St Paul's Academy - Principal

We are seeking an inspirational and dynamic Principal to join St Paul’s Academy. You must be passionate about inclusion and social justice and understand that education is an instrument and tool that facilitates the best futures for young people.

St Paul’s Academy has 1200 students aged 11-16 and is a diverse community which is united in the charism of St Paul as a missionary, seeker of truth and a champion of justice. St Paul’s Academy seeks to serve young people from both the Catholic and the local community, welcoming all those who embrace its values and share its quest for excellence.

In the Catholic School’s Inspection we had in February 2024, St Paul’s achieved an Outstanding grade for Catholic life and Mission and rated ‘Good’ for all other areas. St Paul’s was praised for the “deep pastoral care” that is provided and for integrating “fully in the wider community through faith in action and service”. OFSTED 2023 also commented on the ambition being put into the curriculum and the strength of the leadership of the school to raise ambitions and expectations at St Paul’s.

We are seeking a Principal who believes in the power of education to transform the lives young people and has the vision to deliver a first-class education where personal development and ‘soul’ drives the motivation for each day.

The successful candidate will a be a highly visible, collaborative and aspirational leader who will model the highest levels of professionalism and inspire, motivate, and develop staff and students.

The St Benedict Trust Directors are seeking candidates that will:

• Be a practising Catholic, who will strive to uphold and develop strong spiritual and moral values throughout the whole school and wider community.
• Be an inspirational leader with a clear vision for the future of the school, building on its current strong reputation.
• Lead by example, with a ‘can-do’ attitude that inspires commitment from students, staff and the local community.
• Have a proven track record of raising standards in teaching and learning, resulting in measurable whole school improvement, within an aspirational, caring and accountable ethos.

Application Process: 

The application pack and supporting documents provide the background to the qualities, attributes and requirements that we are looking for in our new Principal. Applicants will be required to complete the SBCAT application form together with a supporting statement of no more than 1300 words (font size 11). 

Please note we do not accept CV’s.

All applications should be sent to Mrs Karen Robertson at k.robertson@sbcat.co.uk

Closing date: Monday 15 September 2025 (Noon)

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Criminal Records Bureau. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search.

Note for Candidates:

“For appointment as a member of the governing authority of a Catholic school or to key posts within the school, a ‘practising Catholic’ is to be defined as someone who has been sacramentally initiated into the Catholic Church and who adheres to those substantive life choices which do not impair them from receiving the sacraments of the Church and which will not be in any way detrimental or prejudicial to the religious ethos and character of the school. Inspired by the Gospel and sustained by God’s grace, a ‘practising Catholic’ will give sincere external expression to their interior faith through specific religious, moral and ethical behaviour which is in accordance with the teaching of Christ and the Catholic Church” Christ at the Centre - Page 29