Romsey
Contract: Permanent, full-time.Salary Range: in the region of £93,423 to £103,030 per annum, dependent on experience.Start Date: post available from January 2027Closing Date: 17th March 2026We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.St Edward’s School (rated Outstanding by Ofsted, 2025) operates within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton and provides a nurturing, specialist learning environment where every pupil is supported to grow, build resilience, and thrive.Following the internal promotion of our current Headmaster, we are seeking an inspiring, values‑driven and forward‑thinking Headteacher to shape the next chapter of St Edward’s School. Already recognised as Outstanding, our school now aims to set a new benchmark for excellence, moving confidently from Outstanding to Exceptional in every aspect of our provision.This is a rare opportunity to lead a community with a clear moral purpose, strong ethos, and a highly committed staff team. The successful candidate will bring strategic vision, professional credibility and the ability to lead a school that continually adapts to meet the complex and evolving needs of vulnerable young people.The role will involve working across our main site (SO51 6ZR) and an additional Hub in Hampshire within a reasonable commuting distance.We invite you to “make yourself necessary” and lead our dedicated community.On‑site accommodation is available with subsidised rent. Council tax and utilities are payable by the postholder.The RoleAs Headteacher, you will:- Be fully committed to leading and developing the school’s Catholic mission and ethos.- Provide outstanding day-to-day leadership of St Edward’s School.- Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, education and pastoral care for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.- Deliver a clear, ambitious and values‑driven vision that builds upon the school’s strengths and drives continuous improvement, from Outstanding to Exceptional.- Lead whole-school development through rigorous self-evaluation, evidence-informed decision-making and strategic planning.About YouWe are seeking a Headteacher who:- Is a practising Roman Catholic, evidenced by a reference from a Catholic Priest.- Brings substantial leadership experience within specialist or mainstream education.- Leads with integrity, compassion and ambition for every pupil.- Understands the needs of pupils with SEMH.- Has the strategic capability to sustain high standards while driving continuous improvement.- Communicates clearly, builds strong relationships and works collaboratively with families, staff, governors, the Diocese and external professionals.- Can confidently navigate change, manage complexity and make decisions rooted in the school’s mission and values.Our VisionAt St Edward’s, our vision is clear:To ensure that every pupil has access to an accredited, high-quality education tailored to their individual needs, complemented by meaningful opportunities for vocational learning.We aim to equip young people with not only academic qualifications, but also the confidence, strategies, and resilience they need to manage challenges, build self-belief and succeed in education, employment, and life beyond St Edward’s School.Why Join St Edward’s?Staff WellbeingYour wellbeing is central to our ethos. Staff benefit from:- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, health, and counselling support)- Dedicated staff wellbeing days each year- A two-week October half-term break- Access to professional supervision and support from a Clinical Psychologist- A dedicated senior leader responsible for staff wellbeing. Professional DevelopmentWe are committed to your professional growth through:- A thorough induction programme- High-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD)- Clear pathways for career progression and development.Rewards and Benefits- Performance related bonuses- Competitive salary scales reflecting experience and expertise- Teachers’ Pension Scheme- Free on-site lunches during term time- Free on-site parking- Use of excellent sports facilities outside school hours, including a fitness suite, swimming pool, and sports hall.Our CommunitySt Edward’s is a warm, inclusive, and collaborative community. We are proud of our strong staff retention, supportive culture, and shared commitment to putting pupils first. Our staff work creatively and collectively, always supporting one another and celebrating success.Safeguarding and Application ProcedureSt Edward’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.Appointments are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and other relevant pre-employment checks.Online searches are conducted on all shortlisted candidates. This may include search engines and social media platforms.St Edward’s is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.Please note: CVs are not an acceptable alternative to a fully completed application form.