About the role

The Governors of Ysgol Gatholig Padarn Sant are seeking to appoint an inspirational individual to lead this ambitious and forward-looking school. It is a diverse and inclusive community and is part of the lively Catholic Parish of the Welsh Martyrs, Aberystwyth, in the Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia. The pupil roll is 144 at the present time. Ysgol Padarn Sant is the only Roman Catholic school in the county of Ceredigion.

The school is strongly committed to the development of the Welsh Language and is making good progress on its transition to becoming a Category 2 (dual language) school. It participates in two all Wales projects supported by Welsh Government: Camau i’r Dyfodol (Steps to the Future) and the National Professional Enquiry Project (NPEP), for which it was a lead school for the second year running in 2024-25.

Religious Education is a core subject delivered in accordance with To Know You More Clearly – the Religious Education Directory (RED) for Catholic Schools, Academies and Colleges in England and Wales. The school enjoys a strong Catholic ethos and received a positive report from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate in October 2024.

It delivers the Curriculum for Wales (CfW) and received a positive report from ESTYN in March 2023. It is a happy community where pupils make good progress across their range of skills. Funding from the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme has been secured to provide the school with brand new facilities; the dates for commencement have not yet been finalised.

It is a genuine occupational requirement, as defined by Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, for this role to be held by a practising Catholic. This is because it’s a proportionate means of achieving our legitimate aim to ensure that the role of headteacher can preserve and develop the school’s Catholic character.

Candidates for headship posts are required to hold the NPQH. However, applications will be considered from experienced teachers who do not currently hold the compulsory NPQH qualification but who are willing to commit to achieving it within three years of appointment. Please note that a successful applicant who does not have the NPQH will be offered a three-year fixed term appointment. In that case, their contract will contain a clause stating that if they achieve the NPQH within the three-year term they will progress into the permanent head role at that time; if they are not successful within the three-year term their contract will end unless extended by the governing body.

The Welsh language is desirable with the need to be able to communicate through Welsh and English as a skill that could be developed while in the role.

The successful candidate will be expected to sign the Catholic Education Service contract.

Applicants are requested to use the Catholic Education Service’s (CES) Senior Leadership application form. This can be found on the e-teach website or obtained from the school.

Closing date: Sunday 10 May 2026 at midnight
Interviews: Thursday 21 May 2026

Job Description

Person Specification

You are welcome to contact the Chair of Governors (Mr David Greaney) if you’d like to have an informal chat about the post. You can arrange this either by phoning the school on 01970 630632 or by sending an e-mail to greaneyd3@hwbcymru.net

Click here to view our school website.

Candidates should apply using the Catholic Education Service (CES) Senior Leadership application form. Send all completed application forms to prif@st-padarnsrcp.ceredigion.sch.uk

Link to forms: Model application forms & documents

Under the Education (Wales) Act 2014, all School Learning Support Workers must be registered with the Education Workforce Council (EWC).

Note: We reserve the right to extend the application closing date.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk. As part of this commitment, certain roles within our organisation require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess the suitability of candidates. This role will require an Enhanced DBS check. Please note that the presence of previous convictions will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. We assess each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and take into account the nature and relevance of any convictions in relation to the responsibilities of the role. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact us for clarification. Your privacy and dignity are of utmost importance to us throughout the recruitment process.