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St Mary's Catholic School
Windhill, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2NQ
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St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust
4 Vacancies

St Mary's Catholic School
About Our School
St Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop’s Stortford is a coeducational Roman Catholic secondary school and sixth form with a strong emphasis on Gospel values, academic excellence, and the personal formation of each student within a caring Christian community. The Catholic life of the school is central to its identity, and staff are expected to support its ethos of service, respect, and high expectations for behaviour and learning. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2024 the school was judged Outstanding for the quality of education and for pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, reflecting a culture of ambition, well‑planned teaching, and calm, orderly conduct. As part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, it offers modern facilities, a broad curriculum including a thriving sixth form, and a collegial staff environment with opportunities for professional development and contribution to wider school life.
Our Vacancies

Full Time, Permanent
MPS/UPS (Fringe) £34,398 - £52,490 + TLR1c £12,514
Head of Religious Education
We are seeking to appoint a knowledgeable, inspiring and highly committed Head of Religious Education to be the next leader of our successful and vibrant RE Department within our high‑performing Catholic secondary school. St Mary’s Catholic School is a vibrant, ambitious and faith‑filled Catholic community, in a flourishing Catholic Multi Academy Trust, where the Catholic Life is strong and well‑established, rooted in Gospel values and dedicated to the holistic formation of every young person—academically, spiritually, socially and personally. St Mary’s has a long established reputation for excellence in Catholic Education, paired with the advantages and support of being part of a young and growing Trust. With more than 130 years of Catholic education at St Mary’s and 5 years as part of a growing Trust, we have both youth and experience on our side. The ‘Catholic life of the school’ is not an ‘add-on’ or ‘optional extra’ but is fundamental to our identity as a Catholic school. Our vision and values of “Love, Respect, Flourish” underpin all that we do. As part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, we are inspired by the teachings of Christ and the example of St Francis, we strive for excellence, cherishing every child in our care as a unique thumbprint of God, enabling all to realise their full potential. We are proud to have strong links to all of our Trust Primary schools and local Parishes, in particular the Parish of St Joseph’s and the English Martyr’s Bishop’s Stortford, and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bishops Stortford, which are situated within a few minutes walk. As Head of Religious Education at St Mary’s you will also have the opportunity to work with the primary school Headteachers and RE leads in securing the RED effective transition from KS2 to KS3. You will also be working alongside the Trust Lead on Catholic Life for developing whole Trust celebrations and collective worship opportunities. We are proud to serve within the Diocese of Westminster and share fully in its vision for nurturing flourishing, faithful and outward‑looking school communities. Our strong partnership with the Diocese is reflected in our recent celebrations of 130 years of Catholic education at St Mary’s. This position is a reserved post, in accordance with the Bishops’ Memorandum on the Appointment of Teachers to Catholic Schools. It must therefore be filled by a practising Catholic who can offer authentic witness to the faith and actively promote the Church’s teaching, ensuring that the Catholic ethos shapes every aspect of school life. This requirement reflects the centrality of Religious Education in our curriculum and the significant influence the Head of RE has on the Catholic life and mission of the school. The Head of RE will in addition to classroom teaching, lead the RE department and provide strategic, theological and pedagogical leadership, ensuring consistently excellent teaching across all key stages in line with Bishops’ Conference requirements. They will also work collaboratively with the Trust Lead on Catholic Life and Ethos, the Senior Leadership Team, chaplaincy and wider Trust to strengthen and develop the Catholic life of the school. In our most recent S48 inspection, inspectors highlighted the strength of our Catholic identity and the quality of RE provision. The Head of RE will play a key role in maintaining and further developing this excellence. You will teach and lead the RE department and the ongoing development of the RE curriculum, ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation, strong progress for all learners, and continued excellence in standards. St Mary’s is part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, a family of nine Catholic schools across the Lea Valley Deanery. Currently the Trust comprises of one secondary school (St Mary’s) and eight primary schools. The Trust is at an exciting stage in its growth as a number of Secondary and Primary schools are expected to join in the years ahead. Established in September 2021, the Trust is now within it’s 5th year and the advantages of being part of a growing Trust continue to increase, whether that is educational, financial, organisational or on a personal level knowing that there are senior leaders and Headteachers around the Trust who support you and share your Catholic vision. In accordance with the Catholic Education Service, Bishop’s Memorandum on appointing staff in Catholic Schools (“the Bishop’s Memorandum”), applications for this role are open to Practising Catholics only. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Bishop’s Memorandum which can be accessed here: . Candidates are advised that a priest’s reference will form part of the recruitment process. Please apply via MyNewTerm (preferred route) or alternatively complete the Application Form (Senior Leadership) and ancillary documents (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Recruitment Monitoring and Consent to Obtain References forms), which are available and submit to Deirdre McHugh, Headteacher c/o , CVs will not be accepted. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. For an informal chat, further information or to arrange a visit please contact We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS disclosure is required for all successful applicants. St Mary’s is committed to the equality of opportunity for all applicants, and we reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, therefore an early application is advisable. Details of the standard terms and conditions of a Catholic Education Service contract of employment can be found here: Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms prior to interview.

Full Time
£46,912.00 - £67,004.00 Annually (Actual) MPS/UPS (Fringe) £34,398 - £52,490 + TLR1c £12,514
Head of Religious Education (Full Time)
We are seeking to appoint a knowledgeable, inspiring and highly committed Head of Religious Education to be the next leader of our successful and vibrant RE Department within our high‑performing Catholic secondary school. St Mary’s Catholic School is a vibrant, ambitious and faith‑filled Catholic community, in a flourishing Catholic Multi Academy Trust, where the Catholic Life is strong and well‑established, rooted in Gospel values and dedicated to the holistic formation of every young person—academically, spiritually, socially and personally. St Mary’s has a long established reputation for excellence in Catholic Education, paired with the advantages and support of being part of a young and growing Trust. With more than 130 years of Catholic education at St Mary’s and 5 years as part of a growing Trust, we have both youth and experience on our side. The ‘Catholic life of the school’ is not an ‘add-on’ or ‘optional extra’ but is fundamental to our identity as a Catholic school. Our vision and values of “Love, Respect, Flourish” underpin all that we do. As part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, we are inspired by the teachings of Christ and the example of St Francis, we strive for excellence, cherishing every child in our care as a unique thumbprint of God, enabling all to realise their full potential. We are proud to have strong links to all of our Trust Primary schools and local Parishes, in particular the Parish of St Joseph’s and the English Martyr’s Bishop’s Stortford, and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bishops Stortford, which are situated within a few minutes walk. As Head of Religious Education at St Mary’s you will also have the opportunity to work with the primary school Headteachers and RE leads in securing the RED effective transition from KS2 to KS3. You will also be working alongside the Trust Lead on Catholic Life for developing whole Trust celebrations and collective worship opportunities. We are proud to serve within the Diocese of Westminster and share fully in its vision for nurturing flourishing, faithful and outward‑looking school communities. Our strong partnership with the Diocese is reflected in our recent celebrations of 130 years of Catholic education at St Mary’s. This position is a reserved post, in accordance with the Bishops’ Memorandum on the Appointment of Teachers to Catholic Schools. It must therefore be filled by a practising Catholic who can offer authentic witness to the faith and actively promote the Church’s teaching, ensuring that the Catholic ethos shapes every aspect of school life. This requirement reflects the centrality of Religious Education in our curriculum and the significant influence the Head of RE has on the Catholic life and mission of the school. The Head of RE will in addition to classroom teaching, lead the RE department and provide strategic, theological and pedagogical leadership, ensuring consistently excellent teaching across all key stages in line with Bishops’ Conference requirements. They will also work collaboratively with the Trust Lead on Catholic Life and Ethos, the Senior Leadership Team, chaplaincy and wider Trust to strengthen and develop the Catholic life of the school. In our most recent S48 inspection, inspectors highlighted the strength of our Catholic identity and the quality of RE provision. The Head of RE will play a key role in maintaining and further developing this excellence. You will teach and lead the RE department and the ongoing development of the RE curriculum, ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation, strong progress for all learners, and continued excellence in standards. Is a practising Catholic, committed to the Church’s teaching and the sacramental life of the faith community. Can motivate and inspire both staff and students, modelling faith‑filled leadership and fostering a culture of high expectations. Is committed to forming pupils as compassionate, reflective and responsible members of society, grounded in Gospel values. Has a deep understanding of the national curriculum framework for Religious Education in Catholic schools. St Mary’s is part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, a family of nine Catholic schools across the Lea Valley Deanery. Currently the Trust comprises of one secondary school (St Mary’s) and eight primary schools. The Trust is at an exciting stage in its growth as a number of Secondary and Primary schools are expected to join in the years ahead. Established in September 2021, the Trust is now within it’s 5th year and the advantages of being part of a growing Trust continue to increase, whether that is educational, financial, organisational or on a personal level knowing that there are senior leaders and Headteachers around the Trust who support you and share your Catholic vision. In accordance with the Catholic Education Service, Bishop’s Memorandum on appointing staff in Catholic Schools (“the Bishop’s Memorandum”), applications for this role are open to Practising Catholics only. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Bishop’s Memorandum which can be accessed here: https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/ . Candidates are advised that a priest’s reference will form part of the recruitment process. Please apply via MyNewTerm (preferred route) or alternatively complete the Application Form (Senior Leadership) and ancillary documents (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Recruitment Monitoring and Consent to Obtain References forms), which are available www.stmarys.net and submit to Deirdre McHugh, Headteacher c/o recruitment@stmarys.net, CVs will not be accepted. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. For an informal chat, further information or to arrange a visit please contact recruitment@stmarys.net We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS disclosure is required for all successful applicants. St Mary’s is committed to the equality of opportunity for all applicants, and we reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, therefore an early application is advisable. Details of the standard terms and conditions of a Catholic Education Service contract of employment can be found here: https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/resources/issuing-employment-contracts Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms prior to interview.

Full Time
£46,912.00 - £67,004.00 Annually (Actual) MPS/UPS (Fringe) £34,398 - £52,490 + TLR1c £12,514
Head of Religious Education (Full Time)
We are seeking to appoint a knowledgeable, inspiring and highly committed Head of Religious Education to be the next leader of our successful and vibrant RE Department within our high‑performing Catholic secondary school. St Mary’s Catholic School is a vibrant, ambitious and faith‑filled Catholic community, in a flourishing Catholic Multi Academy Trust, where the Catholic Life is strong and well‑established, rooted in Gospel values and dedicated to the holistic formation of every young person—academically, spiritually, socially and personally. St Mary’s has a long established reputation for excellence in Catholic Education, paired with the advantages and support of being part of a young and growing Trust. With more than 130 years of Catholic education at St Mary’s and 5 years as part of a growing Trust, we have both youth and experience on our side. The ‘Catholic life of the school’ is not an ‘add-on’ or ‘optional extra’ but is fundamental to our identity as a Catholic school. Our vision and values of “Love, Respect, Flourish” underpin all that we do. As part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, we are inspired by the teachings of Christ and the example of St Francis, we strive for excellence, cherishing every child in our care as a unique thumbprint of God, enabling all to realise their full potential. We are proud to have strong links to all of our Trust Primary schools and local Parishes, in particular the Parish of St Joseph’s and the English Martyr’s Bishop’s Stortford, and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bishops Stortford, which are situated within a few minutes walk. As Head of Religious Education at St Mary’s you will also have the opportunity to work with the primary school Headteachers and RE leads in securing the RED effective transition from KS2 to KS3. You will also be working alongside the Trust Lead on Catholic Life for developing whole Trust celebrations and collective worship opportunities. We are proud to serve within the Diocese of Westminster and share fully in its vision for nurturing flourishing, faithful and outward‑looking school communities. Our strong partnership with the Diocese is reflected in our recent celebrations of 130 years of Catholic education at St Mary’s. This position is a reserved post, in accordance with the Bishops’ Memorandum on the Appointment of Teachers to Catholic Schools. It must therefore be filled by a practising Catholic who can offer authentic witness to the faith and actively promote the Church’s teaching, ensuring that the Catholic ethos shapes every aspect of school life. This requirement reflects the centrality of Religious Education in our curriculum and the significant influence the Head of RE has on the Catholic life and mission of the school. The Head of RE will in addition to classroom teaching, lead the RE department and provide strategic, theological and pedagogical leadership, ensuring consistently excellent teaching across all key stages in line with Bishops’ Conference requirements. They will also work collaboratively with the Trust Lead on Catholic Life and Ethos, the Senior Leadership Team, chaplaincy and wider Trust to strengthen and develop the Catholic life of the school. In our most recent S48 inspection, inspectors highlighted the strength of our Catholic identity and the quality of RE provision. The Head of RE will play a key role in maintaining and further developing this excellence. You will teach and lead the RE department and the ongoing development of the RE curriculum, ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation, strong progress for all learners, and continued excellence in standards. Is a practising Catholic, committed to the Church’s teaching and the sacramental life of the faith community. Can motivate and inspire both staff and students, modelling faith‑filled leadership and fostering a culture of high expectations. Is committed to forming pupils as compassionate, reflective and responsible members of society, grounded in Gospel values. Has a deep understanding of the national curriculum framework for Religious Education in Catholic schools. St Mary’s is part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, a family of nine Catholic schools across the Lea Valley Deanery. Currently the Trust comprises of one secondary school (St Mary’s) and eight primary schools. The Trust is at an exciting stage in its growth as a number of Secondary and Primary schools are expected to join in the years ahead. Established in September 2021, the Trust is now within it’s 5th year and the advantages of being part of a growing Trust continue to increase, whether that is educational, financial, organisational or on a personal level knowing that there are senior leaders and Headteachers around the Trust who support you and share your Catholic vision. In accordance with the Catholic Education Service, Bishop’s Memorandum on appointing staff in Catholic Schools (“the Bishop’s Memorandum”), applications for this role are open to Practising Catholics only. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Bishop’s Memorandum which can be accessed here: https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/ . Candidates are advised that a priest’s reference will form part of the recruitment process. Please apply via MyNewTerm (preferred route) or alternatively complete the Application Form (Senior Leadership) and ancillary documents (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Recruitment Monitoring and Consent to Obtain References forms), which are available www.stmarys.net and submit to Deirdre McHugh, Headteacher c/o recruitment@stmarys.net, CVs will not be accepted. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. For an informal chat, further information or to arrange a visit please contact recruitment@stmarys.net We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS disclosure is required for all successful applicants. St Mary’s is committed to the equality of opportunity for all applicants, and we reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, therefore an early application is advisable. Details of the standard terms and conditions of a Catholic Education Service contract of employment can be found here: https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/resources/issuing-employment-contracts Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms prior to interview.

Full Time
£40,269.00 - £58,361.00 Annually (Actual) ECT/MPS/UPS (Fringe) £34,398- £52,490 + TLR2b £5,871
Second in English (Full Time)
We seek applications from those of the Catholic faith, all faiths and of no faith but who are supportive of our Christian values and ethos. St Mary’s Catholic School are seeking for a well-qualified and dynamic Assistant Subject Leader to join and help lead a progressive, effective and high-achieving English department in this high performing and outstanding school. English is popular at all Key Stages at St Mary’s including A-Level, and many students go on to study English or related subjects at University, including Russell Group and Oxbridge. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher of English to work with our vibrant and highly motived English Department. Proven skills and experience in leading, or significantly supporting leadership within English department, or equivalent relevant responsibilities that show readiness to take on a leadership role. The ability to inspire, challenge, and support students, fostering a positive, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment. A commitment to high standards of teaching and learning, ensuring all students—whatever their background or starting point—are supported to achieve their full potential. A reflective, proactive, and enthusiastic approach to professional development, with the ability to contribute positively to departmental and whole‑school improvement. St Mary’s is a proud member of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, a family of nine Catholic schools committed to building supportive communities, championing individuality, and upholding high expectations for all pupils. You will be part of a collaborative and dedicated team within a school that benefits from high‑quality facilities and resources, experienced, supportive, and innovative colleagues, well‑behaved, motivated, and eager‑to‑learn students, supportive parents and a positive school community. We offer opportunities for career progression and a potential TLR for the right candidate. Working at St. Mary’s is an extraordinary opportunity. We take our shared values of Love-Respect-Flourish to the heart of our ethos for pupils and staff. You will be part of a school which has a tremendously talented, committed, creative, and innovative staff; parents who are supportive; and students who are eager to learn, well behaved and motivated to succeed. As our recent (November 2024) OFSTED noted, “The energy, determination and tenacity of school leaders and the Trust are bringing about effective and sustained improvements for pupils”. “‘The quality of education pupils receive is exceptional…The culture of positive behaviour at St Mary’s is remarkable…’ and ‘St Mary’s is a very special community to be a part of’. The Quality of Education and Behaviour & Attitudes are graded outstanding. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We follow robust safer‑recruitment procedures, including identity checks, reference checks prior to interview, online searches for shortlisted candidates, and an enhanced DBS check with barred‑list information (where applicable). All appointments are made in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and are subject to satisfactory safeguarding and recruitment checks. Apply in writing using the forms available on our website https://www.stmarys.net/: Teacher Application Form, Consent to Obtain References Form, Rehabilitation of Offenders Form & Recruitment Monitoring Form. Applicants are reminded that they should read the Notes to Applicants before completing an application. Please note only applications on St Mary’s forms will be accepted. Please contact Deirdre McHugh, Headteacher d.mchugh@stmarys.net or Recruitment@stmarys.net to submit an application or for more information. Interviews: St Mary’s is committed to the equality of opportunity for all applicants, and we reserve the right to interview on a rolling basis, and close the application deadline early, therefore an early application is advisable. St Mary’s Catholic School is committed to equal opportunities for all applicants. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
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