Headteacher

St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School is a vibrant, inclusive and proudly Catholic community where young people are supported to become fully awake, fully human and fully alive — flourishing spiritually, academically and personally. We are delighted to be judged ‘Outstanding’ by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (November 2025), a reflection of our strong mission, dedicated staff and nurturing ethos. 

Our current Headteacher is moving on to a well‑deserved promotion within another Trust, creating an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the next stage of the school’s development. 

Why This Role? 

• Lead an Outstanding Catholic school with a distinctive mission and joyful culture. 

• Influence the creation of a purpose‑built, future‑focused school as part of the national rebuilding programme. 

• Work with talented staff in an environment where pastoral care, high expectations and individuality sit side by side. 

• Join a community with a strong identity, rich history and an exciting future. 

A Unique Moment in the School’s History 

St Thomas à Becket is entering a period of transformation. The school has been selected for the DfE School Rebuilding Programme, with a brand‑new school building due in the next 3–4 years. This is a rare opportunity for the new Headteacher to: 

• Influence the design, layout and educational vision of a new school estate 

• Ensure our environment reflects our Catholic mission, values and inclusive ethos 

• Shape a state‑of‑the‑art learning environment for future generations 

About Our School 

• A caring, diverse and family‑focused environment where every child is known as an individual. 

• A strong Catholic ethos rooted in kindness, dignity, respect and high expectations. 

• Around 750 pupils, with a warm community reputation and a long history of serving Wakefield since 1967. 

• A highly committed staff who view their roles as a vocation. 

• Membership of The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust, offering strong collaborative support. 

The Leader We Are Seeking 

We are looking for an inspirational, practising Catholic leader who: 

• Lives out their faith with authenticity and can nurture the spiritual life of pupils and staff. 

• Has the strategic vision, professional acumen and warmth needed to lead a thriving school through change. 

• Champions excellence in teaching and learning and places pupils at the heart of every decision. 

• Builds strong relationships with families, parish, Trust partners and the wider community. 

• Values, develops and inspires staff across all roles. 

How to Apply 

Visits to school are encouraged and warmly welcomed. Please contact St Thomas a Becket Catholic Secondary School on 01924 303 545 to arrange an appointment. 

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact Rob Barraclough, Acting CEO, The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust on 01924 802285, rbarraclough@bkcat.uk  

Visit https://www.bkcat.co.uk/vacancies/ for more details and to apply. 

Closing date: 7am, 23 February 2026 

Interviews: w/c 2 March 2026 

The Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare and expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS with barred list check and other appropriate checks including references. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance (2024), online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates. This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Prior to interview, all shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a form for self-disclosure of their unprotected criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.