Headteacher - Full-time

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Canterbury

• Ref:KCC886-3719-88L
• Posted:31/03/2026
• Pay:L8 - L21
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:15/04/2026 at 17:00
• Interviews:w/c 20th April 2026

Advert

Are you a practising Catholic with a heart for children, a passion for excellence, and the vision to lead a thriving school community? St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is seeking an inspirational leader who can guide our wonderful school into its next chapter with faith, purpose, and joy.

St Joseph’s is proud to be part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP), a family of 32 Catholic schools dedicated to providing high‑quality Catholic education across Kent. Rooted in Gospel values, we place the wellbeing, formation, and success of every child at the centre of our mission.

About St Joseph’s

St Joseph’s is small but growing primary school, situated at the heart of the Aylesham community. Our pupils are nurtured, encouraged, and inspired to grow spiritually, academically, and personally within a warm, caring and supportive environment. With strong parish links, committed staff, and a friendly, family‑orientated atmosphere, St Joseph’s is a place where every child is known, valued, and able to flourish.

The Role

Working closely with KCSP’s Area School Improvement Partner, the Headteacher will:

• Build on the strong foundations already in place
• Lead the day‑to‑day running of the school with clarity and compassion
• Inspire, support, and develop a dedicated and talented staff team
• Maintain the highest standards of learning, safeguarding, and pastoral care
• Champion and enrich the school’s Catholic mission and values: Love God, Love Learning, Love Life!

We are looking for a leader with drive, empathy, and vision—someone who will embrace all that makes St Joseph’s special while confidently leading the school forward.

Catholic Leadership

As 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.

Visits and Applications

We warmly welcome visits to St Joseph’s — the best way to experience our community, ethos, and distinctive character first‑hand. To arrange a visit, please contact the school office on 01304 840370, or via email at: office@st-josephs-aylesham.kcsp.org.uk

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 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 academy and detail your experience to date, skill set and qualifications.

Information about the school

Small but Mighty!

St. Josephs is a small Catholic school in the growing village of Aylesham and is part of the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership multi-academy trust. The school has 5 classes, two of which remain as mixed year group, and the total number of classes growing to 6 from 2026/27.

We provide for the individual needs of the children in our care and expect high standards of achievement from all.

The successful candidate will be joining a very supportive and experienced team.

St Joseph’s Primary and KCSP are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and require all staff, helpers and governance committee members to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and a section 128 check.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mr J Devine, Area Business Manager
• Address:Ackholt Road, Aylesham, Canterbury , Kent, CT3 3AS
• Telephone: (01304) 840370
• Email: office@st-josephs-aylesham.kcsp.org.uk

Fax: (01304) 842920

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Headteacher Advert
• Headteacher Job Description & Person Specification
• Notes to Applicants
• Consent to Obtain References Form
• Recruitment Monitoring Form
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - Disclosure Form