Executive Principal

St Augustine’s Primary, Tunbridge Wells; St Margaret Clitherow Primary, Tonbridge and St Thomas’ Primary, Sevenoaks form a Catholic primary academy cluster as part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP), a multi-academy trust (MAT) established by the Archdiocese of Southwark for Catholic education across Kent. Currently comprised of 24 academies (19 primary and 5 secondary), the Trust is seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Executive Principal from January 2022 for this three-primary cluster, due to the promotion of the current post-holder. The successful candidate will be at the helm of a flagship primary enterprise for Catholic education.

Reporting to the Chief Executive of the Trust and Executive Governance Committee (EGC) for the cluster, the Executive Principal will provide strategic Catholic leadership and inspiration for the three primaries, motivating staff and maximizing all available resources for the ‘common good’ of all children and staff. This includes the strategic planning and management of finance, staff, buildings and other resources, with a special focus on professional development and training, safeguarding compliance & best practice and the sharing of specialist skills and expertise. The postholder will represent the academies to the CEO, EGC and Trust Board, the Diocesan Education Commission, and to local and central government, and their agencies, as necessary.

The successful applicant will bring a track record showing them to be highly motivated and innovative, able to ensure, maintain and sustain Catholic education identity, and ensure this identity is reflected in every aspect of the Catholic education life, so that the learning and faith outcomes of all pupils improve continuously. This fundamental ability, rooted in our shared Gospel values, provides the context for the proper discharge of all other duties and responsibilities. Consequently, we are seeking to appoint a practising Catholic, with the necessary desire, experience, expertise and qualification, to this role.

St Augustine’s Primary; St Margaret Clitherow Primary and St Thomas’ Primary are inclusive primary academies. Their dedicated staff, helpers and Governance Committee Members work hard to ensure every child is supported and challenged to be their best. In an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and care, the academy teams work together in the spirit of the Gospel to serve their immediate community, wider parish, the Trust and the Diocese as a whole. In this inclusive and emotionally literate context, everyone is encouraged to grow spiritually and intellectually, so that unique and positive contributions can be made to communities, society and to the world.

St Augustine’s Primary; St Margaret Clitherow Primary and St Thomas’ Primary are located to the west of Kent and are easily accessible by both road & rail. Each academy enjoys spacious classrooms, large grounds, excellent student facilities, and benefits from recent and substantial investment.

St Augustine’s Primary was judged ‘Good’ at its most recent denominational inspection in 2015 and also judged ‘Good’ in all areas at its recent Ofsted inspection in November 2015. St Margaret Clitherow Primary was judged ‘Outstanding’ in their last denominational inspection in 2018 and was also judged ‘Outstanding’ in all areas at its last Ofsted inspection in June 2007. St Thomas’ Primary was judged ‘Outstanding’ in their last

denominational inspection in 2014 and was also judged ‘Outstanding’ in all areas at their most recent Ofsted  inspection in February 2014.

KCSP, as the largest, single Catholic MAT in the south of England, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and requires all staff, helpers and Governors to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and section 128 check.

To discuss the role in more detail and request an application pack and arrange a visit, please call Dion Mills on 07899 063321 or email dion.mills@hays.com

Virtual meetings with the CEO and site visits - available by arrangement

Closing date for applications: Monday 07 June 2021 @ 5pm 

Shortlisted candidates to be notified: no later than Monday 14 June 2021 Interviews will be held during June 2021, exact date TBA.

St Augustine’s Primary, St Margaret Clitherow Primary, St Thomas’ Primary and KCSP are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and require all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and section 128 check.