CMAT Executive Principal Kempston Challenger Academies

Challenger Multi Academy Trust Registered Office: Abbey House, 7 Manor Road, Coventry, CV1 2FW.

Chief Executive: Stephen Chamberlain

Embrace Challenge- Expect Excellence www.challengermultiacademytrust.org

CMAT Executive Principal Kempston Challenger Academies

Recruitment Information Pack

EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK

Contents

Letter from the CEO………………...... 3

CMAT Vision and Values ...... 4

The Sponsor ...... 5

The Core Improvement Team ...... 6 Application Process ...... 7 Vacancy Advert ...... 8

Job Description...... 9

Person Specification ...... 12

Academy Locations...... 13

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in working for the Challenger Multi Academy Trust Group (CMAT).

CMAT is an educational charity that sponsors a chain of 3 academies in Bedfordshire and has a growing reputation for securing transformational change and sustainable school improvement. A fourth academy, (Daubeney Academy) is due to join the trust this year and there are a number of others who are looking to join in the near future.

Our vision is to provide high quality education and deliver the best outcomes for young people with an ethos based on four founding principles of Leadership, Creativity and Service in a culture of high aspirations where everyone in the CMAT family embraces challenge and expects excellence from themselves and others. At our core we provide outstanding educational provision for families, firmly rooted in the context of the local community. We seek to support lifelong learning, and provide excellence in teaching through high expectations with adherence to traditional values and standards.

The Executive Principal model is a tried and tested leadership model, which we, as an organisation firmly believe is one of the most successful methods to ensure school improvement. We are looking to develop this model within the trust with the successful applicant working initially working across two of our academies in Kempston as they join together to form a new 11-19 academy as part of a local restructure from a three to a two tier system. This position would be suitable for candidates from both Middle and Upper as well as Secondary Head Teachers/Principals positions.

This is an exciting time in our development as we continue to expand our group of schools/academies and to have further impact upon the lives of young people. You will be joining an ambitious and innovative organisation, so we are looking for an imaginative member of the who can secure positive outcomes for our young people, staff, families and the wider communities that we serve.

We are looking for an outstanding leader that shares the same core values as the MAT as well as our parent trust in placing an importance on developing character and learning outside the classroom in addition to high academic standards. We are looking for a leader that that can take our academies onto greater success, inspiring the children to attain the highest level possible.

If you share our vision and passion for young people and their families then we would like to hear from you.

Yours faithfully,

Stephen Chamberlain, MA, BA(Hons), NPQH, PGCE(Mus), MIoD, FCMI, FRSA.

Chief Executive and Director

The Board of Directors

Left to Right:

Graeme Guthrie Director/Trustee

Charlie Rigby Chief Executive, Challenger Trust

Martin Smout Chair of the CMAT Board

Stephen Chamberlain Chief Executive, CMAT

Peter Knell Director/Trustee

CMAT Vision and Values

Our vision is to build a collaborative partnership of schools that will provide outstanding educational provision both in and outside the classroom through challenge and promoting excellence. Our improvement model is based on school led, school- to- school support developed through a model of collaborative autonomy. We welcome pupils from all backgrounds and will work to provide them with a comprehensive range of learning opportunities that will be personalised for pupils and draw on the principles and practice of ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ (LOtC) and models of Engaging Schools’. Our key foci are on progress and partnership. School improvement is also based on school-to-school support developed through a model of collaborative autonomy. It is through a clear leadership, service, creativity and high aspirations in our schools that we will inspire and embed core values in our young people, staff and communities.

The ‘CMAT Model’ ensures all our schools have strong networks and a strong voice in their future. Working with a range of partners and individuals with a proven track record in school improvement and partnership working we will help build strong capacity to improve from within and a culture that looks outward and never stops aiming to achieve excellence.

Our focus is on achieving high academic standards for all children and young people within our schools and academies through a focus on

The CMAT focus on learning both in and outside the classroom is unique. The Challenger Diploma exists to acknowledge and promote the achievements of children, staff and the community in this area and to be at the heart of the improvement agenda. Our trustees are committed to ensuring that the opportunities provided for children and young people in our schools and academies allow them to grow as individuals, embrace challenge in all aspects of their lives and achieve and expect excellence. Please take the time to read our prospectus and please get in touch if you would like to know more about being part of the Challenger family.

Our academies will be places of educational excellence. We want to do what is best for all of our pupils, teachers, staff and parents. Our aim is to see them achieve their full potential within a framework of challenge and support with strong governance and teaching excellence.

The Sponsor: Challenger Multi Academy Trust

The Challenger Multi Academy Trust is a not for profit charitable organisation that sponsors a chain of academies under a single master funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education and is part of the Challenger Trust group. The Department for Education approved the Challenger Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) as a sponsor in 2014/15.

We are a small but expanding trust sponsoring a number of schools in Bedfordshire. The trust aims to operate with minimal central overheads coupled with tried and tested school improvement models and partnerships designed to maximise funding direct to schools. The CMAT team has built up a sophisticated knowledge of the education sector over many years and have access to a wide range of educational professionals in the primary, secondary and special school sectors in order to support, develop and grow the ‘Challenger’ model in our academies.

The overall aim of CMAT is to nurture and develop learning communities, which promote and provide excellence in teaching, learning and relationships through challenge, high expectations and an adherence to traditional values and standards. At its core, CMAT values high quality educational provision for families firmly rooted in the priorities of the local community.

CMAT believe in supporting schools to be the education provider of choice within their local community and we we believe all students should have the opportunity to study a distinctive offer both inside and outside the classroom relevant to their needs and the community in which they live.

We believe in the autonomy of local schools and provide challenge and support on their journey of school improvement.

In our partnership we currently sponsor three in Bedfordshire with a fourth academy, Daubeney Academy electing to join us in Summer 2016. We have a number of other school and academies expecting to join us in 2016/17.

We want to recruit leaders who are comfortable with our vision and values and hope that the summary given above encourages you to read further. More details about CMAT, its members and what we are doing can be found at www.challengermultiacademytrust.or

The CMAT Improvement Team

CMAT is fortunate to be able to work with a wide range of partners to support school improvement. We are one of the few trusts to have a strategic partnership with Challenge Partners (www.challengepartners.org) as part of our school improvement strategy as well as a team of specialists in key curriculum areas and school self-evaluation and improvement. We also work closely with recognized experts in a wide range of areas including mathematics, English, ICT and special educational needs and disabilities. You can find our more about our team at http://www.challengermultiacademytrust.org/our-team/

Our maths specialist, Bruno Reddy, http://www.mrreddy.com talking to CMAT Hastingsbury Headteacher Martin Fletcher on the development of our mathematics strategy.

Our motivational ‘Learning Coach, Jim Robeson working with CMAT, Hastingsbury Students

CMAT Leadership Programme

As part of our partnership programmes we are able to offer a wide range of leadership and support programmes:

As part of our School Improvement Division and strategic partnerships, CMAT also delivers a range of accredited programmes to support leadership and teaching and learning:

Leadership Curriculum Programmes

NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)

NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership)

NPQML (National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership)

Teaching and Learning

These programmes are accredited through OLEVI, The International Centre for Teaching and Leadership. www.olevi.com

• Improving Teacher Programme

• Outstanding teacher Programme

• Teaching and Learning Immersion Programme

• Outstanding Facilitation Programme

• Conceptualisation Programme

• Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme (OTAP)

• OTAP Train the Trainers

• Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme

In addition teams of ASTs and SLEs from our Partner Teaching School Alliances are deployed across the CMAT academies to provide a structure for the sharing of expertise and the delivery of learning opportunities at key times such as training days, preparation for inspections and intervention events. Curriculum leaders, special needs specialists and support staff from the CMAT regularly meet and are deployed at key times to provide the leadership and the energy for school improvement. This mechanism of support is flexible and capable of expansion and positions within the core team offer career progression and opportunities for all CMAT employees.

Our Central Services & Support Teams

Central Services

We are in the process of growing our Central Services Team in partnership with a range of support partners . Our Central Services Team of professionals also deliver support the delivery of centralised services supporting the non- teaching operations of CMAT academies and work towards assuring consistent working practices and best value for the group. Centralised services include/will include:

• Financial management, centralised purchasing and payroll • HR and legal advice • ICT strategy • Governance • Curriculum Design (as needed) • Business Services • Facilities Management • Continued Professional Development • Recruitment • Audit Services • Data Support and Analysis

Core Improvement Teams

The Core Improvement Team members consist a number of groups led by senior and middle leaders form across the trust. These key leaders devote whatever time is needed to each academy. Specialists provide support for the sharing and comparison of data, monitoring and intervention, developing personalised learning pathways, inclusion and behaviour as well as advising on teaching and learning as appropriate for each academy.

• CMAT Executive Board (Principals and Chief Executive) • CMAT Standards Committee (Principals/Chief Executive/Trustees/Directors) • CMAT LGB Chairs Strategy Group

• CMAT Teaching and Learning Commission • CMAT Diploma Strategy Group • CMAT Curriculum & Assessment Team • CMAT English Learning Community • CMAT Mathematics Learning Community • CMAT ICT/Google Innovation Strategy Group • CMAT Leadership and Talent Curriculum Programmes • CMAT SEND & Inclusion Community

The Application Process

Further details about the work of the Challenger Multi Academy Trust including academies it currently sponsors can be found at www.challengermultiacademytrust.org

Completed applications should be returned to Ms Joanne Carr, Executive Assistant to the CEO at [email protected] or by post to Challenger Multi Academy Trust, Recruitment Team, c/o Hastingsbury Business and Enterprise College, Hill Rise, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7EB

You can also complete the TES ‘Hirewire’ online application at: https://www.hirewire.co.uk/SG/1082471/THW_JobBoard.aspx

CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS: 10.00AM THURSDAY 31ST MARCH 2016

INTERVIEWS: 14TH & 15TH APRIL 2016

An email will be sent to shortlisted candidates with details of the interview process. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information or would like an informal discussion with the Chief Executive, Stephen Chamberlain please contact Ms Carr on 01234 290900.

Executive Principal Full Time/Permanent

If you are currently a Head Teacher or Principal of a good or outstanding Middle, Upper or Secondary School and are looking for the next step in your career, then the Challenger Multi Academy Trust (CMAT) may have the ideal opportunity for you.

CMAT is a new, innovative and growing sponsor and multi-academy trust of four academies across Bedfordshire. We are seeking to

• recruit an Executive Principal to strategically lead the transformation of school improvement across two academies in a specific locality with the object of bringing the two existing middle and upper schools together as the Kempston Challenger Academy. This model of Executive Leadership is works successfully across a number of multi academy trusts and we believe that this is the future for sustained school improvement across our academies. • You will be operating at an executive level to develop the vision and strategic direction of the academies and work with the CEO, Headteachers and Associate Headteachers to provide effective leadership to build a strong and focused team, able to improve teaching and learning and the outcomes for all children. You will work in partnership with other Principals and the Core Improvement Team of CMAT to shape the future of school to school support within the Trust. • You should be able to evidence collaborative and inspirational leadership that creates a culture of high expectations and aspirations that raises standards and ensure that all children reach their full potential. • If you welcome the opportunity to have influence and impact across a group of schools/academies and would like to work alongside the CEO and Core Improvement Team to help shape the future of leadership and school improvement within CMAT then we would like to hear from you. 11

JOB DESCRIPTION: Executive Principal

Salary: Leadership Spine L33-38

Hours: 37 hours per week- all year round

Responsible to: Chief Executive

Responsible for: Leadership of the Academies, Directors of CMAT and the Local Governing Bodies

The Executive Principal will work with the Academy Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the CMAT Core School Improvement Team and associated members and partners to provide strategic leadership, vision and management of at least two academies in the Trust and have responsibility for the highest quality of education for all its students.

Shaping the Future – Strategic Direction and Development

o Ensure the vision for the academy is clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all staff o Ensure the vision for the academy is aligned with that of the sponsors o To work within the CMAT family and community to translate the vision into agreed objectives and operational plans which will promote and sustain school improvement o Demonstrate the vision and values in everyday work and practice o Motivate and work with all stakeholders to create a shared culture and positive climate for all o Ensure creativity and innovation in the use of appropriate current and emerging technologies to achieve excellence across the whole academy community o Introduce appropriate innovation in line with educational developments and management best practice in a rapidly changing environment o Ensure that strategic planning takes account of the diversity, values and experience of the academy and its wider community including other schools in the partnership o Contribute to the development of CMAT policies and procedures

Teaching and Learning

o Maximise the opportunities for all students through continuous academy-wide focus on students’ achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every child’s learning o Ensure high quality teaching is at the heart of strategic planning and resource management o Establish creative, responsive and effective approaches to teaching and learning o Work closely with the Directors of the Core School Improvement Team on developing higher attainment in CMAT academies o Contribute to the development of a collaborate approach across CMAT academies in sharing good practice and improving the learning experience for students

o Empower students to take an active part in their own learning and to take personal responsibility for improving their future opportunities and educational experience o Implement strategies which secure high standards of behaviour and attendance o Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and standards of learning and achievement o Work with the Core School Improvement Team to determine, organise and implement a diverse, flexible curriculum and effective assessment framework o Establish an academy culture which promotes aspiration within the school community and celebrates success and achievement o Take the strategic lead in the development of new and emerging technologies to improve the learning experience for students o Challenge underperformance at all levels and ensure effective corrective action, support and review o Build an effective partnership with parents and the wider community to support and enhance the achievement and personal development of all children and young people.

Developing Self and Working with Others

o Treat people fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect to create and maintain a positive culture o Build a collaborative learning culture within the academy and actively engage with other CMAT academies to build effective learning communities o Develop and maintain effective strategies and procedures for staff induction, professional development and performance management in line with agreed local and national policy and procedures o Ensure effective planning, allocation, support and evaluation of work undertaken by teams and individuals, ensure clear delegation of tasks and responsibilities o Support the development of versatile, transferable skills and attitudes to life-long learning and celebrate achievement o Develop and maintain a culture of high expectations for self and others and take appropriate action when necessary o Regularly review own practice and take responsibility for own personal development o Ensure adequate provision to enable an appropriate work/life balance for all.

Managing the Organisation

o Create a structure which reflects the academy’s values and enables the supporting systems, structures and processes to work effectively in line with legal requirements o Produce and implement clear, evidence-based improvement plans and policies for development of the academy o Ensure that policies and practices take into account CMAT and Challenger Trust initiatives, especially in relation to the CMAT Diploma and ‘Learning Outside the Classroom' o Work in partnership with the Core School Improvement Team in the management of finance and human resources to achieve the academy’s/ CMAT’s goals and priorities o Manage the setting of annual performance management targets for senior staff and review progress against them in line with agreed policy and procedures o Oversee the implementation of a robust performance management framework 13

across the academy in line with CMAT vision and goals o Manage and organise the academy environment effectively in liaison with the Core School Improvement Team o Ensure that the use of resources provides value for money o Promote and develop a safer working practice culture to ensure staff and students are supported and safe

Securing Accountability

o Develop a collective ethos in the academy and its wider partnership which enables everyone to work collaboratively, share best practice, celebrate success and accept responsibility for outcomes o Ensure individual staff accountabilities and responsibilities are clearly defined, communicated, understood and agreed and are subject to a robust and rigorous review and evaluation in accordance with statutory performance management policy and procedures o Working with CMAT Directors and the Core School Improvement Team, provide objective advice and support to local governors to enable them to meet their responsibilities o Develop and implement a suitable quality assurance system in collaboration with the Core School Improvement Team o Present a clear, coherent and accurate account of performance to a range of audiences including, CMAT Directors, Governors, parents and carers o Promote the status and the ethos of CMAT with all stakeholders

Strengthening Community

o Promote and develop a culture and curriculum which takes account of the richness and diversity of the community and celebrates the differences o Create and promote positive strategies for challenging discrimination o Collaborate with other agencies to provide a holistic approach to the well-being of staff, students and their families

Person Specification

Executive Principal ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE MEASURED BY: MINIMUM REQUREMENTS A – Application Form B – Test/Exercise C – Interview D – References Generic An inspirational leader with * A, B, C and D a personal and professional commitment to the fulfilment of the highest levels of formation and achievement in every student and every teacher The Achievement of the Applicant Graduate or equivalent * A qualifications Completion of or working * A towards NPQH Other relevant qualifications * A or training in educational leadership or a similar qualification from a non- education background A National or Local Leader * A and C of Education (NLE/LLE) Experience Successful experience as a * A, C and D leader and manager in education in either a good or outstanding school Successful experience in * A, C and D leading and managing change and innovation in seeking high performance Proven skills in the * A, C and D dissemination and innovation of good practice within and beyond the Academy Successful involvement in * A, C And D performance processes and data analysis as an aid in 15

personal and institutional improvement, development and change Effective and efficient * D financial management Experience of working in * A, C and D collaborative partnerships

Leadership and Management Ability to articulate the * A, B, C and D vision, the mission and values that make this Academy unique and ensure that both vision and mission are translated consistently by leadership and management to ensure justice and the highest levels of student achievement and formation Ability to act as a leader * A, B C and D who empowers and enthuses all connected with the Academy to contribute, participate and develop leadership and management

Knowledge and Understanding Current leadership issues * A, B and C and developments that could be adopted from the educational and non- educational world The application and * A, B and C potential application of ICT to improve all levels of achievement, to create independent and interdependent learning and develop citizenship and enterprise Skills and Abilities The ability to lead, * A and C motivate and develop all connected with the Academy as individuals, citizens and as a community

The ability to make sound * A, B, C and D decisions and identify and solve problems based on thorough analysis and sound judgement The ability to think * B and C creatively in order to stimulate innovation and to secure the future success of the Academy The ability to implement * A and D change management effectively and efficiently The ability and presence * A, B C and D to make points clearly, to listen, understand and respond in a variety of situations Evidence of the ability to * A and C delegate, plan and to manage time effectively The ability to work well * A, B,C and D under pressure and to maintain high levels of organisational skills The ability to work * A, C and D effectively in partnerships with other schools and agencies