The Richmond upon Thames School

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1 The Richmond upon Thames School A new secondary school in Twickenham Information for candidates for Headteacher

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3 Welcome Dear Candidate, Thank you for taking an interest in our new secondary school in Twickenham. We re delighted to be creating a new school. The work our Trust has already done to develop this opportunity is well advanced and running to plan. The next important milestone is for us to appoint an exceptional person to lead the school and see our vision through to reality. This brochure details our aspiration for our school and should convey to you the scale of our ambition in developing this new educational provision for Twickenham. We have very high expectations. We want to establish a vibrant, inclusive school that provides an outstanding experience for every member of its community. Our new school will be an exciting and dynamic centre of learning that is able to draw upon the opportunities provided through the unique partnership that we have formed to develop it. We will ensure that it is a highly effective school that delivers a great education through experienced and qualified teachers. We expect the school to be rooted in its community and responsive to the people of Twickenham that it seeks to serve. We know that we will need someone special to bring all of these expectations to life. For all of us - trustees, children joining the school in 2017, their parents, our staff and possibly you as our Headteacher - this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We hope you will be able to see your place in this story and come forward to apply for this fascinating role. If we can help advise you as you consider your application, please feel free to make contact as we will be more than happy to discuss the process and the role with you. Graham Willett Trustee and Chair of The Richmond upon Thames College Free School Trust The Richmond upon Thames College Free School Trust Trustees: Cormac Bourne Haymarket Media Group Philippa Nunn Waldegrave School David Ellis Harlequins Football Club Mandy Skinner London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Robin Ghurbhurun Richmond upon Thames College Graham Willett on behalf of Achieving for Children Foreword The Richmond upon Thames School 1

4 An introduction to RTS RTS will provide an inspiring place for young people to learn and work purposefully towards achieving their best at all times. Our students will be valued as individuals, recognised for their talents and challenged in their endeavours. Our school will encourage an atmosphere that rewards hard work and expects high academic achievement, but will also provide an environment where children can develop as people and learn important life skills. Our pupils will emerge as confident, resilient individuals, who can build positive relationships and demonstrate commitment in everything they do. RTS will be a welcoming place where everyone is valued highly and where tolerance, honesty, cooperation and mutual respect for others are fostered. It will provide equal opportunities for all pupils regardless of disability, gender, race, religion or beliefs. We will also promote a shared sense of purpose among our students, teachers, parents, and governors, all working towards a common goal to make the best possible school for our children. Our team of talented staff will inspire and nurture students throughout their school life, delivering imaginative, stimulating lessons that will keep every child engaged. The school will be characterised by excellent working relationships with industry partners, giving students the best possible foundations for their future careers. Our partners will help shape the curriculum and set real-world projects, offer work experience and provide mentoring. Our unique access to real-world facilities through on-site partners, Harlequins, Haymarket Media Group, Richmond upon Thames College and Clarendon School, will offer students a huge range of opportunities that will transform their future employment potential and enhance both their personal and physical development. As leaders in ICT, we will also give every student the opportunity for safe and responsible access to the latest digital devices and encourage them to become the developers, not just the consumers, of future technology. As a new school, connecting with our local community is important to us. Through supporting local projects our students will be encouraged to participate in programmes that will widen their experiences and teach them the value of helping others. The school will also serve as a learning hub, providing a range of before- and after-school clubs, holiday activities, sports facilities hire and adult evening classes. 2 An introduction to RTS

5 An introduction to RTS Our Motto Excellence through endeavour Our Vision RTS will provide an inspiring, welcoming place for young people to learn that will help them develop the skills they need for both academic and personal success. Our pupils will emerge as wellrounded individuals who understand the rewards of hard work and appreciate the value of caring for others. Students at RTS will: Be confident and happy individuals who can build positive relationships with others and work purposefully towards achieving their very best at all times. Possess the knowledge, communication and technical skills necessary for success as they move into further education and the workplace. Have the motivation to work independently and conscientiously to achieve qualifications that reflect their full ability. Become lifelong learners with an insatiable curiosity about the world around them and a shared responsibility for their peers, the environment and wider society. An introducion to RTS The Richmond upon Thames School 3

6 About our school The School will be co-educational, non-selective and non-faith based. It will be for year olds and admit five forms of entry (150 children) per year. The new school will link directly to the College to provide sixth form opportunities for the school s students. The curriculum offer in the two institutions will be closely aligned to allow for the close planning of transition from school to college and for joint curriculum development and associated training. The school will grow year by year starting with Year 7 from September The trustees expect the Headteacher to make a significant contribution to the further shaping of the school and look forward to working with the successful candidate over the coming months. Our curriculum The school s curriculum will be based upon the national curriculum. Our intention is that this will be enhanced through collaboration with our partners. Enterprise will play a key part in the school s curriculum. Students will benefit from a programme of visiting lecturers, seminars and workshops organised and delivered by members of the Free School Trust, their clients and partners. Harlequins and the Haymarket Skills Academy will also contribute to careers evenings, events and work experience placements. The use of digital technologies will be commonplace and young people will be equipped with the skills to operate confidently and efficiently in a connected world. Haymarket will help develop the curriculum in these areas and through the Haymarket Skills Academy will provide access to the on-site, tech hub s state of the art facilities. The school s links with Harlequins and the College will also provide pupils with access to a very wide range of exercise, fitness and sporting activities, events and facilities. A significant amount of curriculum time will be devoted to physical activity which will be tailored to be accessible to all learners. There will be opportunities for study in health and fitness both within the school and through working with partners. Our pastoral support Our new school will be fully inclusive and devoted to its students success. To make this a reality, its curriculum will be underpinned by a strong pastoral system. It will be especially important for us to ensure that, as the first cohort of young people join, the school s inaugural Year 7, there is an effective pastoral system to support and nurture them and to cultivate their ambitions. We see investment in our pastoral care system as a key priority for achieving the high levels of motivation and curiosity we aspire to for our students. The school s links with Clarendon School will provide it with access to expert staff trained in a range of special educational needs. The Trust sees the co-location of the two schools as an innovative way of providing a range of mutually beneficial opportunities. 4 About out school

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8 Role description The Headteacher will provide professional leadership and management for our school, leading it through its final year of pre-opening, through to the recruitment and welcoming of its first cohort in 2017 and then on to becoming a successful and outstanding secondary school. The Headteacher will work with the Trust to implement a shared vision of a highly effective school, designed from the start to prepare its young people for the realities of the 21st century. The Headteacher will lead our strategic plan through to realisation. The Headteacher will provide leadership that inspires and motivates pupils, staff and all other members of the community. The Headteacher will take active responsibility in upholding high academic and ethical standards, ensuring care and support for all children studying at the school, across the full ability range. The Headteacher will manage the resources of the school in order to promote learning and to sustain a high level of outstanding performance. The duties and responsibilities of the Headteacher are: In leading and promoting the school To work with the Trust, the Twickenham community, staff and students to maintain and deliver a shared vision for the school. To interpret, develop and implement the founding vision and strategy for the school. To set, communicate and uphold high academic and ethical standards for all aspects of the school s performance. To establish and maintain a profile in the local community as a trusted and respected leader. In the leadership of teaching and learning To be a visible presence in the school, encouraging and promoting high-quality, innovative teaching. To celebrate effective teaching and learning, promoting reflective practice and professional growth. To develop relevant strategies for performance improvement. To acknowledge and reward excellent teaching and address poor performance in a fair and robust manner. To oversee the implementation of the school curriculum and ensure it is reviewed and developed to enable students to benefit from a stretching and supportive learning environment. To ensure that strategies for inclusion, diversity, access and pastoral support are upheld at all times and develop to meet the needs of the school s population. 6 Role description

9 Role description In community engagement To build strong, trusting relationships with parents, carers and members of the community. To be an ambassador for the school, effectively communicating the school s vision and ethos to a wide range of external audiences. To work with the school s Trust to ensure accountability for the school s performance and development. In educational culture To embody and promote the Trust s expectations for the culture of the school, where all students are provided with the foundations for life and essential personal skills are taught alongside a broad education. To be a visible, approachable figure among the school s students, investing time in building strong relationships with the student body and using its feedback to improve the school further. To deliver exceptional pastoral care, ensuring student welfare and personal, social and moral development underpins all decision-making. To ensure the co-curricular life of the school is a distinctive strand, through a broad and stimulating programme of enrichment and sport in keeping with the school s vision. In the management of the school To make good use of data to ensure strategic decisions achieve the school s aims. To work closely with the school s Business Manager to ensure effective financial and resource management. To recruit, retain and develop high calibre staff to ensure that the school s broad curriculum is delivered to the highest standard. To ensure continuing professional development is an integral part of the school s strategy. To delegate management tasks to the school s senior leaders, ensuring their implementation is effectively monitored. 7 Role description Description The Richmond upon Thames School 87

10 Person specification The Trust will seek to identify these attributes through the recruitment and selection process of application, certification, interviews, professional references and observation. The Trust will also make reference to the National standards of excellence for headteachers and candidates should familiarise themselves with this document prior to application. Essential Qualifications and Attainments Educated to Honours degree level or above. Qualified teacher status. Evidence of relevant Professional Development. Desirable Qualifications and Attainments Honours degree classed at 2.1 or above. Post graduate qualifications (e.g. NPQH, Masters degree/post graduate diplomas). Essential Qualities A deep and passionate commitment to the values and ethos of The Richmond upon Thames School (RTS). The ability to motivate, enthuse and engage with children and adults. An appetite for change and development. Flexibility and the capacity to handle the unexpected. Energy, vigour, perseverance, stamina and resilience. A commitment to personal and professional development. The ability to maintain professional relationships at all times, acting with authenticity and integrity. A resolute and decisive approach to conflict. A demonstrable commitment to a robust culture of high expectations and good quality care. The ability to challenge and improve performance. Creativity and a commitment to innovation, based on evidence of best practice and experimentation. The ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences including pupils, parents, teachers, associate staff and governors, as well as external contacts required by the role. Essential Knowledge Excellent professional knowledge and understanding developed in an established educational context. Models of learning and teaching, behaviour and attendance management. Strategies for ensuring inclusion, diversity and access. Current educational trends and issues, including national policies, priorities and legislation, underpinning school effectiveness. Curriculum design and management. Assessment strategies and the use of assessment to inform progress in teaching and learning. Principles and practice of quality assurance systems, including school review, selfevaluation and performance management. An understanding of the practical application of key strands of Trust s vision for the school. 8 Person specification

11 Person specification Desirable Knowledge Financial planning, budgetary management and principles of best value. Knowledge of primary and tertiary phases of education. An understanding of the duty on schools to promote British values. Essential Leadership and Management Skills Exceptional strategic planning skills with a proven ability to translate vision into clear, coherent plans. Outstanding classroom practitioner who can lead by example. Ability to manage change and work under pressure of changing circumstances. The ability to implement effective performance management and act on any issues that arise from the reviews. Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, coordinate, delegate and empower others. Leadership and management skills to improve and maintain attainment and success. An exceptional, collaborative, inspirational leader with proven ability to build positive working relationships, negotiate with and influence individuals and relevant groups. The ability to communicate with and account to a Trust Board. Authority and ability to inspire confidence in governors, teaching and associate staff, students and parents alike. Analysing and using the full range of evidence, including performance data and external evaluations to support, monitor, evaluate and improve aspects of the school, including challenging poor performance. A strong commitment to continuing professional development for all staff. Managing the school efficiently and effectively on a day-to-day basis. Essential Experience Experience as a member of the senior leadership team in a school. Experience of whole school responsibility academic and/or pastoral. A track record of success in raising achievement and bringing about improvement. Experience of working in high performing schools. Experience of implementing strategies that encourage parents and carers to support their children s learning. Desirable Experience Experience as a Headteacher. Experience of teaching in at least two schools. Essential Safeguarding Practice Evidence of commitment to promoting the health, welfare and safeguarding of children. Evidence of promoting, implementing and monitoring equal opportunities across the full range of protected characteristics. An understanding of Child Protection procedures and a commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. Successful completion of Secretary of State (NCSL, CWDC or local authority) approved safer recruitment training or a commitment to do so before taking up the post. The ability to develop and sustain a safe, secure and healthy school environment, ensuring an understanding of the legal and regulatory issues related to managing a school. Person specification The Richmond upon Thames School 9

12 Richmond Education and Enterprise Campus Since 2013 Richmond upon Thames College, Haymarket Media Group, Harlequins, Clarendon School, Waldegrave School, Richmond Council and Achieving for Children have been working together to create an Education and Enterprise Campus on the College site on Egerton Road in Twickenham. Our ambition is to create an outstanding Campus for education, skills and enterprise. The Campus will provide a new innovative college of further and higher education working in partnership with Haymarket, Harlequins, their partners and other successful global companies and local employers; a new, much needed 11-16, five form secondary school; purpose built accommodation for Clarendon School s secondary pupils (and for the pupils of the Newhouse Centre, which Clarendon manages); and, Haymarket s new tech hub and digital media incubator. In June 2014, the Department for Education gave conditional approval for the Richmond upon Thames College Free School Trust to establish the new secondary school on the College site. An Outline Planning Application for the Campus was submitted (by the College) over the summer 2015 and there is an agreed programme to achieve formal consent early in The detailed work on building specifications, design and precise layout for each of the Campus constituent parts is now well underway and detailed Reserved Matters applications will be submitted as soon as Outline Planning consent has been granted. The target date for the commencement of construction works on site is May 2016, with the new secondary school and phase 1 of the College re-development opening to students in September The Campus approach will enable a new model of learning integrated with enterprise, delivering high quality education hand in hand with developing young people s skills, offering work opportunities and jobs. Although located in Twickenham, the Education and Enterprise Campus is an opportunity for London, drawing students from across the Capital. Our partners, Haymarket and Harlequins are both incredibly successful both at home and globally and this will bring an exciting additional dimension to this project. This is a unique opportunity. The co-location of the school with the College and Clarendon introduces some exciting possibilities for collaboration, integration and cross-sector working. For more information on this exciting proposal see the Richmond Education and Enterprise Campus website ( 10 Richmond Education and Enterprise Campus The Richmond upon Thames School 10

13 What our partners will bring to RTS Achieving for Children: Expertise in curriculum design, staffing, recruitment and school leadership Integration into the strong collaborative partnership that exists within the local family of schools Support for school improvement through its very successful local alliance of schools SPA[RK] Support and challenge to constantly keep provision under review and improving Support for the school in all that it does for young people. Richmond Council: Project management support, expertise and resources to progress the project through pre-opening and ensure the successful delivery of the school Governance advice and support as the school develops its governance arrangements Expertise and resources to facilitate communications and engagement with students, parents, local residents and other key stakeholders Support the school s work with local stakeholders and broker opportunities to work with partners. Harlequins: Help create a best in class sporting programme for all age groups and levels across a range of sports to encourage participation and healthy living Access to elite professional athletes and the experts from their industries including health and nutrition, strength and conditioning, leadership and management Access to Harlequins facilities for example restaurant-standard kitchens and first-class sporting facilities Curriculum support Work experience Workshops delivered for students to work with mentors on leadership, management and several areas of professional sport Invitations for student groups to work on projects which Harlequins are undertaking, including being a part of tendering processes or designing marketing collateral for supporters and the general public. Harlequins Rugby Ground - The Stoop What our partners will bring to RTS The Richmond upon Thames School 11

14 What our partners will bring to RTS Haymarket Media Group: Media days Providing lectures, seminars and access to some of Haymarket s facilities, expected to take place twice per school year Career support presentations and workshops offering students in years 10 and 11 advice on their careers, CV preparation, interviews, etc. Work experience Around ten placements offered per year Use of facilities Use of Haymarket s facilities on a basis to be determined Qualifications Explore linking Haymarket s offering with various vocational qualifications Sparkle Exploring opportunities that can be brought about by Haymarket s work with high profile figures and organisations. Richmond upon Thames College: Provide a wide range of academic and technical pathways not usually accessible to schools or sixth forms Provide access to higher learning skills coupled with employability and enterprise development Access to a large professional teaching and support staff team Expertise and culture of working with state of the art, specialist facilities created to reflect real working commercial and industrial environments. Waldegrave School: Staff and the school s governing body will offer their experience and expertise to support the development of the school, including the new school s Headteacher. Haymarket Media Group photo shoot 12 What our partners will bring to RTS

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16 For more information about this position and The Richmond upon Thames School, go to: or contact or