Deputy Headteacher (St Simon of England Primary)

Overview

An exciting opportunity to join the leadership of a thriving Catholic school. St. Simon’s Catholic Primary School is seeking an inspirational, committed and enthusiastic Deputy Headteacher to join our leadership team. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Headteacher to drive school improvement, uphold high standards of teaching and learning, and strengthen our mission as a Catholic school rooted in Gospel values. This is a reserved post, open to practising Catholics who can actively support and promote the Catholic life, ethos and mission of our school. The role includes some classroom responsibility.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: L4 - L9

Location

St Simon of England Catholic Primary School
Noakes Meadow
Ashford
Kent
TN23 4RB

About our school and about the role

About Our School

St. Simon’s is a welcoming, nurturing and vibrant school community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish academically, spiritually and personally. As part of Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP)—a family of 32 Catholic schools across Kent—we are committed to providing high‑quality Catholic education, underpinned by faith, ambition, love and service.

We are proud of:

Our friendly, motivated pupils and positive learning environment
Our committed staff who work collaboratively and support one another
Our strong partnerships with parents, parish and the wider community
Our ambitious culture of continual improvement

The Role

As Deputy Headteacher, you will:

Support the Headteacher in leading the strategic direction and day‑to‑day management of the school
Model and promote outstanding teaching, learning and professional practice
Lead high‑quality professional development and contribute to whole‑school improvement
Oversee key areas of curriculum, assessment, pupil progress and inclusion
Take a leading role in safeguarding and the wellbeing of pupils
Support teachers and support staff in upholding excellent standards of behaviour, care and learning
Contribute to self‑evaluation, policy development and effective use of data
Foster strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, governors, parish and external partners

Catholic Leadership

As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a central role in shaping and sustaining the Catholic life of the school. This is a reserved post, open to practising Catholics who:

Have been sacramentally initiated into the Catholic Church
Live in accordance with the teachings and moral life of the Church
Demonstrate their faith through their actions, leadership, and example

This ensures the school continues to grow as a joyful, faith‑filled Catholic community.

We Offer

A warm, caring and welcoming school community
Well‑motivated pupils who enjoy learning
A supportive, forward‑thinking leadership team and committed staff
Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression
Strong Trust-wide networks and high‑quality KCSP CPD
A school community with strong parish links and engaged families
The chance to make a significant, lasting impact in a values‑driven Catholic school

Visits and Enquiries

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit St. Simon’s to experience our community and ethos.
Please contact Michelle Keleher via email to arrange a visit: office@st-simons-ashford.kcsp.org.uk

Deadline and how to apply

How to apply - please complete and submit the application documents below by 10am on Wednesday 17th June 2026, directly to the school at: office@st-simons-ashford.kcsp.org.uk:

Please send your letter of application and related application documents directly to Michelle Keleher (Office / HR Manager) office@st-simons-ashford.kcsp.org.uk. Your supporting statement should be limited to 2,000 words max. and should outline why you feel you are suited to this role, what you believe you can bring to the school and detail your experience to date, skill set and qualifications.

Safeguarding

St. Simon’s Catholic Primary School and KCSP are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.

Any offer of employment will be subject to:

Enhanced DBS check
Section 128 check (where applicable)
Online and social media checks
Satisfactory references
Pre‑employment health questionnaire

Equal opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our Trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment where all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality across all areas of employment and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of our staff—including a strong focus on mental health, family-friendly policies, and inclusive practices that reflect the richness of our school communities.

Together, we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children and families we serve.

Job reference: DHTSSA01