Assistant Head - Full time role, class based with Leadership release time

About the role

About St Catherine of Siena

Rather than us tell you about the school, we’ll let our community speak for itself.

‘I want to just say how pleased and thankful I am. I really see that all the staff go above and beyond and that is reflected in my children’s enthusiasm and love for school. They encourage and develop all of them and inspire them to be the best that they can be.’(Parent email)

‘I am delighted and proud that my kids go to a school that is open, positive, inclusive, and has an unbiased approach to global issues. You have taken great steps in bringing about justice, equity, peace, and hopefully, we will reap the rewards of these actions as the children grow into well-informed adults. Simply amazing.’ (Parent email)

‘There is always such a lovely atmosphere in the school which is so warm and welcoming.’ (Herts School Improvement Partner email).

Without fail, visitors to St Cath’s always comment on the warm, friendly, family feel that they encounter every time they enter the building.  Does this sound like the kind of school you would like to help lead?

St Cath’s is a popular, oversubscribed one-form entry primary school, with extensive, beautiful grounds, a unique chapel and library, and a school dog. Situated on the outskirts of Watford, we have excellent transport links to central London, the M1, M25, A405 and A41. 

About the role

We are seeking a strong teacher with evidence of experience in leading effective school improvement, to join our Senior Leadership Team, comprising our Headteacher, Assistant Head and Senior Teacher (Religious Education Lead). As well as being an inspirational teacher, our ideal candidate is one who sees this as more than just a job – our staff go above and beyond to ensure our children flourish holistically.

This is a tough profession and even more so in the current climate.  As an SLT we pride ourselves on our ability to laugh (even when others might cry!) and ‘roll with the punches’. Through it all, we keep our hearts and minds focused on what this job is really all about – doing the best for the children.  At St Cath’s, we support each other and everything is a team effort.  As a Leadership, we prioritise the wellbeing of our pupils, staff and families, knowing the importance of ‘nurturing the nurturers’.  We want to find a like-minded individual who would relish the opportunity to work with us.

The position would be suited to an existing Assistant Head, looking for a different setting and increased responsibility, or someone with a proven track-record of excellence in Middle Leadership, ready to take the next step in their career.  As our Leadership structure does not include a Deputy Head, Leadership is distributive and you would report directly to the Head, working collaboratively with the other Assistant Head towards the vision and school priorities.  There would also be the opportunity to develop expertise in defined roles such as Deputy DSL, Designated Teacher for CLA or Pupil Premium.  Please note that the candidate does not need to be a Catholic to apply for the role. 

We are committed to ensuring our pupils have the best possible school experience.  This means that excellence in teaching and learning, high pupil outcomes and a rich, broad and balance curriculum are our focus. In addition, we enhance our children’s experience through our outdoor environment, enrichment activities and a school dog! 

We are very proud of our whole school community and would love the opportunity to welcome the right person to further strengthen the leadership team.

The role will be moulded to the strengths and skillset of the most suitable candidate. Candidates must ensure they set out their experience and passions clearly at the application process.

What makes us different?

• Although this is a class-based role, to enable you to really make a difference in teaching and learning across the school, significant leadership release time will be allocated. The class would be shared with an unqualified teacher or HLTA to support you in obtaining sufficient leadership time, while maintaining high standards of T&L in your own class. 
• We are committed to teacher development and ongoing CPD.  As well as benefiting from working with existing experienced school leaders, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to complete National Professional Qualifications and be supported in the next phase in their development, whether as Assistant Head, or development towards future Deputy or Headship. 
• We believe in paying fairly and competitively, as can been seen from the advertised Leadership scale band and how it compares to that advertised by other Hertfordshire schools.  All our staff are paid at least the Living Wage Foundation National Living Wage and we reflect our staff’s loyalty, hard work and commitment to the school in their wages and opportunities for progression.

• We are proud to have an extremely diverse school community and celebrating the heritages of our children and families is an integral part of our ethos.
• TAs are paid from 8.30-4.30 to enable them to more fully support their designated class/teacher.
• Children leave at 1.30pm on Fridays, so that all teachers can have their PPA together (allowing for collaboration and support) on a Friday afternoon, along with their TA. We encourage ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’, dress-down Friday and teachers are permitted to take PPA off-site if preferred.

About our Trust

As an Assistant Head with the Diocese of Westminster Multi Academy Trust (DOWAT), you will be part of a strong, collaborative network of exceptional professionals. Comprised of 11 schools (5 primary and 6 secondary schools, with more soon to join), DOWAT is amongst the top performing Catholic multi-academy trusts in the country, with a deep commitment to delivering an outstanding 21st century education and upholding traditional Catholic values. 

Leaders at all levels are part of internal Trust networks, sharing best practice and addressing challenges in an open, safe environment. Working within the Trust also provides opportunities for future career growth and promotion, including potential secondments and work across other schools.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At St Catherine of Siena, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. We strive to be a place where all stakeholders (pupils, parents/guardians and staff) can be themselves.

We commit to attract, retain, and develop diverse talent and to respect and value differences arising from age, creed, culture, disability, educational background, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, nationality, race, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, and other dimensions. Applications will be anonymised prior to shortlisting, to reduce the potential for unconscious bias. 

Visits to our wonderful school are highly recommended.  Please email the Head, Nikki Kane on head@st-catherine.herts.sch.uk or by telephoning 01923 676022 to arrange a school tour or for further information about the role and to request a Job Description. 

Closing date: Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Shortlisting: Wednesday & Thursday 23rd- 24th April 2025

Interviews: Wednesday 30th April 2025

We reserve the right to close the advertisement before the deadline if we receive strong applications, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that applications must be on the CES form.  Non-Catholic applicants do not need to provide a priest's reference.