Assistant Head Teacher

About the role

Our Lady School is a thriving and inclusive one form entry Catholic primary school located in Hitchin. We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Assistant Head Teacher to join our leadership team from January 2025.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the Head Teacher in driving the school's vision and maintaining the highest standards of education and Catholic ethos. They will assist the Head Teacher in leading and managing the school effectively, including strategic planning, decision-making, and school improvement initiatives. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated educational leader who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children.

We are looking for someone who:

• is an outstanding teacher with strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• has the tenacity to ensure high standards of education for all pupils.
• has excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and flexible approach.
• demonstrates a strong understanding of the primary curriculum and can work collaboratively with staff to design, implement, and evaluate an inspiring curriculum that meets the needs of all children.
• is able to promote a positive and inclusive school culture to ensure all staff and children feel valued and supported.
• is committed to building strong relationships with parents, parish members, and the wider community.
• has an understanding and commitment to Catholic education and the ability to integrate faith into all aspects of school life. (Applicants must be in sympathy and willing to support the aims and values of our Catholic school but do not need to be Catholic themselves.)
• understands the importance of safeguarding ensuring the safety and welfare of all children.
• has a commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
• most importantly…enjoys what they do!

OLS is part of one of the top performing multi-academy Catholic Trusts in the country. Our new leader will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other teachers and leaders across the Trust (Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust - DoWAT) to further strengthen provision and their own professional development. DoWAT is a lead provider for the National Leadership Qualifications of which our new Leader would have fully funded access to.

Our new Assistant Head Teacher will be working alongside passionate and talented colleagues committed to educational excellence.  The staff at OLS believe in the importance of work life balance and finding the joy. We are a friendly and dedicated team where each individual is valued and supported. This is what the staff at OLS say:

‘OLS is welcoming and caring. All the staff are friendly, supportive and really approachable. Everybody is happy to help and we all look out for each other.’

‘As a newly qualified ECT at Our Lady Catholic Primary School, I feel incredibly supported by the senior leadership team, who foster a positive and empowering work environment.’

‘The school's values and ethos are deeply rooted in faith, helping to create a nurturing atmosphere that reflects in the children's learning and attitudes.’

The pupils at OLS are a credit to the school, they adopt our school mantra of being ‘kind, safe, respectful and reflective’ with pride and they make OLS a joyful place to be.  This is what the children at OLS say:

‘OLS is the best school ever’

‘We are a family together’

‘The teachers are the best, they help us to be the best we can be’

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.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. If you would like to discuss the role further please do not hesitate to contact the school. You can see some of what we do on our school website; https://www.ourladys.herts.sch.uk/

To arrange a visit or for further details please contact the school office: 01462 622555 or email - admin@ourladys.herts.sch.uk

Your application should be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 3rd October directly to the school. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email and invited to interview. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 15th October.

The Governors and staff of Our Lady School are fully committed to promoting the safeguarding and wellbeing of all pupils. This post is subject to safer recruitment measures which requires an enhanced criminal records check via ‘Disclosure and Barring’ Service. All appointments made will be subject to satisfactory references, medical and DBS clearance.