HEAD TEACHER
What are we looking for? Onslow St Audrey s School has been an academy since 2012. The Governing Body is looking for a truly exceptional Headteacher with the drive and ambition to take forward its vision to be an outstanding secondary school in Hatfield. Our ethos is to provide educational excellence at the heart of the community by providing: A high quality student experience A vibrant student experience A 21st century student experience By working with our values of Learning Equality Confidence Trust Respect Community we are equipping our students for life in the modern world. To do this well, we are looking for someone who, as Headteacher, will recognise and enhance the individual abilities of each child. Our new Headteacher will place equal emphasis on learning with confidence, self-esteem and teamwork so that pupils of the school can achieve the outcomes they aspire to. Purpose of Role The Headteacher of Onslow St Audrey s will provide the professional leadership and management of the school by: Recognising and enhancing the individual abilities of each child Ensuring that all members of the school community are treated and behave with mutual respect, thus encouraging positive behaviour and a desire to work effectively and hard for the benefit of the community and themselves. Nurturing staff and students as team players Fulfilling a commitment to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in accordance with the Trust s policies and statutory guidance. Ensuring successful implementation of the Governing Body s policies to support the achievement of their aims.
Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in the post of Headteacher at Onslow St Audrey s School. We are looking to appoint a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual who is proactive, innovative and versatile with proven leadership experience to lead the school into its next phase. The school has one all-encompassing objective: to be a good school providing the very best educational experience for its students. Our school is a place where everyone is committed to making a difference and helping students to excel in their learning. We want students to aspire to exceed their potential and have the opportunity to obtain skills for their future. Central to everything are our students who, with committed staff, learn to use their talents and achieve success. The school has an exciting future with plans well advanced to extend, develop and refurbish major areas of the school over the next three years. This is a position that offers you a career defining opportunity to continue the development of our school and fulfil its vision. This development, which coincides with growth in the town, will result in the school expanding and increasing its roll over the next few years. In addition to the building development, the Governors are currently considering whether the school should join a multi-academy trust. We hope you will apply if our school matches your vision for the future. We have a strong ethos through which both students and staff are valued, nurtured and developed. You are welcome to make an appointment to visit the School before applying. Please see details on how to do that at the end of this brochure. Yours sincerely, Ray Little Chair of Governors
What do we offer? Your working context The opportunity to have a real impact on the local community of Hatfield New building programme Well-resourced educational environment throughout What do we want from you? We are seeking a great leader, probably a current headteacher or strong deputy, to build on the School s existing strengths. We expect you to: Have a proven track record of exceptional leadership Well-managed school finances Have a clear vision for the school and a strong drive for success for the students The educational environment A school whose roll is growing year on year Be an outstanding classroom practitioner and have a passionate commitment to high quality learning and teaching Academy curriculum freedoms and flexibilities Believe that all children can succeed both socially and academically Opportunities for innovation Have new ideas and fresh perspectives on raising the aspirations of children, families and the local community Partnerships with Hertfordshire University, Alban Teaching Alliance, consortium schools, local primary schools For you personally Personal portfolio to support and develop your career in and beyond the school A supportive Governing Body The opportunity to influence the future growth and development of the School The opportunity to develop your own passions and expertise Be committed to securing excellent professional development for all staff Have the skills to engage parents and the community in the development and activities of the school Have experience of innovative approaches to the curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment
HEADTEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION: The overall responsibility is to provide dynamic and professional leadership for the Academy which builds upon change to secure its success and improvement, ensuring high quality education for all its students and improved standards of achievement. To be able to inspire, challenge, motivate and empower all members of the Academy community to carry the vision forward. This Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons and Headteachers must ensure that the highest priority is given to following guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). REPORTING TO: RESPONSIBLE FOR: SALARY DISCLOSURE The Governing Body Effective leadership and management of Onslow St. Audrey s (Academy Trust) Negotiable depending on experience ENHANCED CORE PURPOSE: The core purpose of the Headteacher is to provide professional leadership and management for the Academy. This will promote a secure foundation from which to achieve high standards in all areas of the Academy s work. To achieve success the Headteacher will: Secure and sustain outstanding teaching and learning Promote excellence, equality and high expectations for all students Provide vision, leadership and direction Promote the social and cultural development of all students Evaluate Academy performance and identify priorities for continuous improvement Be accountable for deploying resources to achieve the Academy s aims Value the diversity of the community it serves Carry out day-to-day management, organisation and administration Secure the commitment of the wider community Create a safe and productive learning environment which is engaging and fulfilling for all students Work effectively with the Academy s Governing Body and fulfil the ex officio duties as a member of the Governing Body and Director of the Trust
Improving the Life Chances of Children and Young People MAIN DUTIES Working with the Governing Body to develop staff who have the necessary skills and knowledge to promote equality, respect diversity and challenge stereotypes to promote the rights of children and young people. Also to recognise the role parents, carers and families play in helping children and young people to succeed and thrive through being healthy; staying safe; enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being. The Headteacher will ensure that staff: Have the highest expectations of every child and ensure that such expectations are met Listen, question and respond to what is being communicated by children, young people and those caring for them Recognise when a child or young person may not be achieving their developmental potential or their health may be impaired and be able to identify sources of help for them and their families Understand the impact on a young person of transitions they may be going through Work successfully on a multi-agency basis and are clear about the role of the Headteacher and the roles of other professionals Adopt the right approach to information sharing by following the correct procedures and by ensuring that the child or young person, parent or carer understands the process Have a commitment to seeing through current projects and seeking ways to develop new initiatives Shaping the Future Working with the Trustees, Governing Body and others to create a shared vision and strategic plan which inspires and motivates students, staff and all other members of the Academy community and to develop the ethos of the Academy linked to its core aims and values. The Headteacher will: Ensure the aims and vision to lead Onslow St. Audrey s in the 21st Century Plan and operate strategically, build and communicate a coherent vision in a range of compelling ways Inspire, challenge, motivate and empower others to carry the vision forward Model the values, vision and ethos of the Academy Consolidate and build upon the benefits and opportunities available from Academy status Leading Learning and Teaching Responsible for raising the quality of teaching and learning and for students achievements within a successful learning culture. The Headteacher will: Demonstrate personal enthusiasm for and commitment to the learning process Demonstrate the principles and practice of effective teaching and learning Access, analyse and interpret information Initiate and support research and debate about effective learning and teaching and develop relevant strategies for performance improvement Acknowledge excellence and challenge poor behaviour across the Academy
Developing Self and Working with Others Managing the Organisation Securing Accountability To develop effective relationships and communication which underpin a professional learning community that enables everyone in the Academy to achieve. The Headteacher will: Foster an open, fair, equitable culture and manage conflict Develop, empower and sustain individuals and teams Foster an environment where continual professional development is an integral part of Onslow St. Audrey s ethos Collaborate and network with others within and beyond the Academy Challenge, influence and motivate others to attain high goals Give and receive effective feedback and act to improve personal performance Ensure full and appropriate support for staff and students Accept support from others including colleagues, Governors, the ESFA, the DfE and the Local Authority To provide effective organisation and management of the Academy and identify ways of improving organisational structures and functions based on rigorous selfevaluation. To ensure that the Academy and the people and resources within it are organised and managed to provide an efficient, effective and safe learning environment. This includes adhering to safe employment procedures which place the safety of children and young people at the heart of all practices. The Headteacher working with the Trustees, and the Governing Body, will provide a safe environment for students, staff and members of the school community. To maintain and develop a successful organisation through effective collaboration with others the Headteacher will:- Establish and sustain appropriate structures and systems Manage the Academy efficiently and effectively on a day-to-day basis Ensure excellent behaviour of students and develop their independence in achieving this Delegate management tasks and monitor their implementation Prioritise, plan and organise themselves and others Make professional, management and organisational decisions based on informed judgements Think creatively to anticipate and solve problems The Headteacher is legally and contractually accountable to the Trustees and Governing Body for the Academy, its environment and all its work. The Headteacher also must fulfil the wider accountabilities in relation to students, parents, carers, the Local Authority and other relevant groups. The Headteacher will: Demonstrate political insight and anticipate trends Engage the Academy community in the systematic and rigorous self-evaluation of the work of the Academy and work closely with the Governing Body to ensure that effective Academy self-evaluation informs Academy improvement priorities Collect and use a rich set of data to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the Academy Combine the outcomes of regular Academy self -review with external evaluations in order to develop the Academy To ensure effective management of the Academy budget and best practice in financial matters
Strengthening Community The Headteacher will engage with the internal and external school community to secure equity and entitlement. This includes collaborating with the, other Schools and Academy s and with parents and carers and other agencies for the wellbeing of all children and developing extended services to meet the needs of the community. The Headteacher will: Recognise and take account of the richness and diversity of the Academy s communities Engage in a dialogue which builds partnerships and community consensus on values, beliefs and shared responsibilities, listen to, reflect and act on community feedback Build and maintain effective relationships with parents, carers, partners and the community that enhance the education of students and the wider community OVERVIEW The role is to lead the Academy through the undoubted complexities of the next 5-10 years and encompasses the full range of activities from educational excellence through management and leadership external affairs. The Headteacher is responsible for the organisation, management and general conduct of the Academy. The Headteacher has primary responsibility for ensuring the achievement of the highest possible educational standards in the Academy and for providing an environment in which each student has the opportunity to develop his or her talents and interests to the full. These responsibilities will be discharged in accordance with aim, objectives and policies of the Governing Body, the Academy s Articles of Association and Funding Agreement with the DfE and the conditions of employment in the current Academy Teacher s Pay and Conditions Document and will include those responsibilities delegated to the Headteacher by the Governing Body. This job description is based on the National Standards for Headteachers and the Common Core Skills and Knowledge for the Children s workforce. The Headteacher will carry out his/her professional duties in accordance with and subject to the National Conditions of Employment for Headteachers and Education and Employment legislation. The Headteacher is accountable to the Trustees and Governors for the standards achieved and the conduct, management and administration of the Academy subject to any policies which the Department for Education and the Governors may make. This job description is subject to annual review.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Criteria Essential/ Desirable Assessed by: Application/ Interview process E D A I A EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS 1 A first degree or equivalent 4 4 2 Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) 4 4 3 Relevant Higher degree or equivalent 4 4 4 NPQH 4 4 5 B Evidence of recent and relevant training and development at headship level and/or in preparation for headship PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE 4 4 6 Substantial experience of teaching 7 8 9 10 C 11 D 12 13 14 15 E 16 Successful recent strategic leadership experience likely to have been gained as a Headteacher/Principal or Deputy Headteacher/Vice Principal in a secondary school or other educational organisation In-depth knowledge and understanding of the wider educational agenda including current national policies and educational issues as well as the statutory and legal framework governing the operation of an Academy Proven track record in leading and managing staff including building a successful team, delegating effectively and implementing and managing change Successful experience of raising standards for all with measurable outcomes as a result of one s contribution in a school in the pursuit of excellence SECURING ACCOUNTABILITY Proven successful experience of school self-evaluation and accountability and the school improvement process LEADING LEARNING AND TEACHING An outstanding classroom teacher practitioner, within the current Ofsted framework, with proven ability to monitor and evaluate performance, celebrate excellence and challenge poor performance within a learning and teaching environment Successful experience of positive behaviour management and developing a student focused, inclusive and effective learning environment so that behaviour and attendance are outstanding Successful experience of curriculum development, including the Sixth Form, along with an understanding of the issues associated with choice and flexibility to meet the personalised learning agenda Successful experience of the implementation of effective assessment procedures and an understanding of assessment for learning needs of all students LEADING AND MANAGING THE ORGANISATION Evidence of highly developed skills in performance management, recognising high performance and tackling underperformance through to resolution
Criteria cont. Essential/ Desirable Assessed by: Application/ Interview process 18 19 20 F 21 G 22 23 24 H 25 26 27 28 29 In depth knowledge and experience of Child Protection, Safer Recruitment and Safe Guarding procedures Knowledge of the potential of ICT to enhance learning, interpret and analyse data and understand school information systems A commitment to and evidence of promoting diversity and equal opportunities within the Academy, curriculum and in employment practice SHAPING THE FUTURE Experience of and commitment to working with Trustees and the Governing Body to develop collaboratively a school vision which embraces excellence, high standards and inclusion STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY Successful experience of developing effective partnerships and involvement in wider networks in order to raise standards and the profile of the Academy Proven ability to plan strategically with the ability to deliver the Academy s vision and targets whilst empowering others to take them forward Successful experience of securing and raising standards in an inclusive school and working with external agencies locally, nationally and/or internationally PERSONAL QUALITIES AND SKILLS To have high expectations and personal integrity with the ability to promote the values, culture and ethos of the Academy To be astute and perceptive with strong analytical skills with the ability to use sound judgement to anticipate and to resolve conflict and issues imaginatively To be proactive, innovative and versatile with a high level of drive, energy, enthusiasm and a sense of humour To be articulate and approachable with excellent interpersonal communication skills both verbally and in writing To be able to relate empathetically to parent/carers, staff, students, Governors, trustees and the wider community E D A I 30 To be able to prioritise, plan and organise effectively I 31 32 DEVELOPING SELF AND WORKING WITH OTHERS To be a high profile role model with a professional approach that demands excellence, confidence, trust and respect of the Academy and wider community To show a commitment to developing a staff who have the necessary skills and knowledge to raise standards, promote equality, respect diversity and challenge stereotypes to promote the rights of children and young people 33 To demonstrate the importance of a work life balance J 34 IMPROVING THE LIFE CHANCES OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Recognition of the role parents, carers and families play in helping children and young people thrive and succeed in their learning 4 4
HOW TO APPLY Please complete the TES online application form. When completing the supporting statement section, please refer to the job description and person specification. The supporting statement should also include reference to why you are the right person for this specific role at Onslow St Audrey s School. If you have any questions or would like a general conversation about the role, or arrange a visit to the School, please contact Susan Poole, Vice-Chair of Governors on 07986 650086 or SPoole@onslow.herts.sch.uk. The closing date and time is 10pm, Monday 19th March. The assessment and selection process will take place on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th March.
Old Rectory Drive, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 8AB Tel: 01707 264228