Headteacher - Full-time

St Simon of England RCP School, Ashford

• Ref:KCC886-3743-83L
• Posted:29/09/2025
• Pay:Leadership L8 - L21
• Start Date:20/04/2026
• App Close Date:31/10/2025 at 17:00
• Interviews:W/C 17/11/2025

Advert

Are you a practising Catholic? Are you passionate about ensuring the best outcomes for children? Are you a creative and strong leader with the vision and ability to inspire and positively motivate a team? If the answer to these questions is yes, then our Trust would love to hear from you!  

The Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP), a multi-academy trust (MAT) established by the Archdiocese of Southwark for Catholic education across Kent. Currently a MAT comprising 32 schools (27 primary and 5 secondary), our Trust is seeking to appoint a dynamic and innovative Headteacher for one of our wonderful schools - St Simon of England Primary in Ashford, from Easter 2026.   

Reporting to the Area School Improvement Partner, the Headteacher will build upon and further develop the excellent work that is already taking place at the school and will be responsible for its day-to-day leadership and management, leading a highly skilled and enthusiastic team that strive together for children under the school’s motto of “Work, learn, pray and play together to fulfil God's unique plan for each and every one of us.”.

The successful applicant will also take the lead role in providing inspirational Catholic education based on our shared Gospel values, and will be seen by pupils, parents and carers, and the wider parish as the person directing their learning, and as the school’s pastoral leader.  We are therefore seeking to appoint a practising Catholic to this role.

For appointment to reserved posts in a school or academy trust, 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.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged and will give you the opportunity to see all that this friendly and engaging setting has to offer. Please contact the school’s office directly on 01233 623 199 if you would like to arrange a visit.

Please send your letter of application and related application documents directly to Sarah McBennett, Director of Education (Primary) c/o: office@kcsp.org.uk Your letter of application should be limited to 1,000 words max. and should outline why you feel you are suited to this role, what you believe you can bring to the academy and detail your experience to date, skill set and qualifications.

Information about the school

St Simon of England is a one form entry primary school serving the Parish of St Simon Stock in Ashford and the local area; it is an inclusive school in which every pupil is supported and challenged to be their very best and encouraged to grow spiritually and intellectually. St Simon of England is graded as a ’Good’ school in all areas by Ofsted (July 2025), and Good with Outstanding areas for its Catholic Schools inspection (Nov. 2024). The school is set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Ashford, with excellent links to both London and the coast.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mr Peter Mc Cabe
• Address:Noakes Meadow, Ashford, Kent, TN23 4RB
• Telephone: (01233) 623199
• Email: Peter.McCabe@st-simons-ashford.kcsp.org.uk

Fax: (01233) 640616

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description
• Notes to Applicants
• Recruitment Monitoring Information
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - Disclosure Form
• Consent to Obtain References Form