Headteacher

Post Title: Headteacher

Responsible to: Chief Performance Officer

Location: St Cuthbert’s RC High School

Salary:  L29 – L35 (a) £99,067 -£113,624

Term of Contract: Permanent

Hours per week: 32.5

Start date: ASAP

Closing date: 18/09/2025

St Cuthbert’s RC High School are currently seeking a Headteacher. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at the beginning of a journey of transition, development, and growth within the multi-academy trust

St Cuthbert’s RC High School is a large and vibrant Catholic secondary school serving the community of Rochdale. The school sits at the heart of its parish, drawing strength from its Catholic mission and Gospel values to guide its work. It is a diverse community, proud of its inclusive ethos and commitment to ensuring that every young person feels valued. In November 2023, St Cuthbert’s became part of the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust (STOCCAT), joining a growing family of schools across the Diocese of Salford. In doing so, it has strengthened its links with the wider Trust while continuing to serve its local community with pride.

In a STOCCAT secondary school, the Headteacher is a Catholic mission leader responsible for driving school improvement, safeguarding, curriculum excellence, and staff development, while embodying the Trust’s Gospel mission: “Make Christ Known; Make Lives Better.” You will be supported by a highly experienced Chief Performance Officer, who provides strategic oversight, expert challenge, and leadership development across the Trust. Working closely with a dedicated Regional Improvement Officer, you will lead improvement planning, engage in performance dialogue, and ensure the school is fully prepared for both Ofsted and Catholic Schools Inspectorate visits.

Our Mission

Our Trust Mission is simple, it is to make Christ known, making lives better for our communities, our children and young people.

Our Values

One of Hope
Inspired by St Teresa of Calcutta, we are people of hope. We have a complete belief in the future we will build together. By offering our children, staff and schools’ opportunities to grow and flourish, we make aspiration and ambition a reality. Our people, just like St Teresa are relentless and fiercely ambitious. We will always reach for that which seems to be just out of our grasp.

One of Courage

As modelled for us by St Teresa of Calcutta, we will have the courage to do what is right. As a community, we will not shy away from making decisions that ensure our communities thrive. We will be brave in our actions. As a truly Catholic organisation this courage will be most apparent in how we collectively support the most vulnerable. 

One of Innovation

St Teresa of Calcutta changed the world. Together, we will always be pursuing new ideas and best practice in all areas of our work. We will prepare our children and young people for the world that awaits them. A world which they will shape and change. 

Purpose of the role:

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational, enthusiastic teaching professional who can work as part of our dedicated and exceptional team.  The candidate will be expected to demonstrate the ability to meet the Teachers’ Standards. All classroom teachers will contribute to the curriculum and year teams in supporting the school’s mission statement and achieving its aims.  As a professional within a Catholic School, you will be expected to enhance the life of the school by delivering and developing high quality teaching and learning, contributing to the work of the teams of teaching and support staff, being reflective about your own practice and effectiveness: sharing with, and learning from the work of others, and constantly seeking ways to improve through innovation and research.

You will have the following skills and attributes:

• Be a confident communicator, with excellent written and oral skills to engage effectively with all stakeholders.
• Demonstrate significant leadership experience in managing teams and resources.
• Have proven experience in leading and managing staff, including the ability to support and motivate staff and work within complex staffing cultures.
• Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ensuring effective decision-making to drive school improvement.
• Work well under pressure, maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

We can offer:

• Lead a thriving Catholic academy as part of a growing family of schools across Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Salford, and Wigan.
• Work with a caring and engaged group of stakeholders who share a commitment to delivering the highest standards for our children.
• Benefit from a dedicated and highly supportive Central Team and Trust Board, with a clear vision and ambitious aspirations for the Trust.
• Receive tailored support for your professional and spiritual development from both the Academy Trust and the Diocese.
• Collaborate with excellent local and borough-wide networks, enhancing opportunities for innovation and best practice.
• Enjoy a generous 28.68% Teachers’ pension employer contribution

Prospective candidates are warmly welcomed to visit the school. Please contact recruitment@stoccat.org.uk number to make an appointment.

The Trust is committed to welcoming individuals regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status or whether you are pregnant or on parental leave or from a socio-economic background. We welcome applicants from all communities and from people that identify with those characteristics.   

Commitment to Safeguarding:

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.  The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1074 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013).  All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check including Children’s barred list check and satisfactory references, including your suitability to work with children.  Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request.  Applications will only be considered from individual applicants on our standard application form, and not via CV alone or agencies. An online search will be performed on all shortlisted applicants in accordance with the Trust’s safeguarding procedures and Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.  All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a form for self-disclosure of cautions and convictions.

Shortlisting date: 19/09/2025

Interview date: 24^th and 25^th September 2025

*Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website*