Head Teacher
Ysgol Gatholig Crist y Gair Christ the Word Catholic School
· Information Pack ·
Letter from the Bishop of Wrexham
Dear Applicant,
This is an exciting time for Catholic education in the Diocese of Wrexham. I am delighted that the ongoing and fruitful partnership of Welsh Government, Denbighshire County Council and the Catholic Church is working to deliver a brand new school to serve the families of Rhyl and the surrounding parishes.
Our vision is for an aspirational, distinctively Catholic school of a new kind for Wales. This new school will be building on the ethos, successes and achievements already recognised and respected as being at the core of the education provision across the Diocese. I am confident it will be a strong and nurturing learning community, welcoming to all, with the advantage of facilities that come with this investment.
Across the country Catholic schools remain popular and successful due to their academic excellence and commitment to supporting the emotional, spiritual and social development of every person, offering all young people from every background the experience of life in a community based on Christian values. In our schools academic rigour alongside social action, pastoral support, and personal development prepare children effectively for life in the modern world.
We want to appoint a Headteacher to commence in January 2019, in advance of the planned opening date, to work closely with the governors in developing the necessary detailed vision, implementation plans and organisational structures to deliver excellence in every area. Our expectations are high but in return we offer a unique opportunity for an outstanding school leader to shape the future of Catholic education in North Denbighshire.
The vision of providing a single school for children from Foundation Phase to GCSE has my total support. Thank you for your interest in leading it.
Yours faithfully, Please click this link for a short video on what we are seeking in our new leader : The Rt. Rev’d Peter M. Brignall Bishop of Wrexham https://youtu.be/qchn5bVOSw4 Letter from Head of Education and Children’s Services Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in this exciting opportunity for the position of Headteacher of a brand new school. This school will seek to transform the educational provision and the lives of pupils served by the school. The Council in partnership with the Diocese of Wrexham has worked to establish and develop a brand new 3-16 Catholic school in the town of Rhyl, Denbighshire, to replace the existing Primary and Secondary schools.
Plans are in progress to build a new £23m school for the pupils by September 2019, as part of the 21st Century Schools and Education programme and the first stage of the education journey will be the appointment of the Headteacher who can transform the educational provision. The post holder will be appointed 9 months in advance of the opening of the new school to enable the postholder to shape the vision for the new school in partnership with the Temporary Governing Body, including developing the Senior Leadership Team for the new school.
We are looking to appoint an exceptional, dynamic, resilient and innovative Headteacher to lead us through this journey and grow the school. We are looking for a leader who has the ability to challenge, inspire and motivate colleagues through this change. We want someone with the passion to provide the best possible learning and teaching across both the primary and secondary curriculum.
Rhyl as a town is regenerating, however the area the school predominately serves is a community where deprivation exists and both current schools have significant Free School meal percentages. A knowledge of how to meet the needs of these pupils will be needed to ensure the school is a success.
This position provides a significant challenge in many areas. However it also represents an exciting and unique opportunity for a passionate and highly skilled leader with significant experience to shape and develop a unique offer to the area.
Yours faithfully,
Karen Evans
Letter from Chair of Temporary Governing Body
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in applying for the position of Headteacher of our new school, Christ The Word Catholic School. This exciting project (part of the Schools for the 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme and the outcome of a close partnership between the Welsh Government, Denbighshire County Council and the Diocese of Wrexham) will bring together under a single governing body and leadership team the current primary and secondary provision in entirely new, purpose-built, state of the art facilities.
As governors, we are determined to create and support an aspirational, distinctively Catholic school of the future meeting the needs of individual pupils and at the service of the communities of Rhyl and surrounding areas.
We are seeking a strong, inspirational leader who demonstrates both professional excellence, and a desire to instil in children of all ages the Catholic ethos and integrity. This will be a period of significant change for pupils, parents, staff and the wider community, and as such, a highly effective and successful leader is key to our success.
How to apply: Please contact Denbighshire County Council’s Human Resources Team for an application form, and return either via email or post to Human Resources, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 9AZ, or email [email protected].
Please note under the "Person Specification" heading in this information pack, it states you are required to demonstrate on your application form in the supporting statement section how you meet the person specification criteria. Only those applicants who evidence within their application how they meet all essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview.
Yours faithfully,
Gill Greenland
Project background
Denbighshire and the Diocese of Wrexham are looking for an ambitious Headteacher to lead this new school through the change process leading to the opening of a brand new school in new facilities on September 2019.
During 2017 Denbighshire County Council and the Diocese of Wrexham went through the formal consultation process regarding plans for a new 3-16 Catholic school in Rhyl, this involved the neighbouring schools Ysgol Mair St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School becoming one. The initial driver for change was the need to improve the learning environment and teaching facilities at both schools.
The new 3-16 school will open on 1st September 2019 in a brand new building on the current site of both schools and the existing schools will close. The statutory process in regards to the school organisation progressed smoothly with no objections and planning permission for the new build was granted in February 2018. This process showed the level of support for this project by the school and the wider community.
The primary section of the new school will be for 420 full time pupils with an admission number of 60. The secondary element of the school will be for a minimum 500 pupils, therefore a four form entry, with an overall admission number of at least 100. This will create a minimum of an additional 40 places in addition to the 60 already admitted to the school in the primary sector.
Funding has been secured by Denbighshire and the Welsh Government as part of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme and these approvals will see £23m invested in providing the new facilities. Enabling works have started already and the main work on site started in May 2018 on the new building which will have facilities fit for learning in the 21st Century. The new building will include a chapel, four court sports hall, main hall, small hall, drama studio, all weather pitch and specialist classrooms such as music, design technology, science etc.
The early appointment of the Headteacher prior to the opening of the new school will provide the postholder the opportunity to shape the structure of the new school.
For further information on the consultation process please visit https:// www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/your-council/consultations/closed-consultations.aspx and click on the Proposal for a new 3-16 Catholic school in Rhyl. Headteacher for Christ The Word Catholic School, Rhyl, Denbighshire TO SERVE NORTH DENBIGHSHIRE AND THE SURROUNDING PARISHES IN THIS PART OF THE DIOCESE OF WREXHAM
Salary: L25-L31, £71,953 - £81,478 (plus £8,000 relocation allowance) Location: Rhyl, Denbighshire Age Range: 3-16 years Medium: English Projected school roll: 920 (420 full time pupils aged 3-11 years and 500 pupils aged 11-16 years)
It is anticipated the pupil numbers will increase and therefore, in line with annual pay reviews, the salary will be updated to reflect this.
Closing date: 12th September 2018 Interview dates: 24th and 25th September 2018
The Temporary Governing Body for this new Catholic school invite applications for the post of Headteacher to commence in January 2019, in advance of the planned opening date, so that s/he can work closely with the governors in developing the necessary detailed vision, implementation plans and organisational structures.
How to apply: For further information, an information pack and a Catholic Education Service for England and Wales application form, please call or email: Julie Phillips, Assistant HR Business Partner — 07717 513354, [email protected]
Please complete and return your application form either by post to Human Resources, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 9AZ, or email [email protected].
In addition, you are asked to submit a covering letter (of no more than 2 sides of A4) which makes reference to and builds on the vision of our new school as set out in letters in the Information Pack and outline a brief strategy of how you would deliver and embed this vision.
The new school is committed to Equal Opportunities and Welsh Language Standards. We welcome applications made in the Welsh Language. Any applications made in the Welsh Language will not be treated less favourably than any submitted in English. For alternative methods of applying please contact Human Resources on 01824 706200. Job Description
Introduction
The school is expected to be designated by the National Assembly for Wales, prior to its opening as a school with a religious character. Its Instrument of Government will state that it is part of the Catholic Church and is to be conducted as a Catholic school in accordance with Canon Law, the teachings of the Catholic Church and the diocesan trust deed. At all times the school is to serve as a witness to the Catholic faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. The post is therefore reserved for a practising Catholic who can show by example and from experience that he or she will ensure that the school is distinctively Catholic in all its aspects.
This appointment is made by the temporary governing body of the school and is subject to the terms of the Catholic Education Service contract signed with the temporary governors as employers; the current conditions of service for headteachers contained in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document as well as all other current education and employment legislation and statutory guidance.
This job description is based on the key areas identified in the National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers (2015). These standards are in turn built upon the Teaching Standards (2011) which apply to all teachers, including headteachers.
The temporary governing body and the diocese acknowledge the importance of the role of the Catholic headteacher and will actively offer continuing support, encouragement, affirmation and realistic challenge to the successful candidate.
The temporary governing body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The Headteacher must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations relating to safeguarding and child protection. Appointment is conditional upon receipt of satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in relation to criminal and child protection matters.
A. The Core Purpose of the Headteacher
The core purpose of the headteacher is to provide professional leadership and management of the school. This will promote a secure foundation from which to achieve high standards in all areas of the school’s work. To gain this success, a headteacher must establish high quality education by effectively managing teaching and learning and using personalised learning to realise the potential of all pupils. Headteachers must establish a culture that promotes excellence, equality and high expectations of all pupils. This will include ensuring that religious education is in accordance with the teachings, doctrines, discipline and general and particular norms of the Catholic Church. The ‘preferred future’, expressed in the strategic vision and development of a Catholic school, stems from the educational mission of the Church, which is reflected in the school’s mission statement and school improvement plan.
The headteacher, working with the governing body and others, is expected to draw on the person, life and teachings of Jesus Christ to create a shared vision and strategic plan, which inspires and motivates pupils, staff and all other members of the community. The vision should explore Gospel values, core educational values and moral purpose and be inclusive of stakeholders’ values and beliefs.
The headteacher is the leading professional in the school. Accountable to the governing body, the headteacher provides vision, leadership and direction for the school and ensures that it is managed and organised to meet its aims and targets. The headteacher, working with others, is responsible for evaluating the school’s performance to identify the priorities for continuous improvement and raising standards; ensuring equality of opportunity for all; developing policies and practices; ensuring that resources are efficiently and effectively used to achieve the school’s aims and objectives and for the day-to-day management, organisation and administration of the school.
The headteacher, working with and through others, secures the commitment of the wider community to the school by developing and maintaining effective partnerships with, for example, schools, other services and agencies for children, parishes, the diocese, the local authority, higher education institutions and employers. Through such partnerships and other activities, headteachers play a key role in contributing to the development of the education system as a whole and collaborating with others to raise standards locally.
Drawing on the support provided by members of the school community, the headteacher is responsible for creating a productive learning environment which is engaging and fulfilling for all pupils as they progress from the foundation phases all the way to the end of Keystage 4.
B. The Four Domains of Headship:
1.Qualities and Knowledge 2.Pupils and Staff 3.Systems and Processes 4.The Self-improving School System 1. Qualities and Knowledge The strategic direction and development of the school stem from the educational mission of the Church. The headteacher will ensure that his/her leadership demonstrates commitment to promoting and developing the school’s distinctive Catholic identity through the search for excellence in all area of this work.
Critical to the role of headship is working with the governing body and others to create a shared vision and strategic plan which inspires and motivates pupils, staff and all other members of the school community. This vision should express core educational values and moral purpose and be inclusive of stakeholders’ values and beliefs.
The headteacher will:
Recognise the authority of the bishop in relation to the provision of education in the diocese and work within the school and designated parishes to create and promote an educational vision and values for the school which take account of the school’s Catholic mission and of the diversity, values and experiences of the school and the community it serves.
Hold and articulate clear Catholic values and moral purpose focused on providing a world-class education for the pupils they serve and reflecting the Catholic foundation of the school.
Demonstrate optimistic personal behaviour, positive relationships and attitudes towards their pupils and staff, and towards parents, governors and members of the local church and wider community.
Lead by example, with integrity, creativity, resilience, and clarity, drawing on their scholarship, expertise and skills and that of those around them.
Sustain wide, current knowledge and understanding of education and school systems locally, nationally and globally, and pursue continuous professional development that reflects the needs of a Catholic school.
Work with political and financial astuteness, within a clear set of principles centred on the school's Catholic vision, ably translating local, national and diocesan policy into the school's context.
Communicate compellingly the school's vision and drive the strategic leadership, empowering all pupils and staff to excel. 2. Pupils and Staff In a Catholic school the headteacher leads a learning community rooted in Catholic belief and principles. The search for excellence is given expression in learning and teaching which recognise pupils’ individual worth as made in the image and likeness of God. The headteacher will lead the school community in promoting positive attitudes to learning amongst pupils and staff which stem from Christ’s vision for humanity.
The Headteacher has a central responsibility for raising the quality of teaching and learning and for pupils’ achievement. This implies setting high expectations and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of learning outcomes. A successful learning culture will enable pupils to become effective, enthusiastic, independent learners, committed to life-long learning.
In accordance with the school’s Catholic ethos, the headteacher will:
Demand ambitious standards of achievement and attendance for all pupils, overcoming disadvantage and advancing equality, instilling a strong sense of accountability in staff for the impact of their work on pupils' outcomes. Ensure high quality personal, social, health education and citizenship in accordance with the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church. Ensure quality provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education in line with the distinctive Catholic nature, purpose and aims of the school.
Secure excellent teaching through an analytical understanding of how pupils learn and of the core features of successful classroom practice and curriculum design, leading to rich curriculum opportunities and pupils' well-being, taking full account of the school’s Catholic foundation.
Establish an educational culture of "open classrooms" as a basis for sharing best practice within and between schools, drawing on and conducting relevant research and robust data analysis.
Create an ethos based on Catholic values within which all staff are motivated and supported to develop their own skills and subject knowledge, and to support each other.
Identify emerging talents, coaching current and aspiring leaders in a climate where excellence is the standard, leading to clear succession planning. Hold all staff to account for their professional conduct and practice.
3. Systems and Processes In the Catholic school all deployment of staff, finance, material resources, time and energy should promote the common good of the community in accordance with the school’s Mission Statement.
The headteacher needs to provide effective organisation and management of the school and seek ways of improving organisational structures and functions based on rigorous self-evaluation. The headteacher should ensure that the school and the people and resources within it are organised and managed to provide an efficient, effective and safe learning environment. These management responsibilities imply the re-examination of the roles and responsibilities of those adults working in the school to build capacity across the workforce and ensure resources are deployed to achieve value for money.
Effective headteachers manage themselves and their relationships well. Headship is about building a professional learning community which enables others to achieve. Through performance management and effective continuing professional development practice, the headteacher supports all staff to achieve high standards. To equip themselves with the capacity to deal with the complexity of the role and the range of leadership skills and actions required of them, headteachers should be committed to their own continuing professional development.
In accordance with the school’s Catholic ethos, the headteacher will:
Ensure that the school's systems, organisation and processes are well- considered, efficient and fit for purpose, upholding the principles of transparency, integrity and probity within the Catholic context. Ensure arrangements for the daily Act of Collective Worship and the spiritual life of the school. Ensure the diocesan policy for Religious Education is fulfilled.
Provide a safe, calm and well-ordered environment for all pupils and staff, focused on safeguarding pupils and developing their exemplary behaviour in school and in the wider society.
Establish rigorous, fair and transparent systems and measures for managing the performance of all staff, addressing any under- performance, supporting staff to improve and valuing excellent practice.
Welcome strong governance and actively support the governing body to understand its role and deliver its functions effectively – in particular its functions to set school strategy and hold the headteacher to account for pupil, staff and financial performance.
3. Systems and Processes
Exercise strategic, curriculum-led financial planning to ensure the equitable deployment of budgets and resources, in the best interests of pupils' achievements, the school's sustainability and its Catholic character.
Distribute leadership throughout the organisation, forging teams of colleagues who have distinct roles and responsibilities and hold each other to account for their decision making.
4. The Self-improving School System
In a Catholic school the headteacher is responsible for the mission of the school to the local and wider Catholic community and beyond. He/she will collaborate with the designated parishes and other Catholic organisations as well as with the wider educational community for the benefit of the school’s community and others. He/she will demonstrate a belief that community and school are interdependent and that engagement with the community promotes school development.
The headteacher should commit to engaging with the internal and external school community to secure equity and entitlement. The headteacher should collaborate with other schools in order to share expertise and bring positive benefits to their own and other schools. The headteacher should work collaboratively at both strategic and operational levels with parents and carers and across multiple agencies for the wellbeing of all children. The headteacher shares responsibility for leadership of the wider educational system and should be aware that school improvement and community development are interdependent.
Working in a spirit of collaboration to secure Catholic principles of equity and entitlement, the headteacher will:
Create an outward-facing school which works with other schools, organisations and the local community, in a climate of mutual challenge, to champion best practice and secure excellent achievements for all pupils. Build a school culture and curriculum based on Gospel values, the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, which take account of the richness and diversity of the school’s communities.
Develop effective relationships with fellow professionals, colleagues in other public services, parents/carers and the parish community to improve academic and social outcomes for all pupils. 4. The Self-improving School System
Challenge educational orthodoxies in the best interests of achieving excellence, harnessing the findings of well-evidenced research to frame self-regulating and self-improving schools.
Shape the current and future quality of the teaching profession through high quality training and sustained professional development of all staff.
In the context of the school’s Catholic ethos, model entrepreneurial and innovative approaches to school improvement, leadership and governance, confident of the vital contribution of internal and external accountability.
Inspire and influence others, within and beyond schools, to believe in the fundamental importance of education in young people's lives and to promote the value of education especially within a Catholic context.
This job description forms part of the contract of employment of the person appointed to the post. It reflects the position at the present time only and may be reviewed in negotiation with the employee in the future. The appointment is subject to the current conditions of employment in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document as they relate to headteachers. Person Specification
The Person Specification sets out the skills, knowledge and experience that are considered to be necessary to carry out the duties of the post effectively. It will be used in the short-listing and interview process for this post. You should demonstrate on your application form in the supporting statement section how you meet these criteria as you will only be shortlisted if you meet all of the essential criteria. Person Specification
The school’s Instrument of Government will state that it is part of the Catholic Church and is to be conducted as a Catholic school in accordance with Canon Law, the teaching of the Catholic Church and the diocesan Trust Deed. At all times the school is to serve as a witness to the Catholic faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. The post is therefore reserved for a practising Catholic who can show by example and from experience that he or she will ensure that the school is distinctively Catholic in all aspects.
Source key: A = Application form R = References I = Interview [A.1] Faith Commitment
Essential Desirable Source Practising Catholic X A/R/I
Involvement in parish community X A/R
[A.2] To be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following in the con- text of a Catholic School
Essential Desirable Source
Leading worship X I
Ways of developing religious education and worship X A/I A commitment to strategic thinking and planning that builds, communicates and carries forward a coherent and shared vision for the Catholic ethos of the school. X A/I
How relationships should be fostered and developed between the school, parish, its community and the diocese. X A/I
[B] Qualifications
Essential Desirable Source
NPQH X A
Qualified teacher status X A
Degree or equivalent X A Has completed the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) or the Catholic Teachers’ Certificate (CTC) or has a X A/I commitment to do so.
Has undertaken focused professional development for leadership in a Catholic school, such as the Catholic Leadership Programme or has a commitment to do so X A [C] Professional Development
Essential Desirable Source
Evidence of appropriate professional development for the role of headteacher X A/I
Evidence of recent leadership and management professional development X A
Has successfully undertaken appropriate Child Protection training. X A/I
Has successfully undertaken appropriate Designated Senior Leader training, or has a commitment to do so before taking up X A/I post/within 12 months of taking up post.
Has successfully undertaken the Secretary of State’s (NCTL, CWDC or local authority) approved “safer recruitment” training or has a commitment to do so before taking up post/ within 12 months X A/I of taking up post.
[D] School leadership and management experience
Essential Desirable Source
Demonstrate a proven track record in successful leadership in statutory education (ie as defined by regulatory and school improvement frameworks) X A/I/R
Be able to demonstrate successful effective leadership through relevant performance measures (eg. attendance, attainment, safeguarding) X A/I/R
Demonstrate strong leadership in school self-evaluation and planning X A/I/R
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of strategic planning and budgetary management in relation to their contribution to school improvement and pupil outcomes. X A/I/R
Evidence of successful policy development and implementation. X A/I/R
Demonstrate successful staff development within a school setting. X A/I/R
To demonstrate maintaining and improving performance through periods of significant change X A/I/R [E] Experience and knowledge of teaching
Essential Desirable Source
Experience of teaching in more than one school X A/I Experience of teaching in a Catholic school X A/I Experience of teaching in a school in similar circumstances or serving a similar community. X A/I
Significant teaching experience within the primary or secondary phase X A/I/R Experience of providing professional challenge and support to others through the performance management process X A/I
To have a current knowledge and understanding of all pupil learning from the age of 3 – 16. X A/I
To be able to effectively use data, assessment and target setting to raise standards/address weaknesses X A/I
To be able to exemplify how the needs of all pupils have been met through high quality teaching X A/I
[F] Professional Attributes
Essential Desirable Source To be able to work effectively with the governing body X A/I To be able to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of the learning communities who might be served by our school. X A/I To be able to demonstrate a clear rationale for behaviour management and a proven track record of the effective X A/I implementation of a range of behaviour management strategies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (which will be assessed at all stages of the process) X A/I To be a leader of learning, demonstrating, promoting and encouraging outstanding classroom practice X A/I
Able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the digital competencies needed to lead our school. X A/I
[G] Professional Skills based on the Welsh National Leadership Standards for Headteachers
The Headteacher is expected to have a good knowledge of and work in accordance with the Leadership Standards for Headteachers. All prospective candidates should demonstrate their ability to work to the 6 areas of the Leadership Standards:
Creating Strategic Direction Leading Teaching and Learning Developing and working with others Managing the school Securing accountability Strengthening the community focus
[H] Personal Qualities
All of the following are considered to be essential for the post and will be assessed throughout the process.
The Headteacher will be able to:
Promote the school’s strong educational philosophy and values
Inspire, challenge, motivate and empower teams and individuals to achieve high goals
Demonstrate personal enthusiasm and commitment to leadership aimed at making a positive difference to children and young people
Build and maintain quality relationships through effective interpersonal skills and communication
Demonstrate personal and professional integrity including modelling values and vision
Manage and resolve conflict
Prioritise, plan and organise work
Think analytically and creatively and demonstrate initiative in solving problems
Be aware of the personal strengths and areas for development of others; listen to reflect on and respond to their views
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the importance of Welsh culture, historic and contemporary, including the Welsh language
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the importance of the Digital Competence Framework
[I] Confidential References and Reports
Positive and supportive references are required from 1. The Catholic priest where the applicant normally worships confirming the applicant is a practising Catholic; 2. The applicant’s present school or current employer; 3. Another professional. Where the applicant is not currently employed working with children, this must be the most recent school or college employer. Local agreements may prescribe that the second professional reference is provided by a SIP or local authority adviser whenever possible.
The governors reserve the right in exceptional cases to seek additional references from other former employers where this seems appropriate. Denbighshire County Council Thank you for Customer Services : 01824 706000 Website : www.denbighshire.gov.uk your interest Instagram : @CyngorSDd_DenbighshireCC Facebook : Denbighshire County Council Twitter : @DenbighshireCC
Head Office : County Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN