Executive Principal

The St John Paul II Multi Academy is a highly successful Catholic family of schools within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. It comprises over five hundred employees across twelve Primary schools and two Secondary schools; all working together to provide the highest quality Catholic education to over five thousand pupils. Our schools are based in Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Ladywood , Birchfield, Lichfield and Tamworth. The ethos of St John Paul II Multi Academy is Catholic and was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. As a Catholic multi academy, we aim to provide Catholic education for all our pupils to enable them to make a positive contribution to society. As a Catholic multi academy, Catholic doctrine and practice permeate every aspect of every one of our school’s activities. It is essential that the Catholic character of the school’s education be fully supported by all staff within the multi academy. We therefore expect that all staff will give their full, unreserved and positive support for the aims and ethos of the St John Paul II Multi Academy.

We are seeking a dynamic leader to be Executive Principal of two very successful and flourishing schools: Abbey Catholic Primary School (two form) and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School (one form). The schools serve the communities of Birchfield and Erdington. The Abbey: ‘Pupils thrive at this happy school. Frequently referred to as the ‘Abbey family’ by parents, carers and staff, strong relationships reflect the highly positive and respectful culture. Pupils are nurtured and cherished. Many pupils hardly miss a day of school and show genuine pride in attending. They are safe and well cared for.’Ofsted, January 2024 ‘Abbey Catholic Primary School is a welcoming, vibrant Catholic school whose values and inclusive nature fully embody its mission of ‘Learning to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, with our friends, family and parish’. This inspiring message significantly impacts the lives of everyone in the school, who demonstrate it daily through their actions and deeds.’ CSI October 2023

Sacred Heart:

‘Pupils are proud to attend this friendly and inclusive school. They arrive ready to learn and are greeted warmly by staff who know them well. This helps pupils to feel safe, valued and part of a close-knit community. Across the school, there is a strong sense of belonging. Pupils describe their school as a place where everyone is welcomed and supported to do their best. Relationships between pupils and staff are highly positive and built on mutual respect.’ Ofsted June 2026

‘The mission statement is ‘well-known and understood by all, described by staff as ‘the absolute core of everything in school.’ Staff are exemplary in their relationships and the love and care they show for pupils, providing the highest levels of pastoral care and outstanding service to the community, as is universally acknowledged by parents. That community is thoroughly well-known, as is seen by the warmth with which every family is known and greeted.’ CSI November 2011

The Directors of St John Paul ll Multi Academy wish to appoint someone: Who is a practising and committed Catholic who will support the ethos of our school and the Academy to help to inspire pupils and staff to develop their faith.

Is passionate about educating young people and about providing young people with additional opportunities to enhance their school experience; putting their wellbeing at the heart of all they do.

Who can positively lead on change initiatives and can demonstrate an effective resilient leadership style and positive working relationships with all stakeholders.

Has experience and a track record of successful strategic school leadership and improvement to promote collaborative practices to continue the improvement of these two ambitious schools.

Is committed and innovative when working with staff in raising achievement and attainment within Sacred Heart and Abbey Catholic Primary Schools.

At Abbey and Sacred Heart we can offer you:

A positive caring ethos based upon the values of the Catholic faith.

Caring children who are proud to be part of their school families, who behave exceptionally well with excellent learning behaviours.

An exciting professional opportunity to develop your strategic leadership over two schools.

A committed and supportive staff and environment where you will be encouraged to develop your professional career.

Committed leaders, directors, governors and colleagues across the academy to support you within the role.

St John Paul ll Multi Academy also offers:

A caring Multi Academy that has a strong Catholic ethos.

Commitment to delivering a ‘People Strategy’ with wellbeing at its centre.

An Executive Leadership Team who are committed to improving standards.

Employee Assistance Programme (Westfield Health).

Appetite and investment for CPD.

Cycle to Work Scheme.

Teacher Pension.

Opportunities to work collaboratively whilst gaining experience of effective partnerships within the Multi Academy, and to work with and learn from other schools and leaders within the MAC.

If you would like to visit the schools or if you have any queries about the post, please contact Teresa Cotter (CEO) on: t.cotter@sjp2.net

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role. St John Paul II Multi Academy is an Equal Opportunities employer. The Multi Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and staff and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS check is required for all successful applicants. An online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process and you will have the opportunity to discuss any issues of concern that may arise from this search at the interview.