Salary Range: L4 – L9
An exciting opportunity to join the leadership of a thriving Catholic school
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. The role includes some classroom responsibility.
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
How to Apply
Application forms and supporting documents can be downloaded here.
Your supporting statement (max. 2,000 words) should clearly demonstrate:
- Your suitability for this role
- Your commitment to Catholic education
- The skills, experience and professional qualities you would bring to St Richard’s
Please send your letter of application and related application documents directly to Colin Taylor, Headteacher, via email: colin.taylor@st-richards-dover.kcsp.org.uk.
Completed applications need to be submitted by 9.00am on Friday 1st May 2026.
Safeguarding
St Richard’s Catholic Primary School and KCSP are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Any offer of employment will be subject to:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Section 128 check (where applicable)
- Online and social media checks
- Satisfactory references
- Pre-employment health questionnaire
Join Us
This is a wonderful opportunity for a practising Catholic leader to help shape the next chapter of our school’s journey. We look forward to receiving your application.