Headteacher
St. Bede's Catholic School &
Byron Sixth Form College
Westway, Peterlee, SR8 1DE
Salary: L20-L24
Start Date: September
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
CEO: Mr T.B. Tapping
Headteacher: Mrs F. Cessford
St. Bede's Catholic School & Byron Sixth Form College is a thriving Catholic secondary and sixth form college with high ambitions for every young person. We are seeking an inspirational and committed Catholic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education, helping to drive our continued journey toward excellence.
The successful candidate will lead the school’s approach to curriculum, teaching and learning, and academic standards, ensuring these align with our Catholic mission and high expectations. We are looking for a practising Catholic with a strong track record in leadership, teaching and using data to inform decisions. The successful candidate will have a secure understanding of evidence‑informed pedagogy and curriculum design, and the ability to inspire staff and students with clarity and purpose. We offer a supportive Catholic community, engaged students, and meaningful opportunities to contribute to the school’s strategic direction, alongside strong professional development and leadership support.
St. Bede's Catholic School & Byron Sixth Form College is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust which is one of four Trusts in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The Trust includes five Secondary and twenty-six Primary Schools across South Tyneside, Sunderland and East Durham.
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust safeguards and protects its students and staff by being committed to respond in accordance with South Tyneside Child Protection Procedures. Enhanced DBS checks are mandatory for all school staff.
All application documents should be fully completed and submitted by email to Recruitment@st-bedes.org by 9am on Wednesday 18th February 2026. Applications Forms are required and CV’s will not be accepted.
Visits to the school are encouraged and warmly welcomed. For any enquiries regarding this role, or the arrange a visit, please contact Emma Vasey, Business Lead via evasey@st-bedes.org or 0191 587 6221.
Shortlisting will take place on Monday 2nd March 2026, and interviews will be held on Friday 6th March 2026.
Electronic signatures will be accepted but candidates will be required to add a written signature to their application when circumstances allow.
The position we are filling is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service is required as part of pre-employment checks. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and we expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment.