Housemaster of The Priory September 2021 JOB DESCRIPTION | HOUSEMASTER OF THE PRIORY

Contents

From the Headmaster ……………………………….. p. 2 An introduction to School……………….….. p. 3 A Global Family of Schools ……….……….……….. p. 5 The Priory …………………………..….…………..… p. 6 Key Areas of Responsibility ….………...... …….. p. 8 Candidate Qualities…………………………………… p. 12 Teaching at Repton………...………………………… p. 13 Information for Candidates ..……………………….. p. 14

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From the Headmaster

Repton is a wonderful and inspiring place to A major programme of investment and work: one of the UK’s foremost co- expansion has been completed across both educational boarding and day schools, Repton and in recent years, located in the heart of the English and Repton International now has schools in countryside, yet within easy reach of major Dubai (2), (2), China, and cities; strengthened by a history that goes Malaysia with plans to open a further four back over a thousand years, yet with a keen over the next few years. eye on the challenges of the twenty first century. We are a school with ambition and purpose, eager to employ and reward teachers who The House is in a true sense every share our values and aims. Accommodation Reptonian’s home in the School – the place will be provided, and with a commitment where pupils eat, sleep, work and live; to invest in the professional development of where their most enduring relationships with our staff, a generous fee-remission scheme peers and members of staff are born; and a and continued participation in the Teachers’ secure, stable base within the busy life of a Pension Scheme, Repton is a very attractive . It is under the expert care place to work. of the Housemaster that pupils are encouraged to develop academically, I hope very much that you will read this socially and in all aspects of their document with interest and I encourage you extracurricular life. We are looking for a to apply. Housemaster who can lead The Priory with care and commitment, building on all that is already great about this thriving boys boarding house.

Mr Mark Semmence Headmaster

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An Introduction to Repton School

Repton is the ancient capital of Mercia, and the School, founded in 1557 from a bequest from Sir John Port of Etwall, was established on the site of a 7th century Anglo-Saxon Benedictine abbey and latterly a 12th century Augustinian priory.

The School today incorporates many of the original buildings from the estate, namely, the Guest Chamber and Prior’s Lodging (which as the Old Priory currently houses the School Library and Common Room), Overton’s Tower, Tithe Barn, and the Arch. The latter is all that now remains of the Priory’s original gatehouse and which helped inspire the School’s motto: porta vacat culpa.

Today Repton is a world class, modern, flourishing community with a clear sense of purpose and momentum. As a pre-eminent co-educational and boarding and day school, Repton provides an exceptional broad-based education, blending heritage with the pursuit of excellence in a 21st century context, offering world class facilities as well as high quality teaching and pastoral care.

The School has a thousand pupils across the Prep and Senior School, making it large enough to achieve excellence in and out of the classroom, yet small enough for individuals to grow and flourish. At Repton Senior, each pupil, whether day or boarding, is a member of a House, of which there are 10 (six for boys and four for girls).

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Academic standards are high and creative activities, including music, art, drama and design, flourish. The School has a national profile in sport, in particular in football, hockey and swimming. Our pupils thrive both in and out of the classroom and they develop the skills, qualities and values that will lead to a successful life.

Whilst Repton is undoubtedly modern in terms of practice and outlook, the traditional values of encouraging pupils to aim high whilst showing respect for all are still of utmost importance. The School continues its strong educational vision, recognising the importance of being able to offer a Repton education to potential pupils from all backgrounds by providing scholarships and bursaries in a wide range of subjects. The School’s considerable strengths were recognised in the 2020 ISI Inspection which found Repton to be ‘Excellent’ in each of the areas examined. The inspectors judged that Repton pupils ‘achieve highly and make excellent progress across the wide range of academic and extra- curricular opportunities available to them’. The School was found to have met all the requirements of the ISI Regulatory Compliance Inspection.

Repton and Repton Prep have always enjoyed a very close relationship and in 2020, the schools became a through-school with the aim of securing the very best pupil outcomes. Robert Relton, the Head of Repton Prep reports to Mark Semmence as Headmaster of Repton and Chief Executive of both schools.

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A Global Family of Schools

Repton was a leader amongst British schools in the international market with the establishment of Repton School Dubai in 2007. From this has sprung the Repton Family of Schools, the development of a global community which is key to Repton’s future vision. Currently, Repton has schools in Dubai (2), Abu Dhabi (2), China, and Malaysia with plans to open a further four more over the next few years.

The additional income generated by our overseas schools provides a financial support that will enable Repton to select pupils simply on merit and without regard to their parents’ financial means. The Headmaster and Senior Management Team play a key role in shaping the growth of Repton International as a leading educational brand.

Repton also currently has three schools in the UK (Repton, Repton Prep and St Wystan’s) with the ambition to increase its UK family of schools.

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The Priory

The Priory is a flourishing, successful boarding house providing home to 60 boys, boarding and day, aged between 13 and 18. After nine years as its Housemaster, Dr Nathaniel Pitts will be taking up the position of Assistant Head (Academic) at Repton.

The building that now houses the boys of The Priory was built by J. M. Gurney, a Repton master, as a school house and opened in 1885 under the name of St. Wystan’s. Gurney retired from being an active housemaster in 1901 and in his will he left the house to the school. A new wing containing two studies, was added, the building was renamed The Priory House, and in 1921 the boys of the original Priory House, housed in what we now know as The Old Priory, moved under S.S. Jenkyns to their new home. Apart from a new dormitory built in 1927, the Priory remained unchanged in structure until the 1980s when ‘new wing’ was added and then extended. Accommodation for a resident tutor and their family was the most recent addition to the building in 2017.

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Substantial refurbishments to the House have enabled a happy marriage between much-loved, traditional features and all the facilities of modern boarding life. Current Priory pupils have access to a multi-media world with full wifi capability, while still enjoying the games of pool and table tennis in the two common rooms and the use of two cooking areas, that previous generations will have enjoyed. The traditional, panelled dining room is the heart of the House in which all meals are taken. Here, pupils, staff and guests can enjoy delicious food freshly prepared by the in-house chef. A sense of history is important and Priory boys are as proud now to get their house ties and their names on the house boards as they ever were, proud to be part of a legacy which includes author , test cricketer Chris Adams and, of course, TV presenter , all of whom spent their formative years in the house.

The Priory provides a wonderful environment for teenagers to develop into rounded, polite and purposeful young men. and critically, it is one in which the boys feel safe and comfortable; one in which they work hard and are given advice and support as they grow towards university and the world of work. It is also a place where they feel at home; where they can relax, play cricket, football, or simply enjoy each other’s company in the house garden (arguably the best in the School) as part of a unique house community.

Much then may have altered, but some things never change: core values remain and, regardless of technological, educational or constructional transformations in the intervening years, Old Reptonians from The Priory, returning to their old house, would appreciate and recognise the friendliness, loyalty and ambition of the boys here today.

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Key Areas of Responsibility

This is the best job a teacher can have. No other affords the depth of relationships with pupils as this one does – the chance to work with parents and staff to shape and guide a pupil’s life with care and compassion as a Repton Housemaster.

Living amongst some sixty pupils requires a genuine interest in young people, the gift both to enthuse and to listen, to be an example of kindness and tolerance and to have the stamina to deliver unwavering support through the school year. It is an undoubted challenge for an individual of the highest calibre but it offers a breadth of experience and a satisfaction that is unrivalled in education.

Repton School holds a very strong reputation for excellence in its pastoral care and this exciting opportunity offers the The Housemaster is responsible for successful candidate the chance to take full maintaining the highest standards within the responsibility for a full and thriving boarding House at all times, so that parental and house. pupil confidence in the House is high and that demand for places is strong. Following The position reports directly into the Deputy National Minimum Standards and ISI Head Pastoral, who works collaboratively regulatory requirements relating to boarding with the Houseparent team across the and safeguarding, the Housemaster also School’s ten Houses. Steered by a has responsibility for the welfare and safety consistent pastoral approach, there is of pupils in his or her charge and stands in considerable scope however for the loco parentis. individual’s ideas, energy and personality to shine through to foster a unique home-from- This is a varied and highly rewarding role, home that can make a significant difference which requires a broad range of skills and is to the lives of the boys in the House. suited to an experienced teacher with a genuine commitment to education and Leading an experienced team of house staff boarding life. The Housemaster will eat all – including a Resident Tutor, a live-in meals in the House with the boys and live in matron and four other tutors – it is the a substantial and well-appointed four- Housemaster’s responsibility to ensure the bedroom, two-bathroom family home in the highest levels of support of the boys in their private side of the boarding House, with a academic, extra-curricular and personal considerable private garden. development.

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Pupil Welfare and Discipline

The Housemaster will:

• ensure the safety and welfare of every pupil in the House, in accordance with Child Protection procedures and school safeguarding policies.

• create an environment in which every pupil feels valued and secure and can develop to his or her full potential academically, personally and in extra-curricular interests.

• encourage pupils to play a full part in the life of the School

• ensure that pupils are familiar with the School Rules and understand the expectations regarding all aspects of their conduct.

• investigate all allegations or instances of inappropriate behaviour where appropriate in tandem with the Deputy Head Pastoral and the Principal Deputy Head. Where sanctions are applied, these must be in accordance with School policy and properly administered.

• ensure that pupils’ appearance reflects credit on the School and is in accordance with the School’s Dress Regulations.

• maintain full pastoral records, to include detailed records of sanctions and complaints or individual pastoral concerns and a record of significant events or parental contacts.

• maintain individual pupil pastoral records and welfare plans, ensuring that relevant staff are aware of any significant concerns or safety issues relating to specific individuals.

• register pupils in accordance with the School’s policy, maintain attendance records and ensure that any absences are promptly investigated.

• write a report on each pupil at the end of each term.

• produce the UCAS reference, incorporating the academic information supplied by Tutors, and any other such references as required.

• manage the House Tutors and Matron to ensure that appropriate arrangements for supervision are in place to ensure the safety of all pupils at all times and that all relevant information relating to pupils’ welfare and performance is communicated effectively and sensitively.

• liaise closely with Tutors on academic issues relating to individual pupils and ensure that pupils are receiving appropriate support.

• attend weekly Housemasters’ meetings and any other meetings required by the Headmaster.

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Communication with Parents

• maintain regular communication with the parents or guardians of the pupils in the House and ensure that parental concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

• entertain parents socially on formal occasions such as Speech Day and at other times.

Safety and Maintenance

• maintain the pupils’ side of the House together with its furniture and fittings. All damages should be reported to the Maintenance Department, identifying where appropriate the names of pupils who should bear a share of the costs of damage arising from wilful or negligent act or omission.

• ensure that all members of the House are familiar with the arrangements for the prevention of fire and for maintaining written Fire instructions and Fire Risk Assessments for the House and ensuring the remedial action is taken as necessary, and for carrying out termly fire practices and for testing fire alarms weekly.

• maintain a Risk Assessment of the House, ensuring that appropriate action is taken to address any issues identified.

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Recruitment

• assist the Headmaster with the marketing of the School and the House to prospective parents and pupils and to preparatory school heads, to ensure that promotion of the School is of the highest standard; specifically:

• meeting prospective pupils and their parents when they visit the School.

• developing relationships with families whose children have registered to join the House.

• representing the School on visits to preparatory schools.

• supporting school events attended by prospective pupils and parents

• reporting to preparatory schools on former pupils’ performance.

Management of Staff and Finance

• with the assistance of the Domestic Bursar, be responsible for the selection and appointment of House Matron/Housekeeper and, through her, of all domestic staff, agreed by the Bursar to be necessary for the pupils’ side of the House.

• through the Housekeeper, be responsible for the efficient management and administration of domestic staff and the effective control of budgets allocated annually for the running of the House.

• act as the line-manager for the Matron/Housekeeper and conduct an annual appraisal.

• administer such accounts as the Housemaster may control from time to time within the House and make proper provision for the security of cash and cheques at all times.

• support the Manager of Repton School Enterprises by permitting the use of the School’s accommodation for hire during School holidays.

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Qualifications / Attainment

At least a second-class honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognised Essential university

Proven track record of outstanding teaching and pupil outcomes Essential

Experience of working within a boarding school environment Essential

Skills Required

Ability to create and maintain strong, supportive relationships with pupils, staff Essential and pupils and the community

Strong communication and interpersonal skills Essential

Excellent organisational skills Essential

The ability to manage a team Essential

Willingness to take action to confront issues and overcome problems Essential

Ability to inspire, motivate and support others Essential

Clarity of thought Essential

Personal and Professional Qualities

Willingness to be fully involved in the life of a busy boarding school Essential

Aspirational and empathetic, with a genuine belief in the potential of every pupil Essential

Resilient, determined, pragmatic Essential

Persuasive and influential Essential

An effective and collaborative team player Essential

Flexible and resourceful Essential

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Teaching at Repton

The School is committed to employing and Teachers work in well-equipped, spacious rewarding teachers who share its ambition, classrooms. All teachers are tutors in its aims and its values. This will be reflected boarding houses and contribute to the in a highly attractive remuneration package extracurricular life of the School. This as well as the investments in both staff and helps to develop the collegiate and facilities. purposeful atmosphere which is valued so much by staff at Repton. Repton has its own generous salary scale and the person appointed will enter the The School is committed to the scale at the level suitable to his/her professional development of its staff so qualifications and experience. that they can continue to grow as teachers and educators, and invests significantly in The School may provide accommodation in this. connection with this position. Repton itself is a thriving village with a Full-time teachers also benefit from: fascinating past. Situated in the Trent valley between Derby and Burton on • Participation in the Teachers’ Pension Trent, on one side of the village is the Old Scheme Trent, the remnants of the former course of the river, and on the other three is • An attractive fee-remission scheme attractive rolling farmland. The village has • Private health care a vibrant community with clubs, societies, shops, pubs and other attractive • Free membership of Repton’s Sport amenities. It is close to the cities of Derby Centre and Nottingham and major transport In its buildings and grounds, Repton routes, and much of the wonderful Peak combines the old and the new. The heart of District National Park lies within the School is a beautiful 12th century itself. Augustinian Priory, but following a major period of investment, the School has outstanding new and refurbished facilities in most teaching areas, most notably in the Science Priory, the School Theatre and a new Mathematics and PE Block.

A new Sports Centre including two full sports halls, a gym, a strength and conditioning suite, swimming pool, hospitality and reception suites and a café, was opened in November 2019.

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Information for Candidates

Candidates should apply to Mr Mark Semmence ([email protected]) with a covering letter and a fully completed Repton School application form, which includes the names and addresses of two professional referees, by Wednesday, 24 February at 6pm.

Applicants will be contacted for interview if they have been successful in the short-list process. Interviews will take place the weeks commencing 1 March and 8 March.

In accordance with the Children Act any Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of appointment to the Repton staff is conditional on children and young persons for whom you criminal records clearance and the successful are responsible and with whom you come candidate will be required to supply the into contact. necessary information and documentary Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 it is a evidence. References will be obtained on all criminal offence for a person over 18 (e.g. candidates called for interview and applicants teacher, matron, sports coach) to have a sexual should be aware that the interview will contain relationship with a child under 18 where that questions relating to the candidates’ suitability to person is in a position of trust in respect of that working in a post involving children. child, even if the relationship is consensual. This The School is committed to safeguarding and applies where the child is in full-time education promoting the welfare of children and young and the person works in the same establishment people and expects all staff and volunteers to as the child, even if s/he does not teach the share this commitment. Therefore the following child. Moreover, whatever the age of the pupil, a shall be deemed to be included, in addition to the sexual relationship between an employee and a duties that you may be required to perform: pupil will be considered an abuse of a position of trust and gross misconduct, likely to result in dismissal.

14 Repton  Derbyshire  DE65 6FH repton.org.uk