Deputy Headteacher

Location: Fairfield

Deputy Headteacher
-Salary:
Leadership Scale Points L19-L23 (£84,769-£93,057)

- Contract:

Permanent, Full Time

- Start Date:

September 2026 or earlier

- Location:

Woburn Road, Croydon, CR9 2EE
, London Borough of Croydon We seek a strategically minded Deputy Headteacher to provide exceptional leadership of the school's pastoral systems, behaviour culture and attendance, ensuring every pupil is known, valued and supported to flourish. The successful candidate will champion Catholic Social Teaching (CST) throughout all aspects of pastoral life, nurturing a community rooted in dignity, respect and care. It is a requirement of this role that the post holder is a practising Catholic, committed to the mission, values and pastoral ethos of Catholic education.

As Deputy Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership across curriculum development and pastoral care, working closely with the Headteacher to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the knowledge, skills and character to thrive in life beyond school. You will play a pivotal role in whole school self evaluation, staff development and strategic planning, acting as a key professional deputy and championing our mission to transform lives through education.

We are keen to receive applications from external candidates who can bring fresh perspectives and experience to our leadership team, whether you are an aspiring or experienced Deputy Head. About St Mary's Catholic High School St Mary's is a growing Catholic secondary school at the heart of Croydon. We are proud of our excellent behaviour, culture of academic excellence and strong sense of community.

Now is the time to join us, as we celebrate over 175 years of academic excellence and service to our local community. We take immense pride in our students' achievements and in the deeply supportive community we have built. Our success is not just measured in data, it is rooted in our unwavering commitment to social justice and inclusion. With a richly diverse intake and a significant proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, we believe education is a powerful force for social mobility.

Our mission is clear: to ensure every child, regardless of circumstance, flourishes academically and personally.

-'St Mary's Catholic High School is a deeply caring community. Its pupils and staff live up to their core values of being welcoming, serving others and working hard.' -'Pupils like coming to school and enjoy learning. They feel safe here and know that staff go the extra mile to check their whereabouts and well-being.' Your New Role:
* Champion moral purpose and inclusion, embedding the Catholic ethos and values while ensuring equity for all learners.
* Lead curriculum innovation and excellence, driving high standards and inspiring staff to deliver outstanding teaching and learning.
* Advance student achievement and wellbeing, with a relentless focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
* Shape strategic improvement, developing systems and practices that secure long term impact and sustainability. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged and highly recommended, we can also offer online meetings please contact Ellie Field, our recruitment partner at Hays Leadership, at the details below to arrange. Excited to find out more about our school? Please see our Welcome Video here.

Benefits of working at St Mary's Catholic High School:
* Ranked 5th in Croydon for progress.
* A mission-driven school committed to social mobility and justice.
* Excellent transport links (West & East Croydon stations within walking distance).
* A collaborative, supportive leadership team.
* Strong professional development, including links with St Mary's University (MA in Catholic School Leadership) and a broad range of NPQ's.
* A community where staff are valued, respected and empowered to make a difference.

How To Apply:

To apply you are required to complete our school application form. Alternatively, you can click apply now to register your interest and Ellie Field will send you the application information. To request an application pack please e-mail Ellie at or call her on  for more information. Your application is a direct permanent application to our school (not through agency), Hays is our recruitment partner for all permanent appointments.

* Closing Date: 12 Noon Tuesday 17th March 2026
* Interview Date:
Monday 23rd March 2026 Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interview. St Mary's Catholic High School reserves the right to close adverts earlier than the stated deadline. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and…