Deputy Headteacher - Full-time

St Richard's Catholic Primary School, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-3740-102L
• Posted:02/04/2026
• Pay:Leadership Scale L4-L9
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:01/05/2026 at 09:00
• Interviews:Thursday 21st May 2026

Advert

St Richard’s Catholic Primary School is seeking an inspirational, committed and enthusiastic Deputy Headteacher to join our leadership team. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Headteacher to drive school improvement, uphold high standards of teaching and learning, and strengthen our mission as a Catholic school rooted in Gospel values.

This is a reserved post, open to practising Catholics who can actively support and promote the Catholic life, ethos and mission of our school.

About Our School

St Richard’s is a welcoming, nurturing and vibrant school community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish academically, spiritually and personally. As part of Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP)—a family of 32 Catholic schools across Kent—we are committed to providing high‑quality Catholic education, underpinned by faith, ambition, love and service.

We are proud of:

• Our friendly, motivated pupils and positive learning environment
• Our committed staff who work collaboratively and support one another
• Our strong partnerships with parents, parish and the wider community
• Our ambitious culture of continual improvement

The Role

As Deputy Headteacher, you will:

• Support the Headteacher in leading the strategic direction and day‑to‑day management of the school
• Model and promote outstanding teaching, learning and professional practice
• Lead high‑quality professional development and contribute to whole‑school improvement
• Oversee key areas of curriculum, assessment, pupil progress and inclusion
• Take a leading role in safeguarding and the wellbeing of pupils
• Support teachers and support staff in upholding excellent standards of behaviour, care and learning
• Contribute to self‑evaluation, policy development and effective use of data
• Foster strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, governors, parish and external partners
• Hold a teaching commitment of 3 days per week

Catholic Leadership

As Deputy 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.

We Offer

• A warm, caring and welcoming school community
• Well‑motivated pupils who enjoy learning
• A supportive, forward‑thinking leadership team and committed staff
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Strong Trust-wide networks and high‑quality KCSP CPD
• A school community with strong parish links and engaged families
• The chance to make a significant, lasting impact in a values‑driven Catholic school

Visits and Enquiries

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit St Richard’s to experience our community and ethos.  Please contact Andrew Gretton, Area Business Manager, via email to arrange a visit: agretton@kcsp.org.uk

Completed applications need to be submitted by email to Colin Taylor, via email: colin.taylor@st-richards-dover.kcsp.org.uk by 9.00am on Friday 1^st May 2026.

Information about the school

St Richard's Catholic Primary School is an Academy as part of Kent Catholic Schools Partnership. Our one form entry school is situated near to the town centre of Dover and is over-looked by Dover Castle. It has spacious grounds which include a field, playground, fire pit area, outdoor classroom and adventure playground.

Parents send their children to St Richard's because they want their children to be part of a faith community. Many, but not all are Catholic, and all children and their families are very welcome. It is very much a family academy and provides a caring atmosphere where all children are loved.

The academy is proud of all members of the community, especially the children. They are happy, loving and lively; always ready to welcome and full of fun. Staff are committed, ensuring that the children receive the best care and education. Governors work hard to support the school community, sharing their skills and monitoring all aspects of school life.

The work of the school is based on six Gospel Values: Love, Kindness, Honesty, Forgiveness, Respect and Hope.

There are two simple school rules: Love yourself and those around you and Act safely

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mr A Gretton
• Address:Castle Avenue, Dover, Kent, CT16 1EZ
• Telephone: (01304) 201118
• Email: agretton@kcsp.org.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Advert
• Job Description and Person Specification
• Equality Act 2010 - Reasonable Adjustments Statement
• Recruitment Monitoring Form
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - Disclosure Form
• Consent to Obtain References