DEPUTY HEAD - OPERATIONS

www.woldinghamschool.co.uk INTRODUCTION

Welcome to - a happy and successful Catholic Everyone who works here, regardless of their role, plays their part boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Building on a in helping us to make our school the dynamic place that it is. pioneering heritage that stretches back 175 years, we are driving In return, we ensure that our colleagues have the support an exciting future underpinned by fresh ideas, an innovative they need to grow, thrive and succeed. Our commitment to spirit and state-of-the-art facilities – all alive with the creative professional development is an important part of that, but it is energy of over 500 young minds. We develop confident and also something that is ingrained in our culture and ethos. We all compassionate young women who are curious, ambitious and work together, sharing ideas, responsibilities and ambitions for ready to take on the challenges of today’s world. our school, our pupils and ourselves.

As a school, our focus is on nurturing girls who understand about courage, confidence and integrity. We provide a first class, holistic education for girls, where academic success is achieved by a broad cohort and balanced by a rich co-curricular programme. Pupils here are happy, lively and engaged; they leave us empowered and inspired to make a positive impact in the Mrs Alex Hutchinson MA (Oxon) world. Headmistress

1 SCHOOL HISTORY ABOUT US

Woldingham School was founded in 1842 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, with a legacy of Sacred Heart principles and values. These focus on respect for intellectual values, a sense of community, social awareness, the importance of personal growth and the development of faith. In the early 1980s, the Society decided to commit the school to lay management and its name was changed from the Convent of the Sacred Heart to Woldingham School. Today we welcome staff and girls from all faiths, and indeed none at all; our focus on the Sacred Heart goals remains integral to our ethos.

LOOKING AHEAD

Woldingham School has four strategic principles that shape our decision making and direction.

AWARENESS of trends and challenges

DYNAMISM of decisions, people and curriculum

RESILIENCE of people and operations

SUSTAINABILITY of reputation, organisation and infrastructure

LOCATION

The school is set in a beautiful 700 acre estate within the picturesque Hills. We enjoy excellent transport links: Woldingham rail station is within the grounds, providing a direct 25 minute journey to Clapham and a 35 minute journey to London Victoria. Junction 6 of the M25 is just a ten minute drive away.

2 FACILITIES

Woldingham students benefit from an exceptional range of facilities for learning and for leisure. Our classrooms, laboratories, and art studios boast state-of-the-art learning technologies, while our 600 seat auditorium and professional studio theatre provide industry-standard performance spaces. When it comes to sports, there is everything here for all levels of ability – from a large hall, squash courts, fitness, dance and gymnastics studios to an indoor tennis dome, swimming pool and extensive outdoor courts and all-weather pitches.

CURRICULUM

Our broad and balanced curriculum gives each girl the opportunity to develop her areas of personal interest and strength. All students study English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, three Sciences, Religious Studies and at least one foreign language up to GCSE/IGCSE level. Our Sixth Form students have the choice of following three or four A Levels across a range of 27 different subjects. They also have the opportunity to pursue an additional curriculum, which may include an Extended Project Qualification, a sports leadership award, an entrepreneurship programme or an online university course. Throughout their time at Woldingham, girls can supplement their curriculum learning with many academic enrichment opportunities – ranging from societies for debating, dissection and philosophy through to extra qualifications in areas such as Mathematics and Greek.

EXAM RESULTS & RANKINGS

2018 once again saw our girls achieve excellent results, with 67% of GCSE grades at A* or A. At A Level, 61% of grades were A* or A, with 85% of girls achieving A*-B grades. Value-added metrics are excellent with pupils typically achieving a grade higher at GCSE than their assessed potential. Pupils progress mainly to Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge, and an increasing number to prestigious North American institutions. In 2018, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) placed Woldingham in its top band ‘excellent’ in all areas.

3 CO-CURRICULAR PASTORAL CARE

ACTIVITIES Woldingham is a home from home – one in which we nurture respect for self, respect for each other and respect for the Life at Woldingham extends well beyond the classroom and we environment we live in. We are a community which promotes firmly believe in the importance of a well-rounded education, team spirit and builds friendships that last a lifetime. The school where co-curricular commitments enrich everyone’s experiences. celebrates an equal mix of day pupils and boarders which helps to Our co-curricular programme runs at lunchtimes, after school broaden perspectives and opportunity. Within each year group, and at weekends, giving every girl the opportunity to pursue her girls are assigned to one of the four Houses, so they also have own interests – whether that is competing in a sport at national the opportunity to compete, celebrate and come together with level or simply tackling something new for the fun of it. members of their House throughout the school. Woldingham’s From music and drama to archery, football, creative writing, THRIVE programme promotes lifelong learning, resilience mindfulness and more, there is something for everyone. and well-being.

4 THE ROLE

OVERVIEW

The Deputy Head Operations will be an outstanding leader who is a convincing ambassador for this busy boarding and day school and who commands the respect of students, staff, parents and Governors.

The Deputy Head Operations will be an experienced leader with exceptional skills of planning and organisation, who is a strong communicator, decisive, with abundant problem solving skills.

The Deputy Head Operations will be a well-qualified and dynamic teacher with vision, gravitas, warmth and humour, who works positively with other professionals and derives satisfaction from supporting children and young people.

The Deputy Head Operations forms one part of a team of three Deputy Heads who work closely and collaboratively to ensure the smooth running of Woldingham School’s educational operations.

This is a new role and it is expected that it will evolve according to the postholder’s skills and specific areas of strategic interest.

PURPOSE To form one part of a team of three Deputy Heads who work closely and collaboratively to:

• Assist the Headmistress in communicating and delivering the vision for the school.

• Ensure that Woldingham School is a great place to work.

• Ensure that the students receive the best possible holistic educational experience.

• Uphold high standards of pupil welfare, discipline, dress and behaviour within all aspects of school life.

• Deputise for the Headmistress, as required.

• Exercise academic, operational and pastoral leadership . in school

• Enable the Headmistress to: exercise strategic leadership and to focus on the strategic vision for the school, to lead the change programme set out in the School’s Strategic Development Plan (SSDP) and to hone key relationships that relate directly to the future direction of the school.

And in particular:

• To provide leadership, oversight and direct co-ordination of the day-to-day organisation of Woldingham School.

Accountability

• Accountable to the Headmistress for the successful delivery of the post’s requirements.

5 Principal Responsibilities Day to Day Management School Leadership Team of the School • To lead and co-ordinate the day-to-day operational • Member of the School Leadership Team (SLT): this is comprised management of the school. of the Headmistress, the DFRO, the Deputy Head Academic, the Deputy Head People, the Deputy Head Operations, the • To approve such matters as staff requests for leave of absence Director of Marketing, the Head of Marden and the Head of and the monitoring of staff absences. Sixth Form. • To co-ordinate day-to-day school procedures such as • To assume line management of certain academic departments registration, assemblies, Year and House Meetings and changes as directed by the Headmistress. to routine. • To attend Governors’ Committees, as agreed by the • To oversee the construction and content of the school Calendar Headmistress and Chair of Governors. and Term Diary, liaising with key staff and chairing the Calendar Meetings each term. • As directed by the Headmistress, to work with the other members of SLT to develop and implement the School’s • To act as the school’s Educational Visits Co-ordinator, managing Strategic Development Plan. the programme of all educational visits and trips, exercising an overview and ensuring all necessary risk assessments are carried • To work with all members of the SLT to uphold high standards of out; overseeing the tasks of the Head of Boarding in relation to pupil welfare, discipline, behaviour, punctuality and dress code approving day and weekend trips. within all aspects of school life. • To take responsibility for allocation of House Tutors to • To support the Marketing, Development and Registry Tutor groups. Departments in new initiatives. • To co-ordinate arrangements for staff meetings, inset, new staff • To deliver occasional whole school and year group assemblies. induction and conferences. • Within the context of the SSDP framework, the Deputy Head • To co-ordinate the beginning and end of term arrangements Operations will have responsibility for ensuring the school’s and other routine staff communication. compliance with the Independent Schools Inspectorate requirements and for developing appropriate ISI compliance • To work with the Transport Officer to assist in co-ordination of action plans, and also for the Section 48 Diocesan Inspection, the school’s transport system. in conjunction with the Chaplain and Head of Theology. • To promote the House system within the school, taking • To assist the Headmistress in the employee lifecycle of staff responsibility for leadership of Heads of House, and the (as required) from recruitment, resourcing, training, people induction and training of Heads of House. management, development, performance and reward. • To act as daytime Fire Officer and taking responsibility for emergency fire procedures between 08.30 and 16.30 on With the Deputy Head Academic and Deputy Head People: weekdays. • To design the agenda for staff conferences and staff meetings • To line manage the Directors of Drama, Sport and Music in their and to assist in their delivery. extra-curricular planning and hold regular meetings with these Heads of Department. • To develop, lead and review the Student Voice programme. • To act as Line Manager for the Extra-Curricular Co-ordinator • To lead and develop the team of tutors. who is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of • To monitor, review and track Rewards and Sanctions. the school’s extra-curricular programme and the Saturday Active programme. • To work with the Senior Teacher (Staff Development) and the Senior Teacher (T&L) to ensure the delivery of a well-planned • To organise daytime duties for teaching staff. programme of CPD training for all staff. • To oversee the planning, co-ordination and organisation • To work with the Senior Teacher (Staff Development) to develop of major whole school and House events, including Foundation and implement the induction of new staff. Day, Celebration of Achievement, Prize Day and the Carol Service. • To support staff with regard to routine disciplinary matters and, with the other Deputy Heads, to take responsibility for any • To oversee the school’s programme of Outreach Activities. referrals not serious enough to warrant the involvement of • To line manage the School Office. the Headmistress. 6 Quality Assurance

• To monitor the quality of the extra-curricular provision and the House system.

Communications and Marketing

• To co-ordinate and approve the weekly clarion messages to parents. • To communicate necessary information to parents regarding calendar and school routines. • To attend all parent-teacher meetings. • To oversee the annual updating of all calendar material and the key information leaflet. • To monitor and, where necessary, amend and update, the calendar/school routines content of the website. Residential • To ensure that all significant operational changes are effectively Accommodation communicated to existing and potential parents. It will be a considerable advantage if the postholder is able to • To liaise with Registry on the admissions events throughout the be resident on the school campus where they may live in rental school year. accommodation, according to suitable availability. If resident • To assist the school wherever necessary in the effective on site, additional duties include: marketing of co-curricular successes and achievements. • To assist the SLT in sharing weekend responsibility on site • To act as a co-curricular ambassador for the school to bodies in rotation. such as HMC and GSA. • To provide emergency cover for absent House staff. • To keep the Headmistress informed of any matter that may • To escort students on Doctor/Hospital visits. impact on parental or external relationships. • To attend the Woldingham Parents and Staff Association Events Committee meetings. General

• The post has shared PA support. • To teach a reduced timetable. • The post holder will be expected to carry out such other duties as reasonably requested by the Headmistress that are commensurate with its level of responsibility.

School Policies and Procedures

• To take responsibility, in liaison with the DFRO, for co-ordinating the full range of school policies and procedures and for ensuring both their annual review by nominated sponsors and consistency of content and presentation amongst the full range of school publications.

7 PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Outstanding educationalist with a proven track record Leadership of success. • A well-qualified graduate. • Commands the respect of students, staff, parents and • Articulate in all forms of communication. An accomplished Governors, with the appropriate gravitas to deputise for public speaker; fluent and accurate written and spoken English. the Headmistress when required. • Excellent time management skills. • Strives for the highest standards at all times. • Ability to market the school effectively. • Calm, positive and measured whilst under pressure. • Excellent IT skills. • A confident decision maker. • A reliable and precise proof-reader. • The ability to communicate enthusiasm and vision to the staff and pupils. • A person with an interest in, and aptitude for, the collection, analysis and communication of statistical data. • The ability to lead and manage people to work towards a common goal. • The ability to blend firmness, patience and empathy when Ethos and Whole School Values dealing with difficult situations.

• An individual with a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of Personal Behaviours the staff and students in their care. • Committed to operating as part of the school community. • Resilient and optimistic; someone who is willing to go the extra • Committed to the Sacred Heart Values. mile in the busy life of a boarding and day school. • Committed to Woldingham as a school with high academic • Ability to identify problems and bring positive solutions. standing providing a holistic education and outstanding pastoral care. • An outstanding communicator who is dynamic, innovative and able to capture an audience. • Flexible and adaptable, with energy, stamina and enthusiasm. Safeguarding and Pastoral • Empathetic, with excellent listening skills. • Kind and broad-minded. • Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young People. • Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and to work as part of a team. • A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS.

Operational Excellence DESIRABLE

• Experience of boarding. • Exceptional levels of planning and organisation, with outstanding attention to detail. • Strategic understanding of educational developments. • Significant initiative and drive, allied to the ability to work quickly and accurately.

8 HOW TO APPLY

Applications, addressed to the Headmistress, Mrs Alex Hutchinson, should include the completed application form and a covering letter summarising your suitability for the role.

Application forms should be submitted by email to: The closing date for the applications is: [email protected] 9:00am on Monday 11 March 2019. Interviews will be held week beginning: If candidates prefer to send their application by Monday 18 March 2019. mail, it should be addressed to:

Ameeth Sarai Head of HR Woldingham School Marden Park Woldingham Surrey CR3 7YA

Woldingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection and screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

109 GETTING HERE

Woldingham School is set in an impressive 700 acre estate within the Surrey Hills, inside the M25 and with a train station in its grounds providing direct trains to London every 30 minutes. Gatwick and Heathrow Airports are 20 and 45 minutes away respectively and junction 6 of the M25 is only ten minutes’ drive from the school.

BY ROAD BY TRAIN

(N.B. If using SatNav please use the postcode CR3 7LR Woldingham station is on the /East Grinstead/Uckfield line, – please do not use Google Maps). 35 minutes from London (Victoria and London Bridge); it may be necessary to change at East Croydon from London Bridge. From M25 Woldingham station is in the school grounds, about 1.5 miles Junction 6 of the is approximately 4 miles from from the school. We are happy to collect visitors from the station the school; at this point join the A22 northbound (signposted to and we would ask that you request this service in advance of ‘’ then ‘Croydon’ and ‘London’). your visit. You should make your way to the private car park via the small exit on platform 1 where you will be collected. At Wapses Lodge roundabout (first roundabout on A22 off Alternatively, the local taxi service, Catax, can be contacted junction 6) take the Woldingham exit. After passing the stables on 01883 345151. on the left, please slow down and look out for buildings and a viaduct on the right (approximately 0.5 miles after Wapses Lodge roundabout).

At the school sign, take the road on the right leading under the viaduct arch. The school drive is 2 miles long.

From London Take the A23 southbound. When you reach the large junction at Purley, turn left onto the A22 signposted to East Grinstead. Follow it through . You will reach Wapses Lodge roundabout. Continue as directions above.

Our Location

Woldingham School Marden Park, Woldingham Surrey CR3 7YA (Sat Nav: CR3 7LR) +44 (0)1883 349431 +44 (0)1883 348653 [email protected]

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