APPOINTED! : Headteacher - St Francis Catholic Primary School

APPOINTED! : Headteacher - St Francis Catholic Primary School - Kent

Competitive for the right candidate + Relocation support - Catholic - Head/Principal
Ref: 137 Date Posted: Wednesday 04 Feb 2026

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A PAST VACANCY EMMAUS HAVE APPOINTED TO.

Location: Maidstone, Kent
Contract Type: Full Time
Contract Term: Permanent

 

St Francis Catholic Primary School, a highly regarded 2FE VA (Group 3) Catholic primary, rated Good (Ofsted 2018) and Outstanding (S48 2016), is a truly remarkable school with extraordinary potential to build upon and further advance its well-earned reputation as a child-centred catholic school community where all are welcomed, loved and nurtured irrespective of background and faith (55% of our children are baptised Catholics with 50% on our role speaking English as an additional language).

The school is well known for its strong links with the parish of St Francis and the catholic community it serves, and as a result is oversubscribed across many year groups. The school is a truly authentic and vibrant community - with happy, well cared for children enjoying the support of committed staff, knowledgeable and supportive Governors and a dynamic School Association. 

Pupils exceed national averages for attainment and progress. The school also has an excellent provision for sports, music and arts therapy, offering more than 12 different extra-curricular activities each week; all located within a spacious site with excellent facilities.

The school looks with confidence to another successful chapter in its story, including charting a course for a future in which academisation plays its part.

If, as a first-time or existing Head, you believe you can offer the outstanding pastoral and leadership qualities which inspires and motivates others towards excellence and ensures the very best education for all our learners, then we would love to hear from you.

A requirement of the post is that applicants must be practising Catholics.

We would encourage you to come and visit us and see us at work.

For an initial informal chat (in complete confidence) please call Liam Dowds, our Emmaus Advising Consultant, on 01737 652 043 or email him at ldowds@emmausleadership.me in the first instance for an Application pack.

Our school is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. DBS check required.

"We had been cold called by a few other companies but chose Emmaus as it specialised in Church schools. We were impressed by Liam and his team coming to the school and burrowing in to what the school wanted and needed. He asked searching questions and we were satisfied this was the way forward. I had not been a fan of head hunters before, but I have to say this process and its result was a hugely better experience than going out on our own and was totally professional throughout."

Bridget Prentice, Chair of Governors - Trinity School, Lewisham

"We came across Emmaus by accident after our own attempts to recruit a Headteacher failed. We would not hesitate to engage them again to find a suitable candidate for a leadership position."

Michael Tennant - Chairman of the Board, St Edward's School

"…we also considered other external recruiters, but Emmaus were clear favourites in terms of their recruitment expertise and in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the catholic school’s sector."

Peter Giorgio, Director of Education, Nottingham Diocese

"From prospective applicant through to newly appointed CEO at Tenax Schools Trust, I cannot speak highly enough of the services provide by Emmaus.  I recommend Emmaus Leadership without reservation."

Mark Cole, Chief Executive Officer - Tenax Schools Trust

"I cannot imagine a better service to fulfil the requirement of helping a Catholic school find a Head. I was impressed with the number and high quality of candidates sourced by Emmaus Leadership."

Marjorie Bannister, Chair - St Michael's Catholic College, London

"Emmaus brings a level of professionalism, seen in other industry sectors, to church schools’ recruitment."

The Rt Rev Nick Baines - Anglican Bishop of Leeds

"We tried going it alone to find a CEO for our MAT but had only 2 applicants who didn't meet our requirements. We approached Emmaus and from the start their professionalism was reassuring."

Barry Leyland, Chair - Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust

"I approached Emmaus following our unsuccessful attempts to recruit Deputy DDEs for both Dioceses. They went on to source a far greater number of candidates of high calibre. I highly recommend Emmaus!"

Canon Carolyn Lewis, Director of Education - Diocese of Leicester and Diocese of Derby

"Having previously struggled to recruit two Headteachers - for both a Primary and a Secondary school - Emmaus came to the rescue. Their expert advice and deep understanding of recruiting Headship positions in Catholic schools is invaluable, and I have no hesitation in recommending their knowhow and their values."

Fr David Gibbons, Chair of Governors & Parish Priest, Archdiocese of Southwark

"We are delighted with the appointment we made and I have reported to the whole community that we could not have been more thorough in the search or more rigorous in the selection process. Thank you Emmaus Leadership."

Jacqui Feely, Chair at All Hallows Catholic College, Macclesfield

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