the expectations of CSI denominational Inspection.
2. Experience of school planning, evaluation, assessment and accountability -A R I
The ability to role model excellent teaching.
3. Experience of analysing data, developing strategic plans, setting and monitoring targets and achieving desired outcomes -A I
4. A thorough knowledge and understanding of current educational issues -A I
5. Experience of developing policies and procedures that demonstrate the Catholic ethos of the school and a commitment to equal opportunities for all -A I R
Promoting the Welfare of Children
1. Experience of leadership relating to
Safeguarding and well-being of staff and pupils, including making referrals and working with outside agencies in relation to safeguarding issues. A good understanding of up to date policy and practice and commitment to promoting safeguarding -I
Professional Skills and Abilities
1. Experience of working effectively with the Headteacher, staff, governors and parents -R I
2. Experience of communicate effectively in writing and orally to a range of audiences including pupils, parents, staff, governors, clergy, fellow professionals and the media -A I
3. Experience of dealing appropriately with challenging situations/individuals
4. Experience of producing clear reports, information and advice to staff and governors and providing clear information to the Diocese and the CES when required -I R
Understanding the criteria for evaluating a Catholic school.
Personal Qualities
1. Experience of leading by example in a leadership role, demonstrating good interpersonal skills, with the ability to enthuse and motivate others and develop effective partnerships -R I
2. Stamina, energy, resilience and dedication; creativity, confidence, a can do attitude -R I
3. Optimistic outlook -R
4. Experience of devising and using innovative ideas/solutions to address challenging scenarios.
5. Commitment to own work/life balance as well as that of others.
Other
1. Experience of supporting the Catholic ethos of our Catholic School, including the spiritual development of the pupils and the school’s role within the community -A I R
2. Evidence of a strong commitment to Catholic education -A I R
References
Positive and supportive reference from the Priest where the applicant regularly worships; in good standing with the Church; reference without reservation.Positive recommendations in professional references, without reservation.