Model Letter, If Required, from Chair of Governors to Be Adapted As Appropriate

DIOCESE OF ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON

Model letter from Chair of Governors to go with information pack (to be adapted as appropriate)

The governors and I are very pleased to send you the enclosed information about our school/college and the key post of headteacher. Thank you for the interest you have shown. We believe that this is an exciting opportunity and that the successful applicant will be joining a happy and welcoming community that looks to the future.

Our school/college is at a significant stage in its development. (There could be a paragraph or two that captures the flavour / key points of the school/college and gives prospective candidates a feel for the direction in which the Governing Body sees the school/college moving in the next 5 years or so.)

Visits to the school /college are strongly encouraged. Please contact the school/college office to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit.

When making your application, please bear in mind the person specification that we have provided. At short-listing, we will be looking for evidence in each application of the positive impact that an applicant has had in his / her current post in the key areas of school/college life, for example:  strategic planning and school/college self review  the leadership and development of teams of staff  the analysis and use of data and other strategies for school/college improvement  the school’s/college’s role in the parish and its impact on community cohesion, with examples

DIOCESE OF ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON September 2016 At interview we will also wish to explore with applicants:  their understanding of the distinctive nature of the Catholic school/college and Catholic education  their understanding of the role of headteacher in monitoring the quality of teaching and learning  their understanding of the role of headteacher in the performance management of the whole staff  their views and experience of the management of school/college finance  the knowledge, experience and strengths that each would bring to the post of headteacher

Your letter to accompany your application form should be no more than two pages of A4 when typed (size 11 font). Please send your completed application form and letter to (list name and address…..). The closing date for applications is (** date), and interviews will be held on (** date(s)).

This school/college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. There will be a need for the successful applicant to undertake a criminal record check via the CRB.

References, one of which should be from your parish priest (or the priest of the parish where you worship regularly), a second from your Chair of Governors / Headteacher and a third from your local authority, may be sought as soon as applications are received. All applications will, of course, be treated in the strictest confidence.

I am pleased to enclose / signpost you to the following information: (this list is intended as a guide only some of which can be posted on the school website)  the school’s /college’s mission statement and aims  a brief history, its location, accommodation and facilities  the number of pupils on roll and expected future trends  the area we serve and nature of our pupil intake  our staffing (teaching and support staff) structure  our budget

DIOCESE OF ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON September 2016  the school’s/college’s management structure, academic and pastoral structure, and our links with parishes, parents and other schools  a map the school/college and of the parish(es)/deanery we serve  the latest set of school/college performance statistics  a summary of the school/college development plan  comparative house prices within a radius of 25 miles  person specification  job description  CES Senior Leadership Application Form  copy of the latest OFSTED summary report (*date) and Governors’ Action Plan  copy of the latest Section 48 report (*date) and Governors’ Action Plan  school/college prospectus  information on the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton  information about teaching in (the LA)

We look forward to receiving your application and to learning what you would be able to offer our school/college community and specifically its pupils, staff, parents and governors.

With best wishes, Yours sincerely

Chair of Governors

DIOCESE OF ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON September 2016