Principal

Job description

Principal For St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Wharf Lane, Brewood, Stafford, ST19 9BG Closing Date: Monday 9th November 2026 at 9am Interviews: To be confirmed Salary: Leadership Scale L08 - L14 About Us St Mary’s is a warm, welcoming, and vibrant Catholic primary school set in extensive grounds within the historic village of Brewood. Catering for children aged 3 to 11 of all faiths and backgrounds, we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing environment where every child can flourish. ‘Pupils at St Mary’s flourish in a calm, confident and forward looking school, where every child is celebrated and supported. They achieve highly and with real pride because they follow a curriculum that prepares them confidently for their next steps.’ (OFSTED 2026) As part of St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust -a collaborative family of 64 schools - our shared mission shapes everything we do. Inspired by St Gabriel, we form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope who embody kindness, seek truth with bold curiosity, hunger for knowledge, and long for justice. The Role We are seeking an inspiring, ambitious, and visionary leader to serve as Principal of St Mary’s from Easter 2027. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity for a leader who values staying connected to the classroom while guiding a school community. Please note that this role includes some teaching commitment. We are looking for a leader who: Is a practising Catholic, faith-driven leader who can actively nurture the spiritual life of pupils and staff while deepening parish links Possesses a proven track record in successful school leadership with the ability to raise standards and accelerate progress for all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Brings a clear vision for high-quality primary education and the determination to deliver rapid, sustained school improvement. Values parents as genuine partners in their children’s education and builds strong, collaborative relationships across the community. Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of every child. Experience of leading and supporting pupils with SEND would be an advantage. In return, we offer: Strategic Support: Direct collaboration with an experienced Catholic Senior Executive Leader (CSEL) alongside dedicated School Performance and Transformation Partners to develop your leadership. Centralised Operations: Dedicated central services for Finance, HR, Estates, and IT—allowing you to keep your focus where it matters most: teaching and learning. A Supportive Community: A hard-working, passionate team of staff, governors, and trust colleagues working in a happy, caring, and inclusive environment. Professional Growth: Opportunities to share best practices and advance your career within a large, forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust. How to Apply For further information or to arrange a visit to the school, please email hr@sgacmat.co.uk or visit our website at www.sgacmat.co.uk. To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Margaret Yates OBE, CSEL, at myates@sgacmat.co.uk or Gill Wretham Senior Partner for School Performance and Transformation, gwretham@sgacmat.co.uk St Gabriel the Archangel CMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check, medical clearance, and online/social media checks at shortlisting will be required for the successful candidate.