Appointment of a HEADTEACHER Newspaper Day Shine Media Award Winners for Best School Newspaper 2012-2013

Contents Chair of Governors’ Letter 3 Letter from School Council 4 Some information about the Area 5 The School 6 Role Description 15 Person Specification 16 The Application 17 Dear Prospective Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the position of Headteacher at . The forthcoming retirement of our current Headmaster after 21 years offers an exciting opportunity for a new leader. I hope that, having looked through this literature, you will get a sense of why we are so proud, not only of our impressive academic record, but of the School as a whole and of all that it achieves.

The School is located close to the centre of the historic market town of Caistor on the edge of the Wolds. The original ironstone school hall, which dates from 1631, stands at our entrance and remains in regular use. The modest size of this original building belies the fact that Caistor Grammar School has grown to become one of the highest performing schools in the country and the leading School in Lincolnshire for many years.

We benefit from a highly committed, experienced and loyal staff, supportive parents, an effective governing body and sound finances. Students are highly motivated and our annual student survey confirms that they enjoy coming to school and have a strong desire to learn. An unashamedly academic curriculum is balanced by a broad range of extra-curricular activities which we see as integral and vital to a balanced education.

A successful new Headteacher will be a highly visible leader playing an active role in all aspects of school life. They will be approachable with excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to quickly build a strong rapport with staff, governors, students and parents. A proud keeper of tradition who is not afraid to introduce new systems and best practice where there is clear benefit.

On behalf of the Governing Body, thank you once again for your interest. We would like to extend a warm welcome and an invitation to visit our school during the week commencing 21st March 2016, prior to submitting an application.

If you have the vision and skills to lead Caistor Grammar School into the next chapter of our proud history, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Yours sincerely

John Colley Chair of Governors

Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 3 Letter from the School Council

We would firstly like to thank all prospective applicants making learning enjoyable and exciting, but also going for considering the position of Head Teacher at Caistor the extra mile both inside and outside the classroom, Grammar School. We would like to offer a student offering lunchtime clubs, revision sessions and perspective on behalf of the student body as to why we memorable school trips. The student body at Caistor believe our school is so special and what unique qualities excellently complements the attitude of its teachers: the new Head Teacher can expect. highly motivated and enthusiastic and, towards the latter years of their school life, committed to achieving the We believe that Caistor Grammar is an outstanding very highest marks. school for a variety of reasons and one that the new Head Teacher can be proud to say is under their The school also offers its students a wide range of leadership. The reasons we love our school go far opportunities in a variety of different fields. It has beyond just academic excellence, although we certainly excellent connections with local businesses which make appreciate the high-standard of teaching we receive here. open evenings, work experience and events such as One advantage of CGS is the homely feel to the school, challenge of industry extremely rewarding. It provides and with only 650 students (including the Sixth Form), opportunities on the sports field, through entering the there is great co-operation between year groups and various super-zone regional competitions which in the being able to identify with most of the students and all last few years alone have resulted in a netball trip to the teachers within the school creates an inclusive feel. Barbados and a football game at Reading’s Madejski The size of the school and its tight-knit community have stadium. The school’s broad programme of also bred a culture of leadership. The School Council is extra-curricular activities and trips seems to provide just one of many leadership groups within the school, everyone with something they can enjoy outside of the comprised of 1 student elected on behalf of each form classroom. The House System is another integral part from years 7-12, the meetings themselves chaired by the of the school community, again echoing a wide and Senior Prefect Team, with the helpful direction of the inclusive range of activities students can get involved Head Teacher. This culture of leadership is also evident with, as our inter-House activities span from music and in many of the events conducted in school, days such as drama to chess and even the renowned pancake race! Holocaust Memorial, Upstanding, European, whereby it is often students who plan, organise and deliver the We will always be grateful for the opportunities main activities, ever encouraged and supported by our provided to us by CGS, helping us to become the fantastic teachers and non-teaching staff. mature, responsible and aspirational young people we want to be. Our school is a place where we want to The attitude of both students and teachers within the work hard and to play hard, to seize the day, and to grow school is one that is conducive to success. Not only through sharing.

4 Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher Some information about the Area

Caistor Grammar School is situated in Caistor, and the castle houses an original copy of the Magna Lincolnshire, which is a small country town, dating Carta. Hull has a historic old town with several back to Roman Times, standing on the edge of the museums, an art gallery and an award winning Lincolnshire Wolds. Although most of the town aquarium, The Deep. It is going to be the UK City is Georgian, it has small remnants of its Roman of Culture in 2017. The Lincolnshire coast is also origins such as fragments of wall to the south of not too far away and holds hidden gems such as the the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, which nature reserve at Donna Nook. is used from time to time for School concerts and Compared to many areas of the country, house prices the annual Awards Evening. Caistor is 24 miles to in Lincolnshire are very competitive, with the average Lincoln in the south and 12 miles to in the cost of a detached house being just over £180,000 east. Caistor is on the A46 which allows easy access (September 2015). There are many villages and small to the A1 going south. Close proximity to the M180 towns within easy reach of Caistor such as Grasby, allows equally simple access to the north and west Tealby, North Kelsey, , Louth and Market and all the major motorway networks. A short route Rasen as well as towns further afield such as Lincoln, will take you over the spectacular Humber Bridge to Grimsby, Barton upon Humber and Scunthorpe. Hull in about 30 minutes. From our nearest railway There are also some excellent primary schools. station, , the journey to London King’s Cross takes between 2½ to 3 hours and the Fresh air, big skies, pleasant areas to live but with a train from Barnetby Station will take you direct variety of activities within a short drive - Lincolnshire to Manchester. Lincoln is a historic cathedral city has many attractions and a warm welcome.

Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 5 The School

Lincolnshire is a county which still retains many daily use. Our Sixth Form are accommodated in an grammar schools. There are 15 in all but many parts attractive 19th century country house and our Library of the county offer comprehensive service including is housed in what was once a Victorian Chapel. Our the City of Lincoln and nearby Market Rasen. school overlooks Caistor’s beautiful mediaeval parish Caistor Grammar School was founded in 1631 and church, St Peter and St Paul. the original school building shown above is still in

6 Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher We occupy an attractive site on the side of a hill with and the renovation of our English and Maths facilities views towards the Humber. Most of our work is done in the Lindsey building. We have a number of recently in buildings which were substantially remodelled and refurbished computer rooms and extensive facilities extended about 15 years ago. Recent improvements for music and for science and technology. include a new building for Science, the Olympic Our main sports facilities are on a separate site some Torch building, the development of our Manning five minutes’ walk away and include an all-weather building to provide improved PE and classroom pitch and a modern sports pavilion. We also have a accommodation for Modern Languages and History popular Fitness Suite on the School site.

Caistor Grammar School is an outstanding school. It is proud of its past but shows no complacency. (Ofsted)

Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 7 In recent years, Caistor Grammar School has recent years can be viewed on the School website. achieved distinction in a number of fields. The We were awarded the Sportsmark and Investor in last four inspections by Ofsted were in October People awards in 1997 and again in 2000, 2004 and 1995, November 2000, December 2005 and 2006. In 2010 we achieved the Silver Investors in September 2008 with the result that we were People Award. In 1997 we were the first School in named as “Outstandingly Successful” in all four. Lincolnshire to achieve the Charter Mark Award. We are accordingly in Ofsted’s “Hall of Fame” on We achieved the Healthy Schools Standard in 2007, four occasions, the only school in Lincolnshire the International Schools Award (Highest Level) to achieve this feat. Our results in recent years in 2008 and the Artsmark (Silver) Award in 2009. have led to us often being the leading school in We have an enviable academic record, including Lincolnshire at KS3 and GCSE. At A level, we have excellent Value Added, as a perusal of academic been the leading school in Lincolnshire for the last league tables will show. 13 years. Details of our academic performance over

8 Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher Caistor Grammar School was designated as a Sports College (which started in September 2004) and was a Hub School in Phase 8 of the National School Sport Co-ordinator Programme. In April 2008, we became a High Performing Specialist School, with Humanities as our Second Specialism. On 1 December 2010 we became a Selective .

Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 9 We are a selective school drawing our pupils from the Hansard and Rawlinson, which all students belong to, upper 25% of the ability range. All our sixth formers and many inter-House competitions including drama, are working for A-levels and nearly all go on to music, sport, chess, quizzes, debating and an annual higher education. Our students are well motivated pancake race. and co-operative. The atmosphere of the School is friendly and purposeful. The extended curriculum allows students to develop team-building and leadership skills. A large number We have recruited strongly from the unitary of students take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award authorities of North Lincolnshire and North East scheme, with many Gold awards achieved, and there Lincolnshire (previously part of Humberside) as well are outdoor pursuits trips for different year groups. as Lincolnshire. We currently admit 94 boys and girls to Year 7 and have over 655 students on roll, including a Sixth Form of 168.

Together with outstanding academic achievement, Caistor Grammar School is characterised by its extensive extra-curricular opportunities that it offers its students. There are three Houses; Ayscough,

10 Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 11 Students make a significant contribution to the wider community

Students also make a significant contribution to the wider community, including raising money for Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Support and other local projects.

12 Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher The strong academic curriculum is enriched with a Sport, music, drama is also an important part of the wide range of educational trips at home and abroad. School with numerous opportunities for student Recent visits include trips to the World War 1 involvement. Battlefields, Russia and a French/German Exchange.

Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 13 Wizard of Oz Production October 2015

14 Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher Role Description

Title Headteacher Responsible to The Governing Body

PURPOSE C Leadership and Management To lead and direct Caistor Grammar School with vision, 8. Acknowledge and reward excellence and address poor determination, courage and wisdom; to build upon the performance in a robust manner. strengths of the school, motivating and inspiring students, 9. Ensure that systems, organisation and processes are staff and all members of the school community to achieve well considered and efficient, upholding the principles their full potential. of transparency, integrity and probity. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 10. Provide a safe, calm and well-ordered environment The Headteacher is required to carry out all the statutory for all students and staff, focused on safeguarding and duties in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions developing exemplary behaviour at Caistor Grammar Document para 46.1 and 47.1 and 47.2, the contractual School and in wider society. framework and the professional responsibilities outlined in 11. Continue to implement rigorous, fair and transparent sections 48 and 49 of the STPCD. systems for managing the performance of all staff, promptly addressing any under-performance, PRINCIPAL DOMAINS support staff in continuous improvement and valuing A Vision and Purpose excellent practice. B Excellence in Teaching and Learning 12. Participate in strong Governance, through attendance C Leadership and Management and contribution to Governing Body and committee D Wider Engagement and Contribution meetings. Inform and support the governing body to deliver its functions effectively, always acting towards A Vision and Purpose them with complete transparency. 1. Hold and articulate clear values and moral purpose 13. Exercise strategic, curriculum-led financial planning focused on providing a world-class education for the to ensure the equitable deployment of budgets students of Caistor Grammar School. and resources, in the best interests of students’ 2. Demonstrate optimistic personal behaviour, positive achievements and the sustainability of Caistor relationships and attitudes towards students and staff, Grammar School. and towards parents, governors and members of the 14. Delegate leadership throughout Caistor Grammar local community. School, forging teams of colleagues who have 3. Exhibit leadership with visibility, integrity, creativity, distinct roles and responsibilities and who hold each resilience, and clarity, drawing on scholarship, other to account. own expertise and skills and those of professional colleagues and the wider school community. D Wider Engagement and Contribution 4. Work with financial astuteness, within a clear set 15. Further develop an outward-facing school which works of principles centred on the school’s vision, ably effectively with other schools and organisations - in a translating local and national policy into the context climate of mutual challenge - to champion best practice of Caistor Grammar School. and secure excellent achievements for all students. 16. Develop effective relationships with fellow B Excellence in Teaching and Learning professionals to improve academic and social 5. Require ambitious standards for all students at outcomes for all. Caistor Grammar School, overcoming disadvantage 17. Shape the current and future quality of the profession and advancing equality, instilling a strong sense of through high quality training and sustained accountability in our staff for the impact of their work professional development for all staff. on students’ outcomes. 18 Engaging fully in the extra curricular life of the School. 6. Secure excellent teaching through an analytical 19. Inspire and influence others to believe in the understanding of how students learn and of the fundamental importance and value of education in the core features of successful classroom practice and lives of young people. curriculum design, leading to rich opportunities and student well-being. 7. Develop an ethos where all staff are motivated and supported to develop their own skills and subject knowledge, and to support each other. Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 15 Caistor Grammar School - Person Specification

CATEGORIES QUALITIES WHERE IDENTIFIED Education 1. Well qualified honours graduate Application Form 2. Qualified teacher status 3. Relevant leadership qualification or substantial training e.g. NPQH (unless current head) 4. Evidence of continuing professional development or further study Experience 1. Several years of high quality teaching at KS3, GCSE 1. Reference and A-level 2. Reference and letter 2. Significant and substantial leadership and management responsibility, effectively discharged Professional 1. An excellent teacher 1. Reference Competences 2. Knowledge and understanding of current educational 2. Letter and Interview issues 3. Reference and CV 3. Expertise in monitoring and assessing classroom 4. Reference, letter and interview performance activity 4. Effective ICT skills including utilisation of 5. Reference, letter and interview Management Information Systems 6. Letter and interview activity 5. Effective and persuasive communicator both orally and in writing 6. Able to marshall, analyse and evaluate evidence and data Management 1. Ability to motivate and enthuse 1. Reference and 2. Commitment to inclusion 2. Letter Leadership 3. Strategic thinker with a vision that can be shared with 3. Letter and interview students, staff and parents 4. Reference, letter and interview 4. Innovative and with a clear understanding of 5. Reference and interview activity educational opportunity and how to translate it into 6. Reference practical reality 7. Reference and letter 5. Clear understanding of how excellent financial 8. Reference and letter management and effective utilisation of resources 9. Reference benefit learners 6. Promotion of high standards and high expectations 7. Ability to devise effective and efficient systems 8. Evidence of successful management of change 9. Able to forge positive relationships both within the school and the wider community Personal 1. Energy and optimism 1. Reference, letter and interview Qualities 2. Vision and imagination 2. Reference, letter and interview 3. Excellent interpersonal skills with both adults and 3. Reference, letter and interview young people 4. Reference, letter and interview 4. A practical, down to earth, hands on approach 5. Reference and interview 5. Resilience and confidence 6. Reference and interview 6. Integrity and loyalty 7. Reference and interview 7. A demonstrable commitment to the wider life of the 8. Reference and interview school 9. Reference and interview 8. A strong personal commitment to inclusion and 10. Reference and interview diversity 9. A strong commitment to personal development for all 10. Sense of humour

16 Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher Caistor Grammar School

Post of Headteacher January 2017

The Application In addition to completing an application form you are requested to submit a letter Postal Applications should be marked in support of your application. Applicants may also provide a copy of their CV if they CONFIDENTIAL HEADSHIP wish but must complete all sections of the APPLICATION and returned to: application form in full.

The Clerk to the Governors The letter should be specific to Caistor Grammar School. Caistor Grammar School Church Street Please include:

Caistor i. Your reasons for applying for this particular post; Lincolnshire ii. Your educational philosophy, vision and values. LN7 6QJ Your letter should not exceed 800 words.

Short listing will take place on Thursday 14th BY THE CLOSING DATE OF April 2016 and interviews will be held in the school 12 NOON ON FRIDAY between Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th April 8TH APRIL 2016. 2016. Further information about the school may be found on the school website at www.caistorgrammar.com In addition, candidates who would like to arrange an informal opportunity to look around the school prior to submitting an application are very welcome to do so between 21st and 23rd of March: please contact Deborah Craddock, Head’s PA and Clerk to the Governors, to arrange a mutually convenient time. Please use the email address [email protected] for this purpose. Additionally, please copy any email correspondence about this post to [email protected]

Governors are willing to consider payment of reasonable re-location expenses for the successful candidate by agreement and if appropriate.

Caistor Grammar School • Appointment of a Headteacher 17