Lead one of the region’s largest Catholic colleges, combining faith, scale and ambition to shape the future of nearly 1,800 young people.

HEADTEACHER

St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College, Bradford

Salary: Leadership Scale L37 to L43, £129,730 to £148,829, subject to the September 2026 pay award
Contract: Full time, permanent

Start date: January 2027
Closing date: 12.00 noon on Monday 21 September 2026

Lead with Faith. Inspire Excellence. Shape the Future.

The Board of Directors is seeking an exceptional, practising Catholic Headteacher to lead St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College through its next exciting phase.

St Bede’s and St Joseph’s is a large and distinctive Catholic College serving approximately 1,800 students aged 11 to 18 across two Bradford sites. Ignis supports students at Key Stage 3, while Ardor serves Key Stage 4. Our thriving St Benedict’s Sixth Form provides more than 40 courses for approximately 400 students.

Our mission, Christus Lumen Gentium, Christ, Light of the Nations, is brought to life through our commitment to academic development, faith, community, participation and experience.

The College is experiencing sustained improvement, with GCSE and A Level outcomes rising over recent years. The latest Ofsted inspection recognised the strength of our post 16 provision, positive behaviour, inclusive curriculum, strong governance and high staff morale. The Catholic Schools Inspectorate judged the College Good overall, with Outstanding Catholic Life and Mission.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a successful and ambitious Catholic College, build upon firm foundations and raise standards and outcomes even further.

THE ROLE

As Headteacher, you will provide strategic, visible and faith filled leadership across both College sites.

Your priorities will include:

• Placing Christ at the centre of College life
• Establishing a compelling vision for the next stage of the College’s development
• Raising aspirations and improving outcomes for every student
• Ensuring consistently excellent teaching across all subjects and phases
• Building upon the strength and success of the Sixth Form
• Developing an ambitious, inclusive culture in which students and colleagues can flourish
• Inspiring, developing and empowering a talented staff team
• Ensuring effective safeguarding, governance, financial and operational management

ABOUT YOU

You will be an accomplished Catholic school leader with the strategic vision, resilience and emotional intelligence to lead a large and complex College.

You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status and an appropriate degree
• Successful senior leadership and management experience within a school
• NPQH or relevant senior leadership development
• A strong record of leading sustained school improvement
• Extensive knowledge of curriculum, teaching, assessment and pastoral care
• Experience of developing effective leadership teams
• Strong financial, organisational and governance knowledge
• The confidence and judgement to lead successfully across two sites

This is a reserved senior leadership post. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practising Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A vibrant Catholic community with a distinctive identity and mission
• Respectful, ambitious students who are proud of their College
• Dedicated and talented staff with high morale
• A strong senior leadership structure and House system
• Support from the Trust Central Team, Board and Diocese of Leeds
• Excellent professional development and leadership networks
• An excellent pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support
• Access to a 24 hour GP and registered nurse service
• The opportunity to shape one of the region’s largest Catholic Colleges

Planned changes across the Diocese of Leeds will create further opportunities for professional development and collaboration across a larger family of Catholic schools.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?

Apply through the job board with your CV. The recruitment team will review your application and contact closely matched candidates for an initial confidential conversation.

Suitable candidates will then receive the applicant information pack, CES Senior Leadership Application Form and supporting documents. Your CV supports the initial review but does not replace the formal application form.

The College and Trust will manage formal shortlisting and interviews, contacting candidates directly about the next steps.

Any offer will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work and safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Completed formal applications close at 12.00 noon on Monday 21 September 2026, so early applications are encouraged.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available. No recruitment agencies, please.

Relevant job titles may include Head Teacher, Secondary School Headteacher, Catholic Headteacher, College Headteacher, Executive Headteacher, Head of School, School Principal, College Principal, Academy Principal, Deputy Headteacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Deputy Principal, Vice Principal, Senior School Leader or Senior Education Leader.

Contact information

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