Job Introduction

Opportunities to join St Mary's are rare.

Staff stay because they believe in the work, the mission and the community we serve. When a role does open, we are looking for someone exceptional.

Our mission is simple:
Every child deserves a champion. An adult who refuses to give up, builds genuine connection and insists on excellence.

For over 180 years, Southampton has been our home. Today, our purpose remains clear: to accelerate the life chances of every child we serve. 

We are proud to have been judged Outstanding in every category by Ofsted, but inspection outcomes are not the end goal. We exist to ensure every child leaves us confident, capable and ready to shape their future.

What sets St Mary’s apart

Relentless belief in children
We recruit for character, drive and conviction. Qualifications matter, but mindset is what changes our children's lives.

Innovation that levels the playing field
Our investment in technology is deliberate. From virtual reality experiences that bring the world into the classroom to the intelligent use of AI to support planning, we remove barriers and widen opportunity.

A curriculum built for delivery, not theory
Over 800 fully resourced, carefully sequenced lessons across the wider curriculum. This reduces workload and allows teachers to focus on what matters: teaching. Adaptation, not creation, is the expectation.

A model that drives progress

• Ability grouping for reading, writing and maths enables precision teaching
• Mixed learning in the afternoons builds culture, creativity and experience
• Every child visits London annually, alongside a programme of meaningful trips

Investing in our staff

Great schools are built by great teams. We take this seriously.

• Visible, hands-on leadership
• Instructional coaching embedded in daily practice
• NPQs, leadership pathways and cross-school opportunities
• A strong partnership model across our schools

We also back our staff properly. Every colleague receives full access to the CALM wellbeing app to support mental health, sleep and recovery.

Our Christian Denomination 

Rooted in our Christian foundation, we are an aspirational school serving both our community and God. We recognise the God-given uniqueness of every child and develop their gifts through the biblical principles of courage, creativity and compassion. Guided by “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10), we equip pupils to live with purpose and to contribute as responsible global citizens.

We are proud to serve a richly diverse community, including a significant Muslim population. Our Christian foundation is strengthened, not diminished, by this diversity, as we recognise our shared Abrahamic roots in one God, a commitment to compassion and a call to serve others. We actively teach respect, understanding and dialogue between faiths, ensuring every child sees their identity reflected and valued. This lived experience of difference prepares our pupils to lead with empathy and confidence in a diverse world.

Our interview process

Attached to this advert is our application form. Your interview is designed to support both parties in understanding if this is the right role and school for you. Once we receive a completed Southampton City Council application - sent to: headteacher@stmaryspri.org.uk - we will email to arrange a meeting.

Tours of the school are advised and welcomed. Come and see what we do! Email: anna.brooks@stmaryspri.org.uk and we will ensure we work around you and your diary!

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.