Head
St Catherine's School
Richmond upon Thames
- Expired
- Salary:
- Competitive salary + benefits
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- January or April 2026
- Apply by:
- 18 June 2025
Job overview
The Chair and Governors of St Catherine’s invite applications for the role of Head to succeed Johneen McPherson after seven and a half years of exceptional leadership.
All schools speak of their high standards for pastoral care, teaching and learning, and co-curricular provision and we are very proud of our record of excellence in these areas. However, what sets St Catherine’s apart is our school culture. The inclusive and caring Catholic Christian ethos welcomes girls of all faiths and none, and our vibrant community celebrates friendship and belonging, and ensures each person feels supported and valued.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and energetic leader who will embrace the values and faith life of the School, and lead St Catherine’s with confidence into this next period. The next Head will be someone enthusiastic about leading a strong and ambitious curriculum that prepares girls well for the future, while also ensuring pastoral care and co-curricular provision promote pupils’ confidence, integrity and resilience.
At a time of considerable challenge for the independent sector, the successful candidate needs to have the vision, creativity and ambition to take the School forward into the next stage of its development. With a genuine passion for girls’ education, the successful candidate will have the ability to foster effective, collaborative relationships, within the school community and beyond.
Governors look forward to meeting applicants with management experience in schools, and those with the appetite for the challenge, responsibility and privilege of school leadership. The successful candidate will work with a very experienced, personable and innovative senior leadership team and a committed and supportive Governing Board; further training and mentoring will also be available to assist the new Head.
If you have the professional and personal skills needed to become the next Head of St Catherine’s, we will be delighted to consider your application.
Potential applicants who would like to find out more about this opportunity are invited to contact one of the RSAcademics team working on this project for an initial, confidential conversation:
- Camilla Oulton, Search Consultant: camillaoulton@rsacademics.com
- Sarah Glencross, Head of UK Senior School Appointments: sarahglencross@rsacademics.com
- Sarah Evans, Senior Advisor: sarahevans@rsacademics.com
For further information and to apply, please visit: www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 10.00am
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You will be subject to a number of safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS, Barred List and social media checks as part of Keeping Children Safe in Education, and once in post, receive further training and updates.
Attached documents
About St Catherine's School
St Catherine's is a vibrant and caring Catholic school that welcomes girls of all faiths. Our friendly community helps each pupil develop confidence as she explores her gifts and talents and is inspired to meet challenges creatively. The School proudly combines excellent pastoral care with an innovative and ambitious curriculum that prepares girls for the 21st century.
In the Prep Department, there is an emphasis on curiosity and discovery that establishes firm foundations that later lead to success in the Senior School (where each pupil has a guaranteed place). Girls enjoy a wide range of subjects and benefit from passionate and experienced teachers who know them well, offer support and challenge at all stages, and are in regular contact with parents.
The Senior School girls certainly rise to the challenges posed by public examinations. St Catherine's is proud of its excellent value added at GCSE and A Level, and we enjoy seeing our young women go on to university courses and careers of their choice. At the same time, girls develop the resilience, compassion and confidence that ensure bright and fulfilling futures.
Those who visit St Catherine's often remark on the warm and genuine enthusiasm of our pupils. The school's Catholic Christian ethos and emphasis on values helps girls to engage with the world around them, while open discussion, time for reflection, pupil-led committees and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities create a lively environment where they can feel a sense of belonging. Our emphasis on character, and on the deeper values of compassion, integrity and resilience, is also developed through a comprehensive co-curricular programme.
St Catherine's is committed to developing its facilities, and over recent years, we have been pleased to see girls enjoying new buildings and refurbishments, like the Science Block and Sixth Form Centre, which are designed to enhance their curriculum and social experiences. We also provide exciting trips, competitions and school events throughout the year; whether it is a trip to Iceland, regional athletics finals or a part in the latest school musical, there are plenty of opportunities for girls to develop their skills and their friendships within the school community.
Staff Benefits
Working at St Catherine's School Twickenham offers a unique and fulfilling experience due to the School's strong commitment to academic excellence, pupil wellbeing, and a happy and supportive community life. The School prides itself on providing a nurturing environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
Staff benefit from a collaborative and inclusive culture where innovative teaching methods and ongoing professional development are encouraged. The beautiful, historic campus provides a tranquil setting conducive to creative and effective teaching. Additionally, St Catherine’s School’s dedication to developing well-rounded students ensures that educators have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a setting that values and supports their contributions.
Additional benefits include:
- Competitive salaries
- Pension scheme, including salary exchange
- Employee assistance programme for staff and their families
- Complimentary lunch and refreshments
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- On-site parking
- Fee reduction
- Staff wellbeing activities, including swimming, yoga/Pilates, static rowing, and prayer group
- Staff Liaison Committee
- A comprehensive training and development programme
- Tickets for school music and drama performances
- End-of-term celebrations and staff social events
For further details, please apply and download the application pack or see our website www.stcatherineschool.co.uk.
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