Great Torrington School Headteacher Application Pack

RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | RESILIENCE | OPPORTUNITY | HEALTH

Contents

Welcome letter Page 3 Job Advert Page 4 Job Description Page 5 Person Specification Page 8 How to apply Page 11 Local Area Page 12

Page 2 of 15 Welcome letter

Dear Prospective Applicant

Appointment of Headteacher September 2020

Thank you for your interest in our position of Headteacher.

In this application pack, you will find a job description and person specification to provide you with information about the Headteacher we are seeking for Great Torrington School (GTS). Our website will also help you to get a good feel of GTS (www.gts.devon.sch.uk) and I encourage you to take a look.

I have been Chair of Governors at GTS since 2017. The Governing Board is made up of an active and committed team of individuals with varied backgrounds in education and business. Our previous Headteacher, who retired in December 2018, said that the staff at GTS are the best she has ever worked with. The Governing Board all agree that there is an excellent team of teaching and support staff at our school.

GTS is a community school in a small rural town in Devon with a population of around 4700 inhabitants. The pupils at the school are made up children from varying backgrounds and they are lovely children. We have high expectations for them, and the Senior Leadership team have set the school challenging targets to meet these expectations. However, we want to do better and you could be an important factor in us achieving greater outcomes for all our pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience and drive, who can support our commitment to raising the quality of teaching and learning at GTS. There is already a strong emphasis on coaching, peer-observation and staff running teaching and learning groups, to ensure that learning is not seen as something only the pupils do. We will look to the successful applicant for this post to build on this for our school.

We want to recruit someone who has a passion for education, has a clear view of what great teaching and learning looks like and has the ability to develop pupils and staff alike.

If you require any further information at this stage, please me and we can arrange a call ([email protected]). I hope the enclosed documentation inspires you to apply for the post and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Ian Newberry Chair of Governors

Page 3 of 15 Job Advert

Headteacher Salary: Leadership Range L25 – L29 Location: Great Torrington, Devon Start date: September 2020

Great Torrington School (GTS) is a successful and popular 11 to 16 age range Academy Trust school based in beautiful north Devon.

The Governing Body are seeking an outstanding leader with a passion for education. Your role will be to continue to move the school forward and set the highest of standards and aspirations for the children’s education and development.

We’re seeking a candidate that will lead by example, providing inspiring, purposeful and caring leadership. The main purpose of your role will be to work with staff, governors, parents/carers and pupils, wider networks and stakeholders to build on, and drive forward, the strong foundations that are in place at GTS.

To be successful you will need to:

 have substantial and successful experience in a senior leadership role;  have an excellent track record of successfully implementing school improvement and necessary change;  have experience of working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to realise school improvement, raise standards and meet pupils’ needs;  be able to provide an inspiring role model for pupils, staff and the community; and  work with integrity, honesty, warmth and humour.

To download a full recruitment pack, please visit: https://gts.devon.sch.uk/vacancies/teachingStaffVacancies.html

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm on 4th November 2019. Shortlisting will take place on 5th November, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the shortlisting meeting. Interview dates: 27th, 28th and 29th November 2019.

Safeguarding Great Torrington School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS clearance. References will be taken up for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Page 4 of 15 Job description

Post title: Headteacher

Relevant to this post: Subject to a DBS Enhanced Disclosure

Responsible to: GTS Academy Trust Governing Body

Salary range: Group 5 L25 – L29

The key purpose of the role of Headteacher is to:

 work with staff, governors, parents/carers and pupils, wider networks and stakeholders to build on the strong foundations that are in place in order to maintain and further improve all aspects of the school’s standards and quality;  ensure the school’s values are incorporated into the aims, ethos, systems and day-to-day running of the school and that these values are reflected in all aspects of the Headteacher’s work;  be accountable for fully understanding and ensuring that the school meets the legal requirements, local and national policies and guidance on safeguarding and the promotion of the wellbeing of children and young people.

Duties and responsibilities Strategic 1.1 Lead by example, providing inspiring, purposeful and caring leadership. direction and 1.2 Drawing on experience and best practice work together with the Governing Body, school Senior Leadership Team, Senior Management Team and the Chief Financial Officer to improvement build a strong strategic direction and on-going school development plan. 1.3 Maintain and further develop the school’s ethos and provide educational vision and direction for the school which secures:  effective teaching  successful learning and outstanding pupil achievement  sustainable high standards in pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural, social and physical development, preparing them for life’s opportunities and experiences. 1.4 Implement the school’s development plan, including school improvement, business and finance.  Identify priorities and targets that support high standards enabling pupils to make progress and maximise achievement.  support continuous improvement in teachers’ effectiveness and secure continuing school improvement.  ensure initiatives, strategies and action plans are underpinned by sound financial planning, business processes and systems. 1.5 Ensure all those involved in the school are committed to its aims, are motivated to achieve them and involved in setting and meeting the long, medium- and short-term objectives and targets which will secure the educational success of the school. 1.6 Ensure the management, finances, organisation and administration of the school support its vision and aims. 1.7 Ensure policies and practices reflect best practice by taking account of national, local and school data and inspection and research findings. 1.8 Monitor, evaluate and review the effects of the school’s policies, priorities and targets and act as necessary.

Teaching and 2.1 Work with the Governing Body, the SLT and SMT to sustain effective teaching and Learning learning throughout the school.

Page 5 of 15 2.2 Use benchmarks and evidence based best practice to set targets for service delivery and improvement. 2.3 Create and maintain an environment which promotes and secures outstanding teaching, effective learning and high standards of achievement, behaviour leading to a passion for learning. 2.4 Work with the Governing Body and Senior Leadership Team to determine, organise and implement the curriculum and its assessment; routinely monitoring and evaluating in order to identify and share good practice and act on areas for improvement. 2.5 Ensure effective teaching is evidenced across the full curriculum with a comprehensive programme of monitoring in place. 2.6 Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and standards of learning and achievement of ALL pupils across the school, including those with special needs or identified as a priority area for the region, in order to set and meet challenging, realistic targets for achievement. 2.7 Develop and maintain effective links with the wider educational and local community, including business and industry, to extend the curriculum and enhance teaching and learning. 2.8 Maintain and further develop the school’s effective partnership with parents/carers and the wider community to support and improve pupils’ achievement, personal development and the closing of attainment gaps between specific groups.

Leadership 3.1 Continue to value and develop an open, transparent and equitable culture where individuals are developed and empowered. 3.2 Maximise the contribution of staff to improve the quality of the education provided and standards achieved. 3.3 Ensure effective working relationships are in place within faculties and across the whole school. 3.4 Plan, allocate, support and evaluate the work of teams and individuals ensuring clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities. 3.5 Implement and sustain effective systems for management of staff performance. 3.6 Motivate and enable all staff to develop expertise in their respective roles through high- quality continuous professional development. 3.7 Identify and nurture talent to enable effective leadership development and succession planning. 3.8 Ensure professional duties are fulfilled, as specified in the Terms and Conditions of Service of Teachers, including those for the Headteacher. 3.9 Lead by example, demonstrate and ensure the continuous commitment by all staff to help keep safe the children and young people in the care of the school.

Resources 4.1 Work with the Governing Body, Senior Leadership Team and Senior Management Team Management to recruit staff of the highest quality, complying at all times with best and safer recruitment practice. 4.2 Work with the Senior Leadership Team and Senior Management Team to deploy all staff effectively in order to ensure the highest quality of education provided. 4.3 Set appropriate priorities for expenditure, allocating funds and ensuring effective administration and control in line with the school’s policies and Standing Finance Instructions. 4.4 Working closely with the Head of Operations and Estate Manager, manage and organise accommodation efficiently and effectively to ensure the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations are met at all times. 4.5 Manage, monitor and review the range, quality, quantity and use of all available resources in order to maximise the quality of education and pupil achievement, ensuring at all times a focus on efficiency and value for money.

Page 6 of 15 4.6 Work with the Governors supporting the strategic plan and growth of the school with effective planning for the maintenance and development of the school estate.

Accountability 5.1 Provide information, objective advice and support to the Governing Body in meeting its responsibilities for securing effective teaching and learning, and the highest standards of achievement, efficiency and value for money. 5.2 Ensure the school operates as an organisation in which all staff recognise that they are accountable for its success and are clear as to how they contribute to this success. 5.3 Present a coherent and accurate account of the school’s performance in a form appropriate to a range of audiences, including the Governing Body, pupils, parents/ carers, the local community, OFSTED and others. 5.4 Ensure pupils and parents/carers are well informed about the curriculum, attainment and progress and about the contribution they make to the school’s achievements. 5.5 Ensure accurate and up-to-date records are compiled, maintained and audited to satisfy legal, operational and strategic governance requirements, including those relating to safeguarding.

Strengthening 6.1 Build and maintain positive and productive relationships with parents and all members the of the school and wider community to enhance the education of all pupils and learners. Community 6.2 Develop close working relationships with partner primary schools to support outstanding transition working. 6.3 Ensure outstanding teamwork and collaboration within the school and with external partners. 6.4 Collaborate and network beyond the school to develop effective relationships.

Other duties 6.5 Work within the framework of national legislation and in accordance with the provisions and of the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document. In addition, the post is subject responsibilities to compliance with:  school policies and guidelines on the curriculum and school organisation;  school policies and procedures on other matters;  school policies and guidelines on Health & Safety;  National Professional Standards for Teachers;  The Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales and with any locally agreed conditions of employment;  the responsibility of all teachers to safeguard the welfare of children and young people with whom they have contact.

The duties and responsibilities detailed within this job description will be supplemented by the accountabilities, roles and responsibilities as set out within the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document.

The Headteacher will be committed to continual personal development as outlined in the ‘National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers’. The 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 school.

Page 7 of 15 Person Specification

Essential Writtenapplication Documentaryevidence Day2 i Task Day3 interview voicePupil Presentation

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/ Desirable /

Appointment Criteria

Qualifications and Training Qualified Teacher Status E x x

Evidence of preparation for leadership through CPD E x x

National Professional Qualification of Headship (NPQH) D x x

Experience Evidence of:

 substantial and successful experience in a senior leadership role e.g. as E x x a Headteacher, Interim Headteacher or Deputy/ Assistant Headteacher;

 delivering outstanding successful teaching and outcomes, assessment E x and target setting;

 working with pupils across the age range; E x

 successful implementation of strategies to improve teaching and E x learning to raise the standards of achievement for all pupils;

 an understanding of a school’s role in the community and evidence of E x working with parents and the community as partners in learning;

 successful improvement planning across all sectors of the school; E x

 working in collaboration with other schools and stakeholders to realise E x improvement, raise standards and meet pupils needs; and

 developing CPD or research within a teaching school alliance. D x

Knowledge Knowledge and understanding of:

 how to develop and implement systems for school self-evaluation, E x effective monitoring and inspection;

 strategies to motivate and engage pupils to maximise learning E x x opportunities and outcomes;

Page 8 of 15 Essential Writtenapplication Documentaryevidence Day2 i Task Day3 interview voicePupil Presentation

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/ Desirable /

Appointment Criteria

 the effective use of ICT to support teaching and learning; D x

 how to promote inclusion and implement equal opportunities for all; E x

 the management of pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to learning and the E x ability to put this into practice;

 strategic curriculum development; E x

 effective financial management; and E x

 the roles and responsibilities of an Academy’s Governing Body, the E x requirements of accountability and how to work effectively with governors. Leadership Evidence to show candidates:

 have a secure commitment to the GTS vision; E x x

 have experience of initiating and managing, or making a substantial E x contribution to, the management of change in pursuit of higher standards and strategic objectives;

 can prioritise, plan and organise their own work, delegate tasks and E x responsibilities, direct, coordinate and provide professional direction to the work of others;

 can provide an inspiring role model for pupils and staff, creating an E x x environment where all can thrive;

 can manage and motivate staff, in a happy and supportive working E x environment, to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of school life within the resources available; and

 have experience of leading the safeguarding of pupils ensuring their E x welfare is prioritised.

Communication and Problem Solving Evidence that shows candidates can:

 use numerical and financial data with confidence and use it to make E x decisions based upon analysis and interpretation;

 demonstrate reasoned judgement in difficult circumstances; E x

Page 9 of 15 Essential Writtenapplication Documentaryevidence Day2 i Task Day3 interview voicePupil Presentation

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/ Desirable /

Appointment Criteria

 deal sensitively with people with very different and demanding E x expectations, demonstrating an ability to avert and resolve conflict and to secure the cooperation of a wide range of people;

 demonstrate an understanding of, and lead the school’s role, in a self- E x improving school system.

Personal Effectiveness Evidence that shows candidates can:

 prioritise and manage time appropriately, work under pressure and to E x deadlines;

 continue to demonstrate effective performance against the job x description when under pressure and/ or in challenging circumstances;

 be self-motivated and achieve challenging professional goals, taking E x responsibility for own professional development;

 create a strong, positive personal impact, conveying authority, x confidence, approachability, humility, warmth and humour; E

 demonstrate enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the role along with E x a passion for education; and

 work with integrity and honesty. E x

Page 10 of 15 How to Apply

CLOSING DATE: 11.59pm on 4th November 2019.

SHORTLISTING: 5th November. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the shortlisting meeting.

INTERVIEW DATES: 27th, 28th and 29th November 2019

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION This summarises the main responsibilities of the post and explains what we’re looking for. It tells you about the personal and professional qualities you need for the post. These criteria will be used to make the appointment.

APPLYING To apply, please submit a covering letter and complete the application form which is available here: https://gts.devon.sch.uk/vacancies/teachingStaffVacancies.html Please note the essential criteria set out in the Person Specification that will be assessed at written application stage. In your covering letter of application, please answer the following questions. 1. Can you give us an example of a strategy you have implemented to improve the quality of teaching for pupils? 2. What do you believe are the best strategies to ensure inclusion and equal opportunities for all pupils? 3. Please tell us about a time when you set yourself a challenging professional goal and worked towards achieving this. What was the outcome and what did you learn? Please note that these three aspects of your application will be assessed by the shortlisting panel. Please ensure that you address these clearly and use subheadings for them in your letter.

Please mark your application for the attention of Jo Pateman, Clerk to the Governing Board. Your application can be emailed to [email protected] or sent by post to: Great Torrington School, Calvesford Road, Great Torrington EX38 7DJ.

Page 11 of 15 Local Area

Great Torrington is a friendly, traditional market town with a population of around 4700 inhabitants. Located approximately 7 miles south of Bideford on the A386 and 11 miles south west of Barnstaple on the B3232, the M5 is one hour’s drive along the A361 and Exeter is an hour’s drive to the south.

Torrington is an historic town with a major glass industry (Dartington Crystal) as well as a range of smaller manufacturers. It hosts many award-winning shops offering quality local produce, a refurbished Victorian Pannier Market, housing shops and craft workshops, as well as the weekly markets. The town centre also boasts cafés, pubs and other facilities all within two minutes’ walk from the main car park. RHS Rosemoor Gardens is about a mile to the south of Torrington.

This delightful town, winner of the “Most Welcoming Community Award” is an ancient settlement, extraordinarily sited on a steep cliff top. It played a significant role in the English Civil War, specifically the Battle of Great Torrington in 1646. The popular Torrington 1646 Visitor Centre has won awards for “history through re-enactment” and has also been featured on Channel 4.

The Black Horse Inn in the town square is thought to have originated in the 15th century. Reputedly the oldest pub in North Devon, it’s still winning prizes as one of the area’s best pubs.

Torrington is one of only four towns in the whole of the UK to still recognise and celebrate May Fair at the beginning of May every year. This event, first held in 1554, is still celebrated with Maypole dancing and crowning of the May Queen performed by local children in the main town square.

Another focal point for the local community is its thriving local Arts Centre, The Plough. It boasts an ever-changing programme of live music, comedy, dance, drama, films and exhibitions.

Great Torrington School works closely with, and shares its sports facilities with, local sports clubs such as Torrington RFC, the Amateur Athletics Club and Torridge Football Club. The town also has an indoor heated swimming pool.

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Great Torrington Town is also very fortunate to have access to 365 acres of common land which was given to the people of Torrington during the 12th century.

The area is freely accessible to all, and visitors can walk the 20 miles of footpaths, ranging from the golf course in the north; ancient wood and wildflower meadow in the west; and dropping down to the beautiful river Torridge valley to the south of the town. There is access from the Tarka Trail for walkers.

The Tarka Trail is another fantastic local resource consisting of a 180 mile, figure eight route traversing unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK.

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Other nearby places to visit and explore include Eggesford Forest, the picturesque villages of Clovelly, Instow and Appledore, and the spectacular cliffs at Hartland Quay.

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In under half an hour by car from Great Torrington, you can reach the beautiful sandy beach of Westward Ho! Stretching over a mile towards the mouth of the Taw and Torridge rivers, Westward Ho! has consistently been awarded Blue Flag status. Other fantastic beaches in North Devon include Saunton and Croyde Bay.

You may also find the following websites useful in helping you find out more about all that Great Torrington and North Devon have to offer.

 http://www.great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk/  http://northdevon-aonb.org.uk/  https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/  https://www.torridge.gov.uk/

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