Transcription

1 Staines Preparatory School Appointment of Head Teacher

2 Introduction The current Headmaster, Mr. Peter Roberts, will be retiring in August His 34 years of outstanding service to the School, initially as a teacher and since 1998 as Head Teacher, have demonstrated vision, commitment and leadership of the highest order. Those qualities have resulted in our current strong position including superb brand new facilities and a roll which has grown by 20% during the recent recession. The Governors of Staines Preparatory School are seeking to appoint a new Head Teacher to build on those achievements, maintain and develop the excellent learning environment which nutures individuals and supports a well rounded education and inspire pupils, parents and staff alike. Ethos Staines Preparatory School offers an excellent all-round education. It isn t just about passing exams though our pupils do well at that too! It s also about developing a positive attitude to life, good citizenship, physical well-being and a hunger for knowledge. The School endeavours to foster consideration and understanding of the needs of others.

3 The School Facilities Governance and Management Staines Preparatory School (SPS) is a long established independent co-educational day school for boys and girls aged from 2½ through to 11. Since its founding in 1935 the School has maintained a reputation for high standards of education, pastoral care and for producing pupils who are thoughtful, courteous and considerate of the needs of others. SPS aims for each pupil to achieve their potential within a secure, happy environment that allows them to grow in confidence and flourish as individuals. They are thoroughly prepared for the competitive entrance examinations at 11+ and their transfer into the secondary phase. The vast majority of pupils gain places at local independent secondary schools, such as Hampton School, Halliford School, Sir William Perkins s School, Lady Eleanor Holles School, St George s College and St James Senior Boys School, as well as the maintained grammar schools in Kingston, Slough and Buckinghamshire. The School believes in providing a broad curriculum, which also has depth and the children study topics in detail. They benefit from specialist teaching throughout the School in ICT, PE, French and Music and subject teachers are used for all lessons from Year 4 to 6. Excellent, creative learning opportunities exist in Science, Art, Design and Technology (ADT) and Music and a wide range of extra curricular activities are also available. The facilities in our brand new Founders Building support this with the provision of ADT, Music and Science Suites that are the envy of many secondary schools. Sport has a high profile with regular fixtures against other schools, tournaments and inter-house competitions. Included within the Founders Building is The Peter Roberts Hall, a full sized, well-equipped sports/performing arts hall with optional seating for 250 people and a first floor viewing gallery designed with younger children in mind. Academic achievement is demonstrated by well above average attainment and consistently excellent external examination results (including scholarships) at both independent and grammar schools. A range of educational visits brings the curriculum alive. Our philosophies include: Providing education which: o Keeps abreast of current educational thinking. o Employs appropriate staff to ensure pupils attain their potential. Open, multi-ethnic, non-selective access by: o Keeping fees low through good fiscal management. o Use of the Burges Bursary Fund to widen support of lower income families. The generation of sufficient reserves to develop standards of education in the light of changing needs and expectations. The continued improvement of the School s facilities, to ensure growing opportunities for our pupils and the School s long term viability. The School is set in 3.75 acres and is very close to Staines station. It is also within easy walking distance of the town centre and the River Thames. Heathrow is 15 minutes away and there is easy access to the M25, M3, M4 and M40. A continued programme of facility improvement has taken place over recent years. The most recent example, the Founders Building, came into full use at the start of this academic year. It boasts three specialised suites, five classrooms and a full sized, fully equipped, sports hall with theatre facilities. Professional Membership The current Head Teacher is a member of IAPS, and it is expected that the successful candidate will seek membership. The Bursar is a member of ISBA, the Governing Body is a member of AGBIS and the Registrar is a member of AMDIS. The School has charitable status, as the Staines Preparatory School Trust, and is a company limited by guarantee. The Board of Governors meet each term and have sub-committees including Education, Staffing, Finance & General Purposes, Property and Marketing. The Head is supported by a Management Team which includes the Bursar, Deputy Head and Heads of Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

4 The Role The Governors are seeking to recruit a caring and inspirational Head for a growing and successful School where leadership, vision, empathy and communication skills are vital. The key aspects of the role include: Ensuring that safeguarding best practice is at the forefront of our activities Equitable development of all pupils Developing and building on the successes of recent years whilst maintaining the School s ethos The success and effectiveness of the School s day-to-day operations Cherishing and improving the School s reputation and standing within local communities Working with the Governors to develop and implement strategies that enable the School to grow and prosper in a changing world and tactics that enable speedy and effective proaction and reaction Supporting the career development of staff Implementing best practice and continuous improvement in teaching and learning skills Developing existing staff appraisal processes for the benefit of staff and pupils Pupil recruitment and building strong links with relevant nursery and secondary schools Communicating effectively with all stakeholders and building upon current relationships Broadening the School s catchment areas.

5 Skills and Personal Qualities A deep seated belief in the values of personal development and excellent education built upon a broad curriculum in an opportunity rich environment A proven track record as an exemplary teacher / leader with time for all and a demonstrable belief in inclusivity and mutual support Forward thinking with the ability to embrace the SPS ethos and outstanding new facilities before taking the school forward through its next stages of development in a measured manner Capable of developing a clear vision for the School, portraying that vision to others and enthusing their active support Experience of primary education and a sympathetic deep knowledge of early years education coupled with a commitment to all pupils within our age ranges and an enjoyment of their diverse individualities Strength of character supported by a personable approach and a self evident belief in being accessible by all stakeholders Strong all round communication skills and the skill sets necessary to effectively manage the relationships with those paying our fees A persuasive ability to enthuse, delegate and organise whilst managing change within an established team culture IT abilities commensurate with a modern, leading edge, fully integrated educational establishment An understanding of the future challenges for independent schooling An understanding of the values of both independent and grammar school secondary education A positive approach to the benefits of diverse opportunities in non academic areas University educated with intellectual gravitas and personal presence Motivational energetic, enthusiastic, charismatic, empathetic and caring A good sense of humour and fun.

6 Terms of Appointment Remuneration Package to be mutually agreed The post is pensionable through the Teachers Pension Scheme Private health cover is provided Fee remission for children attending the school The appointment will be subject to a successful medical examination, references and safeguarding procedures The post will be vacant from the 1st of September How to Apply Applications should be either ed to: hr@stainesprep.co.uk or posted to HR Department, at Staines Preparatory School. Your application should be comprised of: A completed application form A digital or hard copy photograph of yourself which will only be used by the Selectors and will be destroyed once the selection process has completed The inclusion of a CV is optional. The Process Closing date for applications: 4th November 2013 (midday) First Interviews: 12th & 15th November 2013 Final Interviews: 27th November 2013 Candidates will only be required to attend one of the First Interview days. Applicants should expect to be at the School for part of the First and all of the Final Interview Days. References will be requested ahead of the First Interview Day.