Lead a Catholic school with heart, purpose and real potential, shaping lasting improvement for pupils, staff and the wider community.

HEADTEACHER

The Holy Family Catholic School, Keighley

Salary: Leadership Scale L24 to L30, £94,346 to £109,288, subject to the September 2026 pay award
Contract: Full time, permanent

Start date: January 2027
Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 21 September 2026

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2

The Holy Family Catholic School is seeking an inspirational, practising Catholic Headteacher to lead the school into its next chapter.

Holy Family is a mixed 11 to 16 secondary school serving the parishes and communities of Keighley, Haworth, Skipton and the surrounding areas.

Our Catholic faith is at the heart of school life. Through our mission of Awakening Minds, Achieving Dreams and Serving Others, we aim to ensure every young person flourishes academically, spiritually and personally.

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful and lasting improvement. The school has clear priorities around teaching, curriculum delivery, pupil outcomes, attendance and behaviour. It also has important strengths upon which to build. Pupils feel safe and supported, safeguarding is effective, reading is a priority and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are supported well.

You will be supported by a committed Board of Directors, an experienced staff team, active parent and parish communities, a structured senior leadership team and the wider expertise of Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust.

THE ROLE

As Headteacher, you will provide visible, compassionate and courageous leadership rooted in the Catholic faith and mission of the school.

Your priorities will include:

• Strengthening the Catholic life, ethos and mission of the school
• Raising expectations and improving outcomes for every pupil
• Establishing consistent, high quality teaching and an ambitious curriculum
• Developing excellent behaviour, attendance, inclusion and personal responsibility
• Using evidence and data to lead and evaluate school improvement
• Developing colleagues and building a strong, accountable leadership culture
• Ensuring effective safeguarding, governance, financial and operational management

The school’s leadership structure is organised around Standards and Outcomes, Curriculum and Organisation, and Culture and Attendance. Each area is led by an Assistant Vice Principal, providing clear responsibilities and a strong foundation for improvement.

ABOUT YOU

Applications are welcomed from serving Headteachers and successful Deputy Headteachers who are ready to take the next step in Catholic school leadership.

You will be a practising Catholic who combines faith, strategic vision and high expectations with humility, courage and compassion.

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
• Evidence of leading school improvement and raising standards
• A strong understanding of curriculum, teaching, assessment and pastoral care
• Experience of developing colleagues and effective leadership teams
• The resilience and judgement to lead successfully through change

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

• An excellent pension scheme
• Support from an experienced Trust Central Team and Catholic school leaders
• Excellent professional development and termly learning days
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support
• Access to a 24 hour GP and registered nurse service
• Access to Blue Light Card savings
• Annual staff awards
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to a school and its community

BCWCAT currently comprises 17 primary schools and two secondary schools, with planned diocesan changes creating wider opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

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 school and Trust will manage formal shortlisting and interviews and contact 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 9.00am 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, Academy Headteacher, Head of School, School Principal, Academy Principal, Executive Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Deputy Principal, Vice Principal, Senior School Leader or Senior Education Leader.

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