Staff Vacancies

We have a vacancy for a Deputy Headteacher and a Head of SEND and Inclusion.

Diocese of Brentwood

ST HELEN’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

North Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AY
N.O.R 420

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER

Required for September 2026
Leadership Point L11-L15

St Helen’s Catholic Primary School is the oldest Catholic primary school in Southend and has been on the present site since 1973. We are pleased to have served our community for so long. We hope to deliver our mission statement as written by the pupils, to show respect to ourselves, everyone in our school and wider community and most of all to God our Father in heaven.

Assisi Catholic Trust and the Governors of St Helen’s are keen to appoint a Deputy Headteacher who is an ambitious team player with a commitment to continuous school improvement, who will nurture the children and contribute to leading the staff to excel. As a practicing Catholic, your drive and vision will help us continue to maximise the development and achievements of all our children, as well as contributing to our local community and wider Trust community of schools. The successful candidate will have the aspiration, resilience, and ability to support the Headteacher in building positive and trusting relationships with pupils, staff and parents and create a culture of learning and ambition that will see our children develop, grow, and contribute as an active member in society today.

We want our Deputy Headteacher to:-

Be a committed practicing Catholic and to support the Catholic ethos of our Catholic School, including the spiritual development of the pupils and the school’s role within the community.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, enthuse and motivate others and develop effective partnerships.
Continue to raise aspirations and achievements of all our children through support and challenge;
Secure high quality teaching and learning, with the ability to identify and sustain long term improvement;
Use resources, intellect, creativity, and innovation to be successful.
Have a positive and optimistic approach; be proactive, resilient, and confident; be an excellent multitasker;
Be passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare and wellbeing of children and staff.
A supportive, welcoming, and caring ethos based on the values of the Catholic faith.
A team of talented and conscientious staff who work together, to provide the best education and support for our pupils.
The opportunity to work with delightful children, committed staff and supportive parents.
An enthusiastic and supportive Local Governing Committee and Trust.
The benefits of extensive support and collaboration across our Trust schools and the wider Diocese of Brentwood and can provide the successful applicant with opportunities for further professional development.
All the support needed in the form of individual mentoring from an experienced ACT Headteacher.
Provision of some central functions, enabling you to focus on the quality of education and school improvement.

We can offer you: -

Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school and should contact Claire Fantini, HR Manager, at the Assisi Registered Office on 01702 344933 or by email on recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com to arrange a visit and if you have any questions. Full details of the post and relevant application form are available on the school website. All applicants must complete the CES Senior Leadership Application Form to be considered for this vacancy and submit it to recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com. Electronic applications are required to be signed by applicants invited to interview prior to interview. This is a Reserved Post for Practising Catholics (see guidance document).

Assisi Catholic Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre-employment checks and Enhanced DBS clearance. References will be sought and an online search carried out on applicants as part of our due diligence.

Closing Date: 11th May 2026 (9.00am)
Shortlisting: 14th May 2026
Formal Interviews: 21st May 2026

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications from agencies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

THESE FORMS ARE FOR THE DEPUTY HEADTEACHER VACANCY

CES Applicant Declaration

CES Application Form - Senior Leadership

Recruitment Monitoring Form

Rehabilitation of Offenders Disclosure Form

Consent to obtain references

Deputy Headteacher Application Pack

Diocese of Brentwood

ST HELEN’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

North Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AY
N.O.R 420

HEAD OF SEND & INCLUSION

Required for September 2026
MS/UPS plus SEN Allowance 1 (£2,787)

The Governors of St Helen’s Catholic Primary School wish to appoint a Head of SEND (SENCo) with demonstrable experience as an excellent practitioner and teacher for this rewarding SENCO role.

We are seeking to appoint a strategic and outstanding practitioner, who is passionate about SEND and Inclusion.You will be SEN qualified and possess the vision and skills to work with the Senior Leadership Team in improving standards of teaching and learning for all children.You will play a central role in ensuring that every child with SEND receives the support they need to thrive.

We want our Head of SEND & Inclusion to:-

Be a qualified SENCo with strong knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice
Provide strategic and operational leadership for SEND and inclusion across the school
Teach and work directly with pupils with SEND, including those with complex needs in the SEND provision
Lead and manage a team of Inclusion Assistants, ensuring high‑quality training and effective deployment
Model and promote outstanding inclusive teaching practice for staff
Oversee SEND assessment, provision, EHCP processes and partnerships with external agencies, including SEND OPs
Lead and develop the school’s Thrive programme, and be willing to undertake Thrive Practitioner training in the future
Contribute actively to the Senior Management Team, school improvement and safeguarding
Demonstrate a collaborative, resilient and inclusive leadership style with high aspirations for all pupils
Have high aspirations for themselves and use resources, intellect, creativity, and innovation to be successful
Be passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare and wellbeing of children and staff

We can offer you:-

Enthusiastic, caring children who are proud of their school
A welcoming Catholic ethos rooted in inclusion, care and high expectations
A supportive Senior Leadership Team and committed Inclusion Team
Strong governance and Trust support
High‑quality professional development opportunities across the Trust and Diocese of Brentwood

To be considered for this vacancy, all applicants must complete the CES Teaching Staff Application Form available on the school website vacancy page https://st-helens.southend.sch.uk/ and submit it to recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com.