Information for Candidates

Headteacher

‘From grass roots, to reaching for the sky Page 1 Page 1 Contents

Welcome letters: • Peter Davies, Chair of Trustees, Vanguard Learning Trust Page 3 • Councillor Eddie Lavery, Chair of Governors, High School and Trustee, Vanguard Learning Trust Page 4 • Dr Martina Lecky, Headteacher, and Executive Headteacher, Vanguard Learning Trust Page 5

About Ruislip High School and senior leadership information Page 6

SDP Executive Summary 2018-2019 Page 7

Job description Page 8, 9, 10 and 11

Person specification Page 12 and 13

Core values Page 14

How to apply Page 15

Safeguarding and child protection policy statement Page 16

Page 2 Welcome letter: Peter Davies, Chair of Trustees, Vanguard Learning Trust

March 2019

Dear prospective applicant

The recruitment of a Headteacher within Vanguard Learning Trust is the responsibility of its Board of Trustees. Ruislip High School (RHS) joined the Trust in September 2018 and Dr Martina Lecky was appointed as Executive Headteacher (EHT) for the Trust one day a week whilst remaining as RHS’s Headteacher.

There have been a number of developments of the Trust since September 2018 and the strategic direction includes a focus on school improvement work and expanding the Trust. This led trustees to agree in February 2019 that the EHT role will increase to three days a week to fulfil the Trust’s strategic aims; it was therefore decided that RHS needs to appoint a full-time Headteacher from September 2019.

The Trust’s vision and values are based on being a local, cross-phase Trust which serves its local community. The successful candidate needs to be committed to working in the Trust to benefit all schools and to relish the opportunity of partnership and collaboration with colleagues in other Trust schools.

Yours sincerely

Mr Peter Davies Chair of Trustees, Vanguard Learning Trust

Vanguard Learning Trust Registered Office: Registered in and Wales Number 07796938 Warren Road, Uxbridge, UB10 8AB

Page 2 Page 3 Welcome letter: Councillor Eddie Lavery, Chair of Governors, Ruislip High School and Trustee, Vanguard Learning Trust

Sidmouth Drive, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 0BY T: 01895 464064 F: 01895 675331 E: [email protected] www.ruisliphigh.com

Headteacher: Dr Martina Lecky MSc, EdD

March 2019

Dear prospective applicant

I have been involved with Ruislip High School (RHS) since its genesis which started several years before the school opened in 2006. As a local councillor, I was a part of the group that worked with the local authority to establish RHS as a local community school. I have been a governor since the school opened to its first Year 7 cohort in 2006 and have been part of the selection panels for the school’s appointments of its two Headteachers: John Goulborn in 2005 and Dr Martina Lecky in 2011. I became the Chair of Governors in 2015; I also became a Trustee of Vanguard Learning Trust in September 2018.

I believe the new Headteacher must continue to drive school improvement work and maintain the school’s ethos of high aspiration within a comprehensive setting. The school is expanding to 210 students in September 2019 and two special resource provisions (SRPs) - for physically disabled and high-functioning autistic students respectively - will open in 2020. In order to accommodate the SRPs and a new sixth form centre, a new wing is being built and is expected to open for September 2020. It is therefore an exciting time to join the school for a visionary Headteacher who is enthusiastic about the opportunities afforded by being part of a growing school and a multi- trust.

I look forward to meeting shortlisted candidates as part of the selection process.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Eddie Lavery Chair of Governors, Ruislip High School Trustee, Vanguard Learning Trust

Page 4 Welcome letter: Dr Martina Lecky, Headteacher, Ruislip High School and Executive Headteacher, Vanguard Learning Trust

Sidmouth Drive, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 0BY T: 01895 464064 F: 01895 675331 E: [email protected] www.ruisliphigh.com

Headteacher: Dr Martina Lecky MSc, EdD

March 2019

Dear prospective applicant

At Ruislip High School (RHS), we believe our school motto: from grass roots to reaching for the sky, symbolises high aspiration and a journey. RHS has reached a juncture in its short history where it wishes to appoint its third Headteacher to build on the foundations laid by staff and governors to establish a comprehensive school, both in, and for, its local community.

I relish the opportunity to be involved in the appointment of RHS’s new Headteacher. I will continue as Headteacher for two days a week from September 2019 as I increase my role as Executive Headteacher of Vanguard Learning Trust from one to three days a week. I look forward to supporting the new Headteacher as he/she takes full responsibility for the whole-school strategic and operational leadership of RHS. I will be able to provide advice, but will focus on school expansion and oversee back-office functions as the school does not have a business manager. I believe this is an excellent opportunity for a school leader to develop the skills of school leadership with the support of an experienced Headteacher and the resilience provided by the Trust.

Candidates for this role must be committed to inclusive, comprehensive education which will be a focus throughout the recruitment process. I hope prospective candidates take the opportunity to visit the school on either Wednesday 13th March 2019 at 3:30pm or Friday 15th March 2019 at 8:00am.

I look forward to meeting shortlisted candidates as part of the selection process.

Yours sincerely

Dr Martina Lecky Headteacher, Ruislip High School Executive Headteacher, Vanguard Learning Trust

Page 4 Page 5 About Ruislip High School Ruislip High School opened its doors to its first Year 7 cohort in September 2006; it is a mixed comprehensive secondary school situated in Ruislip, within the Borough of . The school converted to academy status in 2014 and has been graded outstanding in both its Ofsted inspections. Unique features, such as the pastoral system, were acknowledged in helping to create a strong community ethos. Central to Ruislip High School’s vision is to ensure that all students fulfil their full potential; this is achieved by high expectations being realised each and every day. In September 2018, Ruislip High School joined Vanguard Learning Trust, a local multi-academy with two other schools, Ryefield Primary School and Vyners School. The Trust will provide students and staff with additional opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Exam Results In June 2018, Ruislip High School continued to achieve GCSE results in line with the excellent results achieved over the last three years.

For the key national accountability measure, 50% of students attained 9-5 grades in both English and Mathemat- ics, with 74% of students attaining at least a grade 4 in both English and Mathematics.

In English, 66% of students attained grade 5 or above, with 84% attaining at least a grade 4.

In Maths, 57% of students attained at least a grade 5, with 79% attaining grade 4 or above.

Performance at the top end continued to be strong with 17 students, equating to 10% of the cohort, attaining seven or more 7-9/ A*-A grades.

At A Level, staff are delighted that the majority of students attained the grades necessary to gain places at their chosen university. Over the last three years, students have been offered places on courses at a number of prestigious Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Leadership team The current leadership team is as follows: • Rob Alexander, Associate Senior Leader • Duncan Alison, Associate Assistant Headteacher (Humanities) • Marie Coltman, Senior Assistant Headteacher • Jo Cotton, Assistant Headteacher • Gareth Davies, Head of School • Sue Davison, Assistant Headteacher • Richard Gould, Senior leader responsible for facilities and expansion • Ruth Hill, Senior Assistant Headteacher • Dr Martina Lecky, Headteacher • Claire O’Neill, Senior Assistant Headteacher • Dan Stent, Assistant Headteacher

From September 2019, there will be two Deputy Headteachers.

Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Job Description Job Title: Headteacher Reports To: Executive Headteacher of Vanguard Learning Trust Salary: L30-L36 Date: September 2019 Contract Type: Full time and permanent

Purpose of the job

The main responsibilities of the Headteacher are to:

1. Create a shared vision and strategic plan, in partnership with governors and staff, which inspires and motivate students, staff and all other members of the school community; ensure that the vision for the school is clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all. 2. Lead and co-ordinate the translation of the vision into agreed objectives and operational systems and structures, which contribute to the school development plan (SDP) and the self-evaluation form (SEF); ensure the SDP and the SEF are written annually, including executive versions. 3. Identify appropriate priorities and targets for all members of the school’s leadership team, ensuring that students attain high standards, make good progress, are safe, and enjoy their learning and work; ensure that school leaders remain committed to focusing on teaching and learning and that the curriculum has been established based on intent, implementation and impact. 4. Lead the school’s recruitment and retention strategy in order to appoint and retain high performing teaching and support staff; motivate and work with others to create a shared culture and positive climate. 5. Work in partnership with the Chair of Governors to support the function of the Governing Body, providing leadership and guidance, as appropriate; support the development of Vanguard Learning Trust (the Trust), including completing timely reports for Trustees. 6. Ensure that the school’s values are upheld and all staff remain committed to inclusive, comprehensive education; ensure the school’s commitment to equal opportunities and the profile of equality and diversity remain a whole-school approach; work effectively with the local community and stakeholders.

Duties

In accordance with the Education (School Teachers Pay and Conditions of Employment) Order, the duties as set out in the Conditions of Employment of School Teachers under Section 3.

1. Shared vision and strategic leadership

The Headteacher will:

• Lead by example, providing inspiring and purposeful leadership for the staff and students. • Work in partnership with the Governing Body, staff, parents and stakeholders to uphold the ethos and values which will underpin the school. • Formulate the overall aims and objectives for the school together with relevant stakeholders. • Ensure effective teaching and learning is at the core of the school’s day-to-day priorities. • Ensure that the management, finances, organisation and administration of the school support its vision and aims. • Maintain the school ethos whilst working with stakeholders to build and secure a vision for the future which is built on relentless ambition for the highest levels of achievement, progress and happiness for all students. • Inspire and influence others to believe in the fundamental importance of education in young people’s lives and to promote the value of education. • Work collaboratively with other schools in the Trust for the mutual benefit of all.

Page 8 2. School organisation improvement and accountability

The Headteacher will:

• Implement the SDP, underpinned by sound financial planning, which identifies priorities and targets for ensuring students achieve the highest standards. • Lead, co-ordinate and implement clear, evidence-based improvement plans and policies for the development of the school and its facilities. • Create an organisational structure which reflects the school’s values, and enables the management systems, structures and processes to work efficiently and effectively in line with legal requirements. • Ensure that, within an autonomous culture, policies and practices take account of national and local circumstances, policies and initiatives. • Ensure the school’s financial and human resources are led and managed effectively and efficiently to achieve the school’s educational goals and priorities. • Implement successful performance management processes with all staff. • Manage and organise the school environment efficiently and effectively to ensure that it meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations. • Ensure that the range, quality and use of all available resources is monitored, evaluated and reviewed to improve the quality of education for all students and provide value for money. • Use and integrate a range of technologies effectively and efficiently to manage the school. • Ensure individual staff accountabilities are clearly defined, understood and agreed and are subject to rigorous review and evaluation. • Create and develop an organisation in which all staff recognise that they are accountable for the success of the school by using a variety of data to understand its strengths and areas for development. • Present a coherent and accurate account of the school’s performance in a form appropriate to the range of audiences, including governors, the local community, Ofsted, and others to enable them to play their part effectively. • Ensure that parents/guardians and students are well informed about the curriculum, and their attainment and progress. • Ensure that parents and guardians understand the contribution they can make in supporting their child’s learning and development. • Think creatively to solve problems. • Monitor, evaluate and review the school’s policies, priorities and targets and take action when necessary. • Ensure that any targeted funding which has been secured will be used for the agreed purpose, such as trips abroad and the various enrichment and additional activities. • Ensure that all resources are deployed effectively so improving the outcomes for students. • Ensure that the school, the people and the resources within it are organised and managed to provide an efficient, effective and safe learning environment.

3. Leadership of the school’s leadership team

The Headteacher will:

• Develop individuals, empower and sustain outstanding teams. • Foster an open, transparent and equitable culture. • Identify the professional development needs of members of the leadership team through monitoring and performance management processes and demonstrate a commitment to staff development across the school. • Promote the relationship between self-evaluation, continuing professional development and sustained school improvement. • Ensure that policies and systems are regularly reviewed by members of the leadership team. • Ensure that safe employment procedures are in place that put the safety of young people at the heart of all we do and ensure that school systems continue to comply with the best practice and all legal requirements. • Ensure the school is managed effectively and efficiently during the school day and after hours when it is ‘let’ to outside groups. • Make professional, managerial and organisational decisions which are based on informed judgements and to think creatively in order to anticipate and solve problems. • Ensure that at all times health and safety requirements as well as safeguarding procedures are met. • Set and achieve challenging goals and targets. • Consider succession planning and opportunities for staff within the Trust. Page 8 Page 9 4. Recruitment and retention of staff, including staff morale

The Headteacher will:

• Recruit, retain and deploy staff appropriately and manage their workload to achieve the vision and goals of the school. • Ensure all safer recruitment practices are adhered to. • Ensure that all relevant HR policies are followed. • Ensure that all those involved in the school are committed to its aims, motivated to achieve them, and involved in meeting long, medium and short-term objectives and targets which secure the educational success of the school. • Ensure the Trust’s staff entitlement document is reviewed and feedback is sought from staff. • Ensure the annual staff wellbeing survey is reviewed and action points agreed. • Ensure that staff wellbeing has a high priority. • Engender a culture of open and transparent professional relations amongst all staff. • Deal promptly with any whistleblowing concerns. • Engage with actions agreed following staff one-to-one meetings with members of the school’s leadership team.

5. Governance

The Headteacher will:

• Work with the Local Governing Body and Board of Trustees to analyse and plan for future needs and developments within both a local and a national context. • Present reports to the Local Governing Body and Board of Trustees that gives an accurate account of the school’s performance highlighting successes, challenges and activities of interest that have taken place. • Act as an ex officio member governor of Ruislip High School. • Work with and provide information, objective advice and support to the Governing Body to enable it to meet its responsibilities for securing effective teaching and learning and improved standards of achievement, and for achieving efficiency and value for money. • Set a balanced budget in partnership with the Directors and Local Governing Body agreeing priorities for expenditure, effective administration and control as well as short and longer term priorities. • Monitor and evaluate the performance of the school and respond and report to the Governing Body as required.

6. Commitment to inclusive, comprehensive education including the wider community

The Headteacher will:

• Create and promote positive strategies for challenging racial and other inequalities and challenge related unacceptable behaviour where it exists. • Create and maintain an effective partnership with parents and guardians to support and improve students’ achievement and personal development. • Co-operate and work with relevant agencies to protect children. • Promote equal opportunities for all members of the school community. • Build and maintain positive and productive relationships with all members of the school and wider community to enhance the education of all students and learners. • Develop close working relationships with partner primary schools, to support outstanding transition working. • Ensure outstanding team work and collaboration within the school and with external partners. • Collaborate and network beyond the school to develop effective relationships. • Create an outward-facing school which works with other schools and organisations to secure excellent outcomes for all students. • Develop effective relationships with fellow professionals. • Model entrepreneurial and innovative approaches to school improvement and leadership. • Be an active member of the Hillingdon Association of Secondary Headteachers. • Maintain relationships with organisations representing teachers and other members of the school’s workforce. • Keep under review the various codes of practice so that decisions about the school are well informed as well as continuing to serve the local community.

Page 10 Health and Safety

All staff are expected:

• To be familiar with the school’s policies that refer specifically to health and safety regulations and implement it as applicable within the department. • To ensure that health and safety policies and practices, including risk assessments, throughout the department are in-line with national requirements and updated where necessary. • To have regard to health and safety across the school in all aspects of work, in line with the school’s policies and keep up to date with all relevant policies and risk assessments.

Other duties and responsibilities Any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post that the Executive Headteacher may from time to time ask the Headteacher to perform.

These duties may be modified by the Executive Headteacher, with agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job.

Ruislip High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for all posts.

Page 10 Page 11 Person Specification for Headteacher For the supporting statement, applicants should address and evidence their experience, skills and qualifications in relation to the key criteria detailed in this person specification. This section should be no more than two sides of A4 font, size 12.

In choosing the Headteacher, the school is looking for an outstanding leader with the vision to embrace the ideas of the Executive Headteacher, Trustees and Governors.

Qualifications and experience Essential Desirable Method of Assessment 1. Qualified teacher status ✓ 1 2. Degree or equivalent ✓ 1 3. Experience of leading whole-school change ✓ 1 4. Being a Deputy Headteacher for a minimum of five years and a total of at ✓ least eight years in senior leadership 5. Evidence of successful management, as part of the senior leadership team, of ✓ 1 school self-evaluation and/or the Ofsted process 6. Experience in more than one school ✓ 1 7. Evidence of professional development including in his/her own subject area ✓ 1 8. Experience of developing, leading or supporting initiatives that have significantly ✓ 1 and 2 improved student outcomes, cultural capital, discipline, behaviour and attitudes 9. Experience of school development, planning and implementing the vision to ✓ 1 and 2 take the school forward 10. Evidence of successful leadership and management through monitoring and ✓ 1 and 2 evaluation strategies to raise the standards of the quality of teaching and learning and student outcomes Professional knowledge and understanding, skills and attributes: Essential Desirable Method of Assessment 11. An understanding of the characteristics of an effective school ✓ 1 and 3 12. The ability to achieve challenging professional targets/objectives ✓ 1 and 2 13. The ability to develop and implement policy and practice which reflects the ✓ 1, 2 and 3 school’s commitment to high achievement 14. The capacity to monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and standard ✓ 1 and 3 of students’ achievement, using benchmark data 15. The ability to build and lead teams efficiently and effectively using skills of ✓ 1 and 2 motivation, delegation and time management 16. The ability to contribute effectively to the development of whole-school ✓ 1, 2 and 3 policies. Evidence of involvement in whole-school development/activities, eg. working parties 17. The ability to analyse, understand and interpret both qualitative and ✓ 3 quantitative data 18. The ability to set up and monitor systems to ensure the effective ✓ 1, 2 and 3 management and deployment of human and material resources 19. To be able to judge when to make a decision, when to consult and when to ✓ 1 and 2 when to seek advice 20. The ability to promote the ethos, aims and objectives of the school to the wider ✓ 1, 2 and 3 community 21. The ability to prioritise own time, work under pressure and to deadlines with a ✓ 1 and 2 sense of balance and perspective 22. The ability to lead on pastoral matters, including conducting investigations ✓ 1 and 2 and leading parental meetings

Page 12 Personal skills and attributes: Essential Desirable Method of Assessment 23. Leadership skills – the ability to lead and manage people to work towards ✓ 1, 2 and 3 common goals and using appropriate leadership styles in different situations 24. Decision-making skills - the ability to investigate, solve problems and make ✓ 2 decisions 25. Excellent written communication – a full understanding and ability to apply ✓ 1 and 3 grammatical rules to all written communication as well as the ability to take into account audience, person (first, second and third) and the use of technical terms 26. Excellent oral communication – an ability to communicate with clarity and ✓ 2 and 3 confidence to all stakeholders 27. Ability to develop new ideas ✓ 2 and 3 28. Personal impact and presence ✓ 2 and 3 29. Energy, determination and perseverance ✓ 2 and 3 30. Self confidence ✓ 2 and 3 31. Enthusiasm and commitment ✓ 1 and 2 32. Reliability and integrity ✓ 1 33. Capacity to make a major impact in the life of the school ✓ 1 and 2

Please note: the items highlighted in red are the main assessment criteria.

Key to methods of assessment 1. Application form and supporting statement 2. Final selection Interview 3. Tasks

Tasks There will be a number of tasks which will include an assembly, literacy and numeracy tests, report writing, presentation and panel meetings.

Page 12 Page 13 Core Values at Ruislip High School

Respect Different views and beliefs: be kind and show good manners to all. Value the school community and environment in thought and action.

Unity Volunteer to help others; contribute to school life. Show loyalty to friends, staff, school and community.

Integrity Set high personal and academic standards. Uphold the school values.

Self-discipline Demonstrate self-control, willpower and strength of mind. Remember: ‘You Own Your Own Behaviour’. Take responsibility.

Learning Be independent and self-motivated. Always give 100% effort and check work through: if it’s not perfect, it’s not finished.

Inspiration Show curiosity, imagination and independence. Lead by example: take pride in being an individual.

Perseverance Be resilient: ask for feedback to improve rather than giving up. Always correct and improve work (D.I.R.T).

Page 14 How to apply An application form can be downloaded from Ruislip High School’s website www.ruisliphigh.com/staff-opportunities/ where all information about this post and the school can be obtained.

Applications should be returned to: Justine O’Driscoll, HR Manager, Ruislip High School, Sidmouth Drive, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 0BY or via email to [email protected]

Closing date: Tuesday 19th March 2019, 10:00am Interview dates: Monday 25th March and Tuesday 26th March 2019

Prospective candidates are invited to visit Ruislip High School on one of two days, either Wednesday 13th March 2019 at 3:30pm or on Friday 15th March 2019 at 8:00am. This will involve a tour of the school with the current Headteacher. Please contact Justine O’Driscoll, HR Manager, at [email protected] or 01895 464064 for further information or to arrange a visit.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for all posts.

Page 14 Page 15 Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Statement

• Ruislip High School is committed to safeguarding students and expect everyone who works at the school to share this commitment.

• Staff take all welfare concerns seriously and encourage students and young adults to talk about anything that worries them. Staff must always act in the best interest of the student. The school recognises that it has a moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of its students. Staff endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students are respected and valued. Staff are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow the school’s procedures to ensure that students receive effective support, protection and justice.

• Students are taught about safeguarding, including online, through various teaching and learning opportunities, as part of providing a broad and balanced curriculum.

Principles

• The school will ensure that the welfare of students is given paramount consideration when developing and delivering all school activity

• All students, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection

• All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a student is at risk of harm in accordance with this guidance

• All students and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support from the senior management of the school who will follow this policy guidance

Aims • Provide all staff with the necessary information to enable them to meet their statutory responsibilities to promote and safeguard the wellbeing of students

• Ensure consistent good practice across the school

• Demonstrate the school’s commitment to safeguarding students

• Contribute to the five Every Child Matters outcomes: • Be healthy • Stay safe • Enjoy and achieve • Make a positive contribution • Achieve economic well-being

The full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Statement can be found on the school’s website.

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