Principal’s Application Pack May 2018
Contents
1. Advertisement
2. Letter from the Anglian Learning Trust Chair
3. Letter from the Sawston Village College Chair of Governors
4. Letter from the Sawston Village College Pupil Senate
5. Anglian Learning Trust
6. Sawston Village College Vision, Ethos and Values
7. Sawston Village College Current Leadership Structure
8. Principal’s Job Description
9. Person Specification
10. How to Apply
11. Further Information
Anglian Learning and Sawston Village College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
Sawston Village College New Road, Sawston, Cambridge, CB22 3BP Tel: 01223 712777 www.sawstonvc.org PRINCIPAL From January 2019 Salary commensurate with a large Group 6 school
Sawston Village College is a high-achieving, successful 11-16 academy with a deep-rooted tradition of innovation in teaching and learning, outstanding pupil behaviour and inclusive values. Formed in 1930 as the first of the village colleges inspired by educational pioneer Henry Morris, we remain true to our original mission to transform local communities by motivating and engaging learners of all ages and all abilities. Situated just outside the beautiful city of Cambridge, we offer first class professional development opportunities to our staff and a supporting, stimulating and friendly environment in which to teach. We are very proud of our success, which has been achieved through the combined efforts of a dedicated and talented group of pupils, staff and governors, a shared and ambitious vision and excellent leadership at all levels of our learning community. As well as celebrating success, we are continually striving for further improvement, with our pupils’ needs and well-being at the heart of our work. Sawston Village College is one of four secondary schools within the Anglian Learning group and a founding member of the Trust which was established to create a strong community of highly successful schools committed to making a difference to the lives of young people by offering an outstanding education to all. The Trust now also has a growing Primary Hub currently consisting of three primary schools within Cambridgeshire. The Vacancy The vacancy arises following the promotion of the current Principal, Jonathan Culpin, to the role of CEO of Anglian Learning. We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and innovative Principal, committed to continual improvement, who will build on our outstanding track record and lead the College into the next exciting stage of its development. Candidates should have a strong track record of success either as a Deputy or Principal, with passion, enthusiasm and a vision for the future of the College – and the leadership and management skills to deliver it. We can offer you a rewarding future in an inspiring and supportive environment, a dedicated and talented staff team and engaging group of pupils. Application To make an application, please complete our application form, together with a letter of application of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining how your skills and experience will enable you to be successful in this role. For more information, please download the Principal’s Application Pack and an application form from www.sawstonvc.org/staff-and- governors/vacancies. Send your application to Kathryn Oliver, Director of HR, at [email protected]. Closing date: Monday 11 June 2018 at noon Interviews: Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 June 2018 Anglian Learning and Sawston Village College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
Bottisham Village College Lode Rd, Cambridge CB25 9DL, United Kingdom
01223 811250 [email protected] www.anglianlearning.org
Dear Applicant
Thank you very much for your interest in becoming the Principal of Sawston Village College. This post offers an exciting opportunity to lead a successful, vibrant school with a proud history as the first of the village colleges founded by Henry Morris and a forward-looking ethos. It is one of the family of schools comprising the Anglian Learning Multi Academy Trust. We are seeking an individual with outstanding leadership qualities and a track record of successful leadership and management in secondary education. They will be expected to maintain and develop our guiding values and to lead the school as one of the Principals within the Trust. Anglian Learning has been founded on strong collaborative and trusting relationships where everyone is committed to sharing their successes and responding to challenge.
We are an ambitious outward looking multi-academy trust, currently consisting of four secondary schools in Cambridgeshire and three primary schools who have just joined us as the first members of a developing Primary Hub. The Trust strategy is for measured growth over the next two years. We are passionate in our belief that all young people deserve access to an outstanding education and are determined that this will be the case in all our school communities.
We have the highest standards of governance and an excellent and broad-based board supporting and challenging a dynamic trust executive leadership team which has developed over the last 18 months. The head teachers in all our schools have close contact with this leadership team who offer support and expertise to those individuals and their schools. We have a commitment to all age education and a willingness and determination to innovate and respond to new ideas. We are firmly committed to maintaining the individual identity of each school whilst all sharing the same core trust values and goals.
This post is a wonderful opportunity in an exceptional school and we look forward to welcoming the successful candidate.
Yours sincerely
Claire Lawton Chair – Anglian Learning Trust
Anglian Learning is a Multi Academy Trust. Company registration number 07564749
Dear Applicant
Thank you for your interest in the post of Principal at Sawston Village College.
The promotion of our current Principal to CEO of Anglian Learning Trust has created this opportunity for an individual to build on the success of the College as a key member of Anglian Learning.
Sawston Village College is a 1000+ pupil 11-16 mixed comprehensive academy in South Cambridgeshire. The College was established in 1930, the first of the village colleges that were the inspiration of educational pioneer Henry Morris who believed in the power of schools to transform their local communities by motivating and engaging learners of all ages and all abilities. Throughout its history Sawston Village College has held firmly to this vision but responded to the educational climate of the day to the benefit of its pupils, staff and the wider community. One of our key values is to continue to be a truly comprehensive school, offering a broad and balanced curriculum which caters for all our learners.
The College was inspected recently and was again judged to be a ‘good’ school that is well on the way to being outstanding. Comments included:
…pupils behave very well and are proud of their school. …the supportive and purposeful learning environment that exists. …interesting enrichment experiences are extensive… …Sawston is a calm, supportive and caring school…
In short, Sawston Village College is a happy, vibrant and positive place to learn and work. The successful candidate will be excited by what they see and discover about Sawston Village College and will have a vision for how it will/could develop under their leadership and contribute to the expanding multi academy trust.
Applicants are warmly encouraged to visit the school prior to submitting an application. Arrangements should be made with Sarah Golding, the Principal’s PA, on 01223 712777 or by email to [email protected].
Yours sincerely
Polly Stanton Chair of Governors On behalf of the Sawston Village College Local Governing Body
Dear Sir/Madam
We are writing to you on behalf of the Pupil Senate. We would like to explain its role and convey a few aspects about the school that we take pride in.
The Pupil Senate comprises four Heads of Senate and two to three co-chairs of various Forums (Ethos, Amnesty, International, Eco & Animal, Sport, and Arts). The Senate meets weekly with a member of SLT, leads numerous projects and is consulted where appropriate. The Forums provide an opportunity for pupil leadership and pupil voice, by allowing students to come together and contribute ideas, organise events and suggest school improvements. The Heads of Senate are also responsible for compiling the school magazine, The Fountain, which includes articles written by staff and pupils on recent events, such as music concerts, sporting achievements and fundraising.
Our aim is to create a supportive school community by connecting the teachers and pupils together. Sawston has a huge diversity of talent that pupils can express through the many enrichment activities available. From sports tournaments to drama performances, there are opportunities to help to make every pupil feel involved. Many of these activities give the College a presence in the wider community and often support local, national and global charities. We value that the College celebrates these skills and encourages an enriched school experience for all students.
We appreciate the visibility and approachability of our school’s leadership. In the past few years, we’ve had an incredibly high standard of leadership at the school and we are looking forward to this continuing with our new Principal.
Yours faithfully
Amelia Perry and Sullivan Bishop Heads of Senate
Jake Dann and Rowan Mather Deputy Heads of Senate
Anglian Learning, a unique Multi Academy Trust
Anglian Learning is an innovative, ground breaking partnership, formed by the voluntary merger of three highly successful secondary school academy trusts in Cambridgeshire; we recognised that uniting together as successful schools in one multi academy trust provided significantly enhanced capacity for mutual support and challenge. The founding members of Anglian Learning are Bassingbourn Village College, Bottisham Village College, Sawston Village College and The Netherhall School & Sixth Form Centre. In March 2018 three primary schools, Fen Ditton, Stapleford and Bottisham also joined the Trust, initiating the establishment of a Primary Hub. We have also won the contract for a new primary school, The Wing School, opening in 2020.
Our constituent academies share the firm belief that successful learning communities are underpinned by an ambitious vision, trust and strong inspirational leadership at all levels of the organisation. Through membership of Anglian Learning, these values are reinforced by working with like-minded schools, leaders and teachers, to make a difference to the lives of our young people. We believe that we have a shared responsibility, through support and challenge, to ensure that all our academies can offer an outstanding education to all students. We are committed to the best financial planning and clearest governance structure with a rigorous system of checks and balances to ensure our future development and growth.
We aim to achieve this by raising educational attainment of all our young people and using the collective energy and cross school educational fertilization within the Trust to improve life chances by:
Developing a dynamic and inspirational culture for teaching and learning excellence Providing pupils with stimulating and valuable enrichment opportunities across the curriculum Building a curriculum and assessment structure that will enable teachers, pupils and parents to celebrate success and respond swiftly to challenge Encouraging innovation and risk-taking through a focus on research and best practice locally, nationally and internationally Promoting, enabling and supporting leadership at all levels to flourish in individual schools and across the Trust Providing CPD opportunities for staff at all levels in the Trust
The current Trust leadership structure comprises an experienced CEO, supported by two existing school Principals and trained Ofsted Inspectors, as Deputy CEOs, with a particular focus on leading school improvement and quality assurance functions. In addition, there is a Primary Executive Headteacher overseeing the Primary Hub and a Chief Operating Officer for the whole Trust. Anglian Learning has a clear commitment to working beyond its own borders, as evidenced through their joint leadership of a cross-phase teaching school alliance, and membership of another; a strong track record in delivering school to school support; a successful record of partnership, collaboration and investment in Cambridgeshire schools, and a deep commitment to developing excellent local schools for the emerging new communities of the city of Cambridge.
Anglian Learning – Our Charter
Sawston Village College Vision, Ethos and Values
Sawston Village College was founded in 1930, the first of the Cambridgeshire village colleges and the brainchild of education visionary, Henry Morris, who held the position of Secretary of Education for Cambridgeshire. He believed in life-long learning and that a school should be a centre of learning for people of all ages with no barriers separating it from the community it serves.
Sawston Village College became an academy in 2011 and a member of Anglian Learning Multi- Academy Trust in 2016 but the Henry Morris principles very much underpin our core aims and values today and we believe passionately in the importance of partnership, not only with the communities in and around Sawston but also across Cambridgeshire and beyond.
Pupils are drawn from seven local primary schools, two within Sawston and five in surrounding villages. A significant number of places each year go to pupils from out of catchment. The Cambridgeshire system is based on 11-16 comprehensive schools (village colleges) with separate sixth form provision. Sawston values its status as a fully comprehensive school and is significantly oversubscribed for admission in September 2018.
The College is committed to a broad and balanced curriculum which provides the core knowledge, understanding and skills to enable all pupils to build upon their Key Stage 2 experience and progress successfully to the next stage of their learning once they leave us. We continually strive to ensure that our curriculum caters for all, to stretch pupils of all abilities to enable them to make very good progress throughout their time at Sawston Village College and to meet and exceed their individual expectations.
Sawston Village College is also passionate about developing the whole child and instilling key values and strength of character to prepare pupils to take their place in society as purposeful, positive citizens. The wealth of opportunities available through visits, sport, the arts and music which supports the development of these wider skills has been commended by both Ofsted and the Local Authority and is a strength of the College, greatly appreciated by pupils and parents alike.
As part of Anglian Learning the College is well placed to achieve its stated aims of ‘Unlocking Potential, Creating Opportunities and Achieving Excellence’. Collaborative initiatives to share good practice across the schools are being introduced as the Trust becomes more established.
Sawston Village College is a strategic member of CASSA (Cambridge & Suffolk Schools Alliance), a teaching alliance of primary, secondary and special schools and post-16 providers committed to achieving outstanding outcomes for all students. CASSA believes that cross- phase co-operation together with a shared understanding of each other’s students is key to achieving this goal. In addition, Sawston has been recognised by the National College for Teaching & Leadership as a ‘National Support School’ able to offer support to other schools.
The College has for many years been a Cambridge University Education Faculty Partner School. Trainee teachers gain valuable experience at Sawston which prepares them well for a career in teaching. The College also benefits as staff reflect on their own practice and, more practically, when excellent trainees are recruited to fill vacancies.
In keeping with the vision of Henry Morris the College is very proud to run:
Sawston Sports Centre – providing an inclusive environment where the whole community has the opportunity to participate in a range of activities designed to promote health and well-being. www.sawstonsports.com
Sawston Adult Education – providing an incredibly broad range of courses to suit the interests of learners of all ages and abilities, catering for those looking to develop hobbies and interests as well as those requiring new skills to help with employment. www.sawstonadulted.org
Sawston Cinema – operating from the Marven Centre on the school site and run by young people from the College with the support of local volunteers. It shows films and live theatre screenings www.sawstoncinema.org.uk
These are significant operations that fall under the responsibility of the College leadership team.
Sawston Village College Senior Leadership Team Current Structure
Job Description
Job title Principal Reports to CEO Pay scale Commensurate with a Group 6 size school Start date January 2019
Key Responsibilities of the Post
To work with the CEO, Trust Leadership Group and Trust Board to develop a collaborative vision, which embraces excellence, high standards and inclusion. Contribute to the development and implementation of a Trust plan, with key Trust outcomes. Develop and implement a school-based improvement plan, which is responsive to and supportive of Trust priorities. Promote and achieve high school standards of learning and achievement across the 11- 16 range, including preparation for further education and employment. Continue to raise achievement across the 11–16 range, especially for those who are most vulnerable. Promote and ensure inclusion, diversity and access. Foster an open, transparent and equitable culture. To be responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school. Manage the devolved budget and resources effectively to maximise their impact. Develop and sustain effective relationships with the Local Governing Body, and the Chair of the LGB in particular, to ensure effective governance of the school and the discharge of LGB responsibilities. To report to the CEO and Trust Leadership Group on all aspects of school policy and management. Build, develop and maintain effective relationships with parents and carers, and all members of the school and wider community to enhance the education of all students. Build, develop and maintain effective relationships with the wider community to secure and extend the outstanding Adult Learning programmes and leisure opportunities. Maintain and develop the school estate to ensure it meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety requirements. Contribute to the working of the Trust Board.
1. Shaping the Future of the School
a. Ensure and promote the safeguarding and welfare of students within the school. b. Ensure and promote inclusion, diversity and access. c. Working with the Trust Leadership Group, make an effective contribution to the Trust Board to develop a collaborative vision, which embraces excellence, high standards and inclusion. d. Work with the College Leadership Group to: i) develop strategies to maintain and build on the excellent reputation of the school ii) develop a growth strategy for the school, ensuring the outstanding ethos and achievements of the school are secured and extended iii) build and communicate a vision of excellence and equality that sets high standards for every student and member of staff. e. Translate the vision into a development plan and implement it, securing buy-in and commitment from all key stakeholders. f. Set and achieve ambitious, challenging goals and targets. g. Promote, enable and support the development of leadership at all levels. h. Inspire, challenge, motivate and empower colleagues and students to achieve their potential. i. Listen and respond to the contributions of others and integrate team ideas into effective working solutions. j. Embrace enthusiastically change and innovation and promote new technologies and strategies relevant to teaching and learning. k. Model the values and vision of the Trust and College.
2. Leading Learning and Teaching
a. Promote and achieve high standards of learning and achievement across the 11-16 age range, including preparation for employment, further and higher education and training. b. Continue to raise achievement across the 11–16 age range, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged students. c. Ensure inclusion, diversity and access. d. Provide students with stimulating and valuable enrichment activities across the curriculum, continue to build on out of school activities. e. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the essential elements necessary for outstanding teaching and learning. f. Encourage innovation and risk-taking through a focus on research and best practice locally, nationally and internationally. g. Monitor, analyse and evaluate data and plan appropriate action for improvement. h. Manage effectively student behaviour and attendance. i. Acknowledge excellence and challenge poor performance across the school.
3. Developing Self and Working with Others a. Develop individuals, empower and sustain outstanding teams. b. Foster an open, transparent and equitable culture. c. Identify the professional development needs of all staff through monitoring and performance management processes. d. Demonstrate a commitment to staff development within teaching, support and leadership roles. e. Promote the relationship between self-evaluation, continuing professional development and sustained school improvement. f. Collaborate and network within the Trust and beyond the Trust to develop effective relationships. g. Deal successfully with situations that may include change and/or conflict resolution.
4. Managing the Organisation a. Establish and sustain appropriate structures and systems, adapting to changing requirements and resources. b. Manage the school efficiently and effectively on a day-to-day basis. c. Make professional, managerial and organisational decisions based on informed judgements. d. Delegate management tasks and monitor their implementation. e. Manage delegated finance and resources effectively to maximize their use and impact. f. Ensure systems are in place for all staff to be aware and committed to the priorities of the school. g. Think creatively to anticipate and solve problems. h. Sustain a safe, secure and healthy school environment. i. Be alert to outside fundraising opportunities. j. Be aware of external funding opportunities that can benefit the school estate. k. Be aware of external competition that could impact on school finances.
5. Securing Accountability a. Engage the school community in the systematic and rigorous self-evaluation of the work of the school. b. Collect and use a variety of data to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school in order to promote achievement and accountability for student learning and outcomes. c. Develop and sustain effective relationships with the Local Governing Body, and the Chair of LGB in particular, to ensure effective governance of the school, and the discharge of LGB responsibilities. d. Combine the outcomes of regular school self-review with external evaluations in order to develop the school. e. Demonstrate political insight and anticipate trends.
6. Strengthening Community a. Build and maintain positive and productive relationships with parents and all members of the school and wider community to enhance the education of all students and learners. b. Maintain and develop outstanding community provision, both through the Adult Education programme and use of facilities, including the Sports Centre. c. Develop close working relationships with partner primary schools, to support outstanding transition working. d. Ensure outstanding team work and collaboration within the school and with external partners.
The post holder will be committed to continual personal development as outlined in the ‘National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers’.
This job description sets out the key outcomes required. It does not specify in detail the activities required to achieve these outcomes. This job description will be reviewed annually and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the academies.
Person Specification
Ref Criteria E/D Qualifications and Training T1 Qualified teacher status E T2 First degree or equivalent E T3 Holds NPQH (or currently in post as a Principal or Deputy) D T4 Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role of E Principal T5 Higher degree or equivalent D Experience E1 A successful career in at least 2 different secondary schools, including a D comprehensive E2 Successful teacher at KS3 and KS4 E E3 Successful teacher at KS5 D E4 Line and performance management of individuals and teams E E5 Successful leadership of whole school initiatives leading to improvement E E6 Supporting, monitoring, evaluating and improving all aspects of school life D E7 Substantial experience on the leadership spine (in one or more E schools/roles) as Deputy and/or Principal E8 Sound working knowledge of ICT in an educational setting, confident user E of relevant software E9 Experience in leading school-based educational research D E10 Experience of a major school building programme D E11 Experience of working in partnership with a governing board or local E governing body and an understanding of the importance of this to school improvement E12 Experience of working within a multi-academy trust D Personal Qualities Q1 Passion for and enjoyment of working with young people E Q2 Ability to inspire trust in staff and to motivate them E Q3 Integrity and trustworthiness E Q4 Capacity to manage own time, deliver under pressure and meet deadlines E Q5 Committed to setting and achieving challenging goals and targets E Q6 Positive and enthusiastic attitude, strong commitment and results focus, E patient when dealing with others Q7 Creative and imaginative approach to problem solving E Q8 Empathy with the concerns and dilemmas of staff, students, parents and E members of the wider community Q9 Self-aware and resilient with an excellent range of interpersonal skills E Vision and Values V1 Evidence of a personal, significant contribution to the development and E review of vision and strategy in a school environment
V2 Passionate about learning and its significance for all members of the E community, and in particular for the life chances of the College’s pupils V3 Has a personal commitment to nurturing the talents of students and staff E to achieve personal and college aspirations V4 Has a personal commitment to safeguarding and the wellbeing of students E and staff, in school and in the community V5 Able to communicate and implement a shared vision E Leading Learning and Teaching L1 Committed to individual, team and whole school accountability for student E learning outcomes L2 Able to make effective and helpful judgments about the quality of learning E and teaching and understands assessment for learning L3 Understands the principles and value of an inclusive and personalised E curriculum and the practical means to implement them L4 Knowledge of key national policies and initiatives and awareness of E pedagogy and emerging practice L5 Knowledge and understanding of DfE performance and progress data and E school-based assessment packages Partnership and Community P1 Understands and values the strategic and practical reasons for E collaboration with other institutions and the broader community P2 Is able to work in partnership with parents/carers to improve learning of E the college and in the community P3 Understands the purpose of strategies to enhance extended services (for E example multi-agency working) P4 Understands the importance of community cohesion and is able to work E with others to build /maintain a cohesive community Management and Leadership Qualities M1 Has a personal commitment to distributed leadership throughout the E school community M2 Able to set clear expectations and provide direction E M3 Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a variety of E audiences M4 Able to prioritise, plan, organise and delegate E M5 Able to make difficult decisions, take responsibility and hold people to E account M6 Recognises the difference between operational and strategic demands and E pays attention to each M7 Has an open style of working that encourages colleagues to share ideas E and develop team solutions M8 Proven ability to lead a team to manage change effectively E M9 Active involvement in developing leadership qualities in others E M10 Able to understand and manage short and long term financial budgets E M11 Able to understand and manage non-financial assets (buildings, IT etc) D
Notes for Person Specification
The E/D column denotes whether a requirement is an Essential or Desirable prerequisite for the post.
Applicants are reminded that many of these criteria will be tested through the letter of application and further at interview. Other strategies will also be used on the day to test a candidate’s skills and experience.
How to Apply
1. Complete the application form. This is available to download from the school’s website at www.sawstonvc.org/staff-and-governors/vacancies. CVs will not be accepted.
2. Write a letter of application, of no more than two sides of A4, outlining how your skills and experience will enable you to be successful in this role.
3. Send your completed application form and letter to Kathryn Oliver, Director of HR, at [email protected] no later than noon on Monday 11 June 2018.
4. Interviews will take place on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 June 2018.
5. As you would expect, Anglian Learning and Sawston Village College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to provide the following: Disclosure of any criminal convictions Details of any child protection investigation that you may have been subject to Disclosure of any relationship with a pupil, employee, governor or trustee Confirmation that you are not prohibited from teaching
6. If you are subsequently appointed to the post, you will be asked to provide the following: Evidence of your right to work in the UK Documentation to allow a DBS check to be undertaken Original certificates for qualifications that you have declared as part of your application and which are an essential requirement for the role A completed medical questionnaire
7. References will normally be taken up for shortlisted candidates prior to the interview date. If you specifically indicate that you do not give consent to contact a referee prior to interview then the reference will only be taken up if you are successful at interview.
8. If you have any queries regarding this application process please contact Kathryn Oliver, Director of HR, at [email protected].
Further Information
Sawston Village College website www.sawstonvc.org
Anglian Learning website www.anglianlearning.org
Sawston Village College Prospectus www.sawstonvc.org/the-college/prospectus
Sawston Village College Newsletter www.sawstonvc.org/news-and-community/principals-newsletter
Fountain Magazine www.sawstonvc.org/news-and-community/fountain-magazine
Sawston Village College Examination Results 2017 www.sawstonvc.org/the-college/examination-results
Sawston Village College Ofsted Letter 2017 www.sawstonvc.org/download.php/Ofsted%20Inspection%20Letter%202017