CANDIDATE INFORMATION BROCHURE HEAD OF THETFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL START DATE SEPTEMBER 2018 OR SOONER

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1 CANDIDATE INFORMATION BROCHURE HEAD OF THETFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL START DATE SEPTEMBER 2018 OR SOONER

2 WELCOME Dear Candidate I am delighted that you are considering applying for the position of Head of Thetford Grammar, one of the oldest independent schools in the country. A small and flourishing coeducational school offering senior, prep and pre-prep education, we are looking for a well-qualified leader to take the School to the next phase of its development. The School has a very clear focus and a determination to provide an excellent education within a genuinely warm and caring environment. Unremitting focus on the needs of the individual enables our students to excel academically and be prepared personally for a rich and rewarding life. Our core vision is to provide students with access to the widest range of opportunities by instilling in them self-belief, intellectual curiosity and responsibility towards others in society. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive family community in which success is measured by the creative growth of each and every individual and the care and respect we show for each other. The School is undergoing significant change and we have exciting plans for the future. We are looking for a dynamic Head with strong leadership skills to help shape our destiny and to lead the School forward in achieving its objectives. You are most welcome to visit our School by arrangement. We hope to hear from you and to learn how you might be able to contribute to changing the lives of our students. Yours sincerely, Jay Liu Proprietor

3 BACKGROUND One of the oldest schools in the country, TGS was founded in 1114 and is proud of its long and exceptional history. For a brief period in the 20 th century the School became a state grammar school under the Direct Grant initiative, soon resuming its position as a leading school. The aim was to provide a school with a difference; a school practising the belief that all students had the right to a stimulating education developing intellectual curiosity within a highly supportive environment. Vertical links within the school community are well established, providing students of all ages the opportunity to meet, work and socialise together, developing mutual understanding and confidence. The School is keen to maintain its ethos and traditions, which have developed over 900 years, but to have a learning environment that prepares students for the fast-changing world they will enter on leaving school. In 2017 the School was taken into new ownership commencing a fresh era in its history. With appropriate leadership and suitable investment the School will expand considerably and establish a strong local, national and international presence. LIFE AT TGS The School offers a comprehensive academic curriculum throughout all stages of its student progress. This can be carefully attuned to the needs of individual students. At GCSE and A level the value added results are excellent and in 2017 almost 60% of its students achieved A* or A grades at GCSE. Progress of students is carefully monitored (from pre-prep onwards) and a dedicated and committed staff provide personal guidance. Pastoral support is exceptional and is typified by the strong family atmosphere of the School. Extra curricular activities, leadership and sporting opportunities and an effective House system all help create this ethos. Students integrate vertically with lots of possibilities for interaction and mutual support. Involvement in charity work is encouraged and, as the School develops its international links, students will have opportunities to learn further about other cultures and traditions. The School hopes to welcome its first party of foreign students from China in the summer. There are active parent and alumni associations (Old Thetfordians). LOCATION The School is located on a very pleasant site to the south of Thetford in Norfolk adjoining the River Little Ouse. Thetford is a rural town with excellent road links to Norwich, Cambridge and London. FACILITIES The School is located on two sites adjacent to each other. There is a mix of traditional and more modern buildings. Dedicated and specialist facilities exist for each age phase as appropriate - these are shown on the school website. In September 2017 the School embarked on a programme of refurbishment with some areas, such as the language facilities, already completed. The modern sixth form area is a particularly attractive and effective teaching, study and social area. Further refurbishment of the site is a priority for the Governors.

4 SENIOR LEADERSHIP With the appointment of a new Head and with the School moving towards its next stage of development and expansion the structure and roles of the leadership team will be reviewed and will be discussed with the successful candidate. As part of this change a new Bursar will be appointed by the end of this academic year and the successful candidate for Headship will be involved in this process. THE NEXT STAGE The Governors are now looking for a Head to lead the School into what they believe will be a very exciting future. The new Head will be an experienced leader who in addition to having a deep understanding of, and passion for, teaching and learning will possess a sound grasp of financial issues and appreciate the importance of marketing the School. The post offers the successful candidate a real opportunity to make an impact upon this very special school to shape the senior team and, while sustaining its traditions, create a new vision for TGS. This is a high profile and unique position, requiring exceptional and visionary leadership skills and a breadth of educational experience. The successful candidate will be working with a supportive Governing Body and share its vision to achieve the very best for the students. He/she will wish to be highly visible in the School and the local and community, setting a clear direction for staff and students but listening and engaging with them. The successful candidate will also use his/her business acumen and entrepreneurial approach to continue to strengthen and develop the School. Strong interpersonal skills will be needed to manage a wide range of personnel and to lead a team capable of delivering the highest quality education. Emotional intelligence an empathetic understanding of others but the ability to remain decisive - are important. The successful candidate will have the qualities enabling him/her to lead with integrity, creativity, resilience and clarity bringing out the best in the staff and students both academically and in their personal growth. An understanding of how to use systems and processes to ensure the School can be at its best by establishing rigorous, fair and transparent systems, including effective financial planning, is necessary. The School is committed to self-improvement and having a staff keen to learn from (and contribute to) other colleagues and organisations and the new Head will be expected to lead in this. Equally important are a sense of proportion and a good sense of humour! The Governors have identified some priorities and exciting opportunities for the School that they wish to develop further with the guidance of the new Head. These include: Increasing numbers of pupils Undertaking a curriculum review Establishing a refurbishment and building programme Developing international links and offering international residential summer school activities Exploring online teaching including within an international context. Considerable financial and personnel resources have been committed to the School and the Board is keen continue this.

5 JOB DESCRIPTION The Head is appointed by the Board of Directors and approved by the Governing Body. The Head is responsible for helping to formulate and then implement and achieve the aims, policies and plans of the Proprietor, Directors and the Governing Body for the education, development and safety of all the children entrusted by parents to the School s care and for upholding and representing the existing strong ethos of the School within the community. The Head of Thetford Grammar School will be a highly effective leader who will possess and develop a range of strategic, organisational and educational competences as well as financial acumen. The person will demonstrate the knowledge, skill, ability, ambition and passion to lead Thetford Grammar School through the next exciting phase of its history and be able to inspire others with a vision for the future. Key responsibilities of the role include: Strategic Leadership Inspire and champion the vision and strategy for the education of all pupils at Thetford Grammar School Work with Proprietor, Directors and Governors to review, develop and implement the vision for the School, and the strategy to achieve this Act as a role model to motivate and inspire pupils, staff, parents and Governors to aim high and to achieve success. Promote the Thetford Grammar School ethos to achieve the stated aims: To provide an excellent all-round education with a commitment to academic excellence at its core To equip pupils with a breadth of skills and knowledge which will enable them to perform outstandingly well in school and in later life To ensure pupils obtain places on good courses in higher education, and can succeed in a rapidly changing world To provide a range of well-run and diverse extra-curricular activities which encourage and support pupils in becoming confident, rounded and socially responsible young people Maintain excellent engagement with parents, prospective parents, alumni, the local community, feeder schools and others for the development and promotion of Thetford Grammar School Market the School effectively to maintain healthy numbers of the range of pupils it wishes to recruit. Educational Excellence and Pastoral Care Give leadership direction, inspiring the highest quality teaching and learning to achieve excellent academic results Ensure the curriculum, timetable and academic organisation of the School support the academic goals Ensure safeguarding and health and safety procedures, as well as all School policies, are up-to-date, compliant and regularly reviewed Be responsible for maintaining the exceptional standards of pastoral care which recognise the needs of the individual and offer appropriate support and encouragement

6 Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, support and friendships within the School, ensuring a high standard of behaviour and discipline Maintain the culture within the School which respects the beliefs and views of others through the continuing development of personal, moral and ethical values and enable pupils to take their place within society and lead fulfilling lives, in which diversity is celebrated and personal character is valued Keep abreast of current educational and pastoral requirements. Organisational Leadership Motivate, support and enable staff to carry out their respective roles to the highest standard Create an environment of encouragement and delegation in which colleagues are enabled and expected to perform well, seeking further responsibility, advancement and continuous professional development Appoint staff to maintain a high-performing team Ensure that the School complies with all relevant statutory legislation and regulatory requirements, as specified by the Department for Education, the Independent Schools Inspectorate and other relevant bodies Ensure the continuing high standing of the School s reputation and be accountable for ensuring that parents are kept informed of the progress of their children, the curriculum and other matters relating to teaching and learning at the School Be responsible for all aspects of the operation of the School and be accountable to the Proprietor, Directors and Governors, working in partnership with them to fulfil the needs of the School. Financial Acumen Be responsible for the sound financial management of the School Lead every aspect of the management of all resources, closely supported by the Bursar Be fully aware of significant issues, priorities for expenditure and ensure efficient use of resources to provide the requisite environment for effective teaching and learning.

7 THE PERSON It is expected that the Head of Thetford Grammar School will be an inspirational and innovative leader who can secure the full engagement of staff and all other parties in the delivery of the School s strategic aims. The successful candidate will have the following key skills, experience and attributes: Leadership A dynamic and inspirational leadership style with the vision and insight to map out a successful future for Thetford Grammar School, and the ability to work with others to achieve this Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills with the ability and confidence to work effectively at all levels, and inspire the team culture Innovative and an openness to new ideas, with an ability to lead and inspire others through periods of change. Academic and Pastoral Care Understand trends and statutory requirements in curriculum development An excellent teaching record A strong interest in promoting academic excellence in pupils and staff A commitment to the already very high standards of pastoral care An understanding of the characteristics of an effective and successful school and ways in which performance can be improved An understanding of the use of best practice in ensuring good behaviour and discipline A willingness and enthusiasm to promote interest and support for a wide range of extra-curricular activities including sports, music, art and drama. Managerial The ability to work with the Proprietor, Directors, Chair and Governing Body to achieve the School s aims Business and financial acumen, with some experience of strategic and financial planning revenue generation and marketing Experience of managing staff effectively and efficiently The ability to use IT and an appreciation of how emerging technologies can be used to enhance education A good understanding of all elements of a day school environment and current and future issues to be faced An understanding of health and safety, welfare and safeguarding. Personal Characteristics Intelligence, with good interpersonal skills Lively and energetic The ability to embrace opportunity and have a focus on the future Excellent public speaking and networking skills Approachability and an ease with people from a wide range of backgrounds The ability to consult, be open to different perspectives and be a good listener, yet remain decisive

8 Enthusiastic, with a capacity for hard work, combined with a sense of humour Resilience and emotional maturity when faced with the demands of the job. Qualifications It is expected that the successful candidate will: Hold a good honours degree, with any management and leadership qualification an advantage Have qualified teacher status Have evidence of continuing professional development which prepares for this post Have experience of working at a senior level Demonstrate a range of interests and achievements. REMUNERATION The starting salary will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the person appointed. There will be assistance with reasonable removal expenses. The Head will be eligible for some appropriate remission of fees for any children of school age. The appointment can be terminated by two terms notice on either side.

9 THE APPLICATION PROCESS Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with the consultants handling this appointment: Caroline Stephens Search Consultant: CarolineStephens@RSAcademics.co.uk or Steve Nokes Senior Advisor: SteveNokes@RSAcademics.co.uk or Candidates should complete their application form electronically and it to RSAcademics, together with a covering letter addressed to Ms Cherry Han, Director of Thetford Grammar School Limited, which explains their reasons for applying. There is no need to submit a separate CV. Please your completed application form and covering letter (both as PDF files please) to Jonathan Barnes: applications@rsacademics.co.uk Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Thursday 15th February The process is as follows: All applications will be acknowledged by . If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact our Head Office by telephone. Preliminary Interviews will take place with RSAcademics on Friday 23rd February Short List interviews will take place at the School on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th March The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with DfE guidance, to satisfactory references, satisfactory clearance from the DBS, proof of identity and qualifications and a satisfactory medical report. Thetford Grammar School is committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post. Founded in 2002 by Russell Speirs, RSAcademics specialises in schools, in the UK and internationally, advising on marketing strategy and research, leadership consultancy and the search and selection of Heads and senior staff. Comprising a team of the best schools marketing professionals and respected former school leaders, RSAcademics provides a high-quality service to schools with rigour, experience and warmth. Please visit for more information.