OSSETT ACADEMY

PRINCIPAL RECRUITMENT BROCHURE www.ossettacademy.co.uk 2

DEAR APPLICANT

Thank you for your interest in the very important As a Principal within the Trust, you will be joining post of Principal of Ossett Academy within the an extremely ambitious organisation, we are Accord Multi Academy Trust. We hope that the therefore looking for an outstanding leader to join contents within this pack provides sufficient our team. It goes without saying that there will be information and helps you to decide if you have an expectation to shape the sustained the right qualities, skills and experience to apply improvement in the quality of provision and for the position. outcomes for young people at academy level, however it is also important that you are provided The Accord Multi Academy Trust is an educational the opportunity to contribute to wider charity established in September 2016 that is development of the Trust. As part of your role you currently made up of four academies who were the will have the opportunity to shape the continued founding members of the Trust. In September development of the Trust as a member of the 2016 Horbury Academy and Ossett Academy & Educational Strategy Group (ESG), this is the Sixth Form College came together, moving away forum where Principals work alongside myself and from their stand-alone Trust status and were joined other designated senior leaders to innovate, and to in December 2016 by Horbury Primary Academy shape strategy targeted at ensuring we secure a and Middlestown Primary Academy. The world class education for our young people. overarching vision for the Trust is to work in one ‘Accord – celebrating the differences of each We are fully committed to investing in our staff, academy through strong collaboration in order to and as an employee you will have access to high inspire all members of our learning community to quality professional development, whether it be be the best that they can be.’ Our vision is from formal programmes of CPD, or from the underpinned by the highest expectations on what opportunity of working closely with other talented every child can achieve regardless of their context leaders both within the Trust and other partner or starting point. organisations.

This is an exciting time in our development, as we It is a real privilege to work alongside such a continue to work tirelessly to provide world class talented body of professionals working tirelessly to education for young people within our community. provide the best opportunities for young people In our infancy, the Trust has secured a strong across the Trust. If you feel that you have the foundation on which to build, consolidating the vision, drive and energy to ensure that Ossett important structures necessary for growth, Academy is amongst the top performing schools in development, innovation and sustained the country we would like to hear from you. improvement. These foundations have been underpinned by strong collaboration between all leaders across each of our academies, and this has been instrumental in allowing us to meet the many challenges in education in a coherent, co-ordinated and effective way. Working together as a team has clearly made us stronger, and the support and challenge of each other has enriched each of our Alan Warboys academies and the Trust. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ABOUT THE TRUST

The Accord Multi Academy Trust is an educational charity established in September 2016 that is currently made up of four academies who were the founding members of the Trust.

The overarching vision for the Trust is to work in one ‘Accord – celebrating the differences of each academy through strong collaboration in order to inspire all members of our learning community to be the best that they can be.’ Our academies work on the following key principles:

· Ambitious for our young people and staff;

· Creating a positive climate and an ethos for learning and success;

· Collaborative to secure the best possible learning experiences for young people and staff;

· Opening doors for parents, carers and the community and being fully inclusive;

· Resilient in order to develop in young people and staff a mind-set for success;

· Dynamic and reflective learning communities.

Our vision and key principles are underpinned by the highest expectations on what every child can achieve regardless of their context or starting point. Such high expectations lead to our aspiration that all of our academies are performing within the top 20% of schools nationally. 4

WHY WORK FOR THE TRUST?

The Accord Multi Academy Trust is committed to providing world class education for all young people within our community and a such we recognise the pivotal role that our staff team have in this respect.

The Trust places at the heart of its development a commitment to high quality professional development for all staff who join the Trust. We understand that by investing in our staff we will create an organisation with a shared vision and values that will transform education for young people.

As a Trust we are committed to provide the following benefits for all our employees:

· The opportunity to · An opportunity to · The Trust maintains work in a forward collaborate with other nationally agreed terms and thinking and fast paced colleagues across conditions in relation to pay environment alongside academies within the and conditions for both a range of professionals Trust, and with other teaching and associate with a proven track academies and Multi staff, and continues to record of success in Academy Trust’s on a subscribe to local holiday transforming education regional basis. Formal patterns within the local for young people. opportunities arising from authority of each academy. collaboration provide:

> Structured and informal opportunities to share · A specific career stage · All employees have the best practice that affords pathway of professional opportunity to access a colleagues the development with a pension scheme. opportunity to develop commitment to support their own skills; engagement in nationally recognised > Opportunities to lead on professional developments as a qualifications (NPQ’s). stepping stone to further career opportunities. · A range of benefits > The provision of a negotiated for employees childcare voucher scheme working for the Trust to (up to 30 September include: 2018);

> Discount rates for self and > The provision of a cycle family members for mobile to work scheme; phone benefits secured through a national network > Free fitness suite access provider; at one of the academies within the Trust. > Corporate discount rates in terms of private Health Care;

> A range of local discount benefits across health, beauty, legal and entertainment providers; 6

DEAR APPLICANT

On behalf of Governors, staff and students I would like to thank you for your interest in the position of Principal at Ossett Academy. We hope that the information contained within this pack will help you decide if you have the right qualities and experience to be our next Principal.

Our Academy is an 11-19 Academy with 1,700 students including 300 in the Accord Sixth Form which is based here on site at Ossett. The Academy is well-regarded and thriving; the strong working partnerships between all stakeholders provide and promote a happy and cohesive environment for students and staff alike. We perform at a consistently strong level in public examinations. In our most recent Ofsted Inspection (January 2018) we were rated as Good. As a result the Academy is massively over-subscribed.

We converted to an Academy in February 2011 and were a founding member of the Accord Multi Academy Trust alongside Horbury Academy forming in September 2016.

We are fortunate to have recently benefited from a refurbished dining hall and kitchen and over the summer of 2018 major projects are underway to improve large sections of the academy roof and a refurbishment of the main student toilet facilities. We are committed to maintaining our historic roots but understand the need to modernise where we can to ensure our students have access to a welcoming learning environment and social spaces.

The things that are distinctive about Ossett Academy include its incredibly high expectations of all students and staff, its traditional values, its programme of extra-curricular activities and an overwhelmingly positive ethos. As the academy is at the heart of the local community, the new Principal will maintain and extend links beyond the academy boundaries and be committed to the development of our local community.

We are very proud of all our students who are polite, conscientious and show a tremendous love and desire for learning.

Our Governing Body are supportive of the leadership team and the strategic aims that the academy set themselves. The position is being advertised at this time as our current Principal has taken up the role of Chief Executive of the Accord Multi Academy Trust. We are looking to appoint a forward thinking individual with exceptional leadership qualities who can continue to inspire and motivate staff and students to excel in everything that they do.

If you feel that you have the vision, drive and energy to lead the Academy through it’s next phase, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

Sonya Strafford Chair of Governors “Throughout my years at Ossett Academy I’ve been given many opportunities to represent the academy as part of a team in sports and performance, whilst also encouraging me to be the best I can be”

Head Girl 8

AIMS OF THE ACADEMY

· To be a dynamic learning community that promotes enjoyment, opportunities and friendship.

· To promote excellence by inspiring students to realise their full potential, achieve high standards and have the courage and resilience to accept new challenges.

· To maintain a safe, caring and healthy environment for all which creates hopes, dreams and aspirations.

· To develop life-long learners with the skills and determination to succeed in an ever changing technological world.

· To continually improve and develop our approaches to classroom and assessment practice to lead to excellent outcomes and progress across all key stages.

· To maintain the highest possible standards across all aspects of academy life.

· To develop self-awareness and tolerance towards others with different cultures and beliefs.

· To ensure all students are supported to live balanced healthy lives that are rich with both academic and extra-curricular opportunities.

· To create responsible members of a local, national and international community who promote equality and respect and understand the value of our environment and its future. CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION

· Ossett Academy is a mixed 11 – 19 secondary academy; with the Accord Sixth Form provision based on Ossett Academy's site.

· The Academy & Sixth Form College are situated on the outskirts of Wakefield just off the M1 junction 40 in the town of Ossett.

· The site is multi-faceted with a mixture of old and new buildings; the original Grammar School listed building from 1906 remains at the heart of the academy.

· The Academy remained judged as Good following Ofsted’s most recent inspection in January 2018.

· The Academy is much larger than the average-sized secondary and is heavily oversubscribed, with 1,700 students on roll (including Sixth Form).

· The proportion of students supported through Pupil Premium is below the national average.

· The proportion of students with special educational needs and/or disabilities is broadly in line with the national average'

· The academy offers a wealth of extra-curricular activities; from sport to music, the performing arts and visual arts, as well as a number of annual successful educational visits across all key stages.

· Prospective students and parents / carers are invited to attend the annual academy Open Evening; and a number of other showcase events and activities take place throughout the year to enable the academy to share our student’s progress and talent.

· The academy produces a termly magazine ‘Ossett Voice’ which showcases student achievements, progress in classes, success stories in and outside of school, key updates and news articles. Previous editions can be found on the academy website at:

https://www.ossettacademy.co.uk/the-academy/ossett-voice-magazine/ 10 “The school is an orderly, calm environment. Pupils conduct themselves sensibly and with respect for one another.”

Ofsted 12

ADVERT

PRINCIPAL L36 – L42 Full Time /Permanent, Required for January 2019

The Accord Multi Academy Trust and Ossett Academy Local Governing Body are seeking to appoint an exceptional, passionate and highly successful leader to the role of Principal at Ossett Academy to start from January 2019. This is an excellent opportunity for an existing or aspiring Headteacher / Principal.

Ossett Academy is an 11-19 academy with 1,700 students on roll, including 300 in the Accord Sixth Form on site. The academy is well regarded and thriving; it is ideally located, close to the M1, and has benefited from recent major building works and modernisation that supports the provision of a welcoming and motivating learning environment and social spaces.

This is an exciting and important time for the academy which is part of an ambitious and aspirational Academy Trust. Having secured a Good rating from Ofsted in January 2018 the academy is on a fast paced journey of continued improvement and is looking to secure the highest possible outcomes for all students, their families, and the wider community. The academy’s outstanding staff body are key to its success; who all share a commitment that all lessons are engaging and purposeful and that students will be inspired to be the best version of themselves. Through strong leadership and the ability to spearhead all aspects of academy development, you will harness the key strengths of all stakeholders, and lead sustained strategic improvement and development.

Our Principal will also play an important role in the strategic direction of the Trust by joining the Educational Strategy Group, alongside the CEO and other Trust Principals / Headteachers, to innovate and shape strategy targeted at ensuring we secure a world class education for our young people.

We are looking for a Principal who is forward thinking with exceptional leadership qualities, who can continue to inspire and motivate staff and students to excel in everything they do.

For a confidential conversation about the role, to arrange a visit to the academy with opportunity to meet the Accord CEO or to discuss making an application please contact our retained recruitment partner, Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments on 07736 791138 or [email protected].

Closing Date: Monday 17 September 2018 at 8am

Preliminary Interviews: Wednesday 19 September 2018

Selection Process: Monday 24 September and Tuesday 25 September 2018

The Accord Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Principal

SALARY: L36 – L42

REPORTING TO: Accord CEO and Ossett Academy Local Governing Body

JOB PURPOSE

The Principal will secure the vision for the Academy and be accountable to the CEO and Local Governing Body in terms of its successful delivery.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Direction and Development of the Academy

· To deliver inspiring, motivational and purposeful Body accurately and honestly, identifying action for leadership for all Academy stakeholders, having the improvement where required. highest possible expectations for all students and staff. · To ensure that management, finances, organisation and · To work in partnership with the Trust, Governing Body, administration of the Academy support its vision and students, staff and parents / carers in generating and aims. sustaining the ethos and values which underpin the · To ensure that Academy policies and practices drive Academy. academy improvement and take account of national, local and Academy requirements. · To ensure that the vision for the Academy is clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon · To monitor, evaluate and review the impact of policies, effectively by all staff. priorities and targets and take action as may be necessary. · To demonstrate the vision and Academy values in · To ensure that all Academy stakeholders are committed everyday work and practice. to its aims, motivated to achieve them, and involved in meeting short, medium and long term objectives and · To implement the Academy’s Strategic Plan to secure targets which secure the continued educational success continuous improvement. of the Academy. · To keep abreast of educational developments and · To monitor and evaluate the performance of the introduce strategies and innovation that best meets the Academy and respond and report to the Governing needs of our students. 14

LEADING IMPROVEMENT

· To ensure effective and responsive approaches to · To develop students’ softer skills ensuring that they are teaching and learning in all areas of the curriculum. able to develop into well rounded individuals who respect themselves and others and can celebrate their · To ensure that high quality teaching and learning is differences. central to all decision making, securing outstanding teaching, effective learning, high standards of · To determine and implement positive strategies and achievement and excellent behaviour. programmes which ensure excellent student behaviour and attendance. · To monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning and standards of achievement of all students in · To develop and maintain effective links with the the Academy through appropriate methods. community including business and industry and through these extend the curriculum and enhance teaching and · To continuously improve standards by making effective learning. use of data and benchmarking information to maximise student achievements. · To maintain an effective partnership with parents / carers and the wider community to support and improve · Challenge under-performance at all levels and ensure students’ achievement and personal development. effective professional development, support and review. · To ensure that the Academy continues to deliver its’ · To continuously review the curriculum to ensure that it extensive programme of extra-curricular activities and is delivering the best outcomes for students whilst that these are accessible to all students. remaining cost effective. · To make effective use of Pupil Premium, SEN and other · To ensure that students develop skills for lifelong earmarked funding streams to remove barriers to learning and take personal responsibility for their own learning for more vulnerable students. learning.

DEVELOPING SELF AND WORKING WITH OTHERS

· Have high expectations of self and others and promote a · To have robust, effective systems for the management of culture of openness and honest feedback to facilitate staff performance, incorporating appraisal target setting continuous staff improvement. and performance related pay where applicable.

· To treat people fairly and with respect and operate with · To effectively implement Trust policies and procedures honesty and integrity at all times; expecting the same for management of staff performance. from all other staff and Governors. · To regularly review own practice, obtaining 360 degree · To ensure that staff well-being, reward and recognition feedback on a regular basis and encourage others to do is given high priority, whilst also maintaining high the same. expectations. · To ensure that professional duties are fulfilled, as · To work with the Trust, Governors and senior colleagues specified in the Terms and Conditions of Service of all to recruit and retain staff of the highest quality. members of staff.

· To plan, allocate, support and evaluate work undertaken by groups, teams and individuals, ensuring clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities in a way that maximises outcomes for students. MANAGING THE ORGANISATION

· Ensure that policies, systems and structures are · To manage and organise the accommodation efficiently regularly evaluated and reviewed to ensure that they and effectively to ensure it meets the needs of the reflect the Academy aims and best meet the needs of curriculum, community use and health and safety the students. regulations.

· To ensure that policies are communicated effectively · To manage, monitor and review the range, quality and and adhered to. use of all available resources in order to improve the quality of education, improve students’ achievements, · With the Trust, Governing Body and Senior Leadership ensure efficiency and secure value for money. Team, set appropriate priorities for fund and human resource allocation to ensure that expenditure adds · To ensure that the Governing Body undertakes regular value. reviews of itself and receives the appropriate training to be able to fulfil its statutory duties and make informed decisions.

ACCOUNTABILITY

· Maintain an ethos of collective accountability and · To ensure that parents / carers and students are well collaboration, encouraging the sharing of best practice informed about the curriculum, attainment and progress both within and outside of the Academy. and about the contribution they can make in support of learning and achieving the Academy’s targets for · Ensure individual staff accountabilities are clearly improvement. defined, understood and widely communicated and subject to robust appraisal targets. · To provide information, objective advice and support to the Governing Body to enable it to meet its · To continue to develop an organisation in which all staff responsibilities for securing effective teaching and recognise that they are accountable for the success of learning for students and towards the achievement of the Academy and the Trust. the Academy’s targets for improvement.

· To present a coherent, honest and accurate account of the Academy’s performance in a form appropriate to a range of audiences, including Board of Directors, Governors, the local community, OFSTED and others.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

· To continually promote the Academy in a positive light · To share information and positive events via the and seek opportunities to network within the local and Academy website, social media and other Academy wider communities. communication channels on a regular basis.

· To represent the Academy at meetings / events · Collaborate with other agencies to ensure the well-being organised by appropriate and relevant community of students and their families. groups. · To support the Academy’s commitment to safeguarding · To liaise with the press and media and seek and promoting the welfare of children and young people opportunities to promote good news stories. as required under the Education Act 2002.

The job description is not prescriptive, nor a comprehensive definition of the post; it provides the general framework within which the Principal will be expected to operate. It may be subject to amendment to meet the changing needs of the Academy. 16

PERSON SPECIFICATION INTERVIEW/REFERENCE APPLICATION OR BY ASSESSED BY ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

A I

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree Level Qualification or Equivalent

Masters Degree

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NPQH or other recent qualification in Educational Leadership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Successful experience in leading and managing change and innovation in education

In depth knowledge and understanding of the wider educational agenda including current national policies and educational issues as well as the statutory and legal framework governing the operation of a school/academy

An ability to articulate the vision for the Academy and ensure that this is translated into the highest levels of student outcomes

Proven track record in successfully leading and motivating staff and creating and maintaining a can do culture

Experience of setting and achieving ambitious goals and targets

Proven success at a senior leader level of raising attainment and achievement in a secondary school setting. INTERVIEW/REFERENCE APPLICATION OR BY ASSESSED BY ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

A I

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

An understanding of how to create and maintain a culture of accountability and have student outcomes at the heart of every decision

Recognition and promotion of the role parents, carers and families play in helping children and young people succeed and thrive

Highly developed skills in performance management, recognising skills and high performance, and tackling underperformance through to resolution

Evidence of using data and benchmarking information to improve student outcomes

Successful experience of effective strategic financial and resource management to achieve educational priorities and to ensure efficiency and value for money

Up to date knowledge and understanding of current Child Protection legislation, procedures and initiatives including Keeping Children Safe in Education.

PERSONAL APTITUDES, QUALITIES AND SKILLS

The ability to inspire, motivate and enthuse others

To be articulate and approachable with excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written

To have proven sound problem solving and decision-making skills combined with the ability to lead, influence and manage change

To be astute and perceptive with strong analytical skills and the ability to use sound judgement in order to anticipate and resolve conflict

To be proactive, innovative and versatile with exceptional levels of drive, energy and enthusiasm, resilience, reliability and integrity

Proven successful experience including experience of school self-evaluation and accountability; and the school improvement process. 18

APPLICATION PROCESS

For a confidential conversation about the role, to arrange a visit to the academy with opportunity to meet the Accord CEO or to discuss making an application please contact our retained recruitment partner, Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments on:

07736 791138 [email protected].

Application to Selection Timeline

Closing date: 8am, Monday 17th September 2018

Preliminary Interviews: Wednesday 19th September 2018.

Please note the short turnaround from closing date. Invited candidates will be contacted on Monday 17th September 2018 in the afternoon/evening.

Selection Process: Monday 24th September and Tuesday 25th September 2018.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this role; we look forward to hearing from you.

“There is a very caring, supportive and aspirational ethos in the academy, Which students value.”

Ofsted Ossett Academy & Sixth Form College Storrs Hill Road Ossett West Yorkshire WF5 0DG

www.ossettacademy.co.uk