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 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 -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 .
It delivers the Curriculum for Wales (CfW) and received a positive report from ESTYN in March. 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, 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 at midnight
Interviews: Thursday 21 May
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 or by sending an e-mail to
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
Link to forms: Under the Education (Wales) Act, 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.
What we offer
Work-life balance
Lifestyle savings scheme
Generous employer pension scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Learning and development
Where you'll work
Schools and Culture
We offer appropriate challenge and support to our schools, to help them deliver first class education to all pupils, across the age and ability range. Our primary functions are as follows:
1. School Improvement: Leadership; Support and Challenge, Teaching and Learning; Digital Literacy; Literacy and Numeracy; Welsh in Education
2. Additional Learning Needs: Provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs, Inclusion; Attendance; Educational Psychology
3. Pupil Wellbeing:Counselling; Welfare; Anti-Bullying, Pupil Voice
4. Education Governance: Data ; Governor Support, Policy support
5. School Admissions
6. Culture: Music Service; Cered; Felinfach Theatre; Museum
7. Infrastructure and Resources: Planning School Places; Modernisation and Twenty First Century Schools Programme; Buildings; Grants
8. Catering: Day Centres; Primary Schools; Residential homes.
9. Childcare Unit: Childcare Sufficiency Assessment; Childcare & Play Grant; Childcare Offer; Out of School (After School Clubs and Holiday Playschemes); Day Nursery, Cylch/Playgroup & Childminder business support and staff training
Aberystwyth Aberystwyth is a lively university town, seaside resort complete with promenade and pier, and the setting of atmospheric TV drama Hinterland.