Headteacher Recruitment Pack

Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First”

HEADTEACHER RECRUITMENT PACK

February 2019

Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First”

Contents

Letter from the Chair of Governors Page 3 Message from the Current Headteacher Page 4 School Background Information Page 5 Advert Page 6-7 Job Description Page 8-11 Person Specification Page 12 How to Find Us Page 13

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Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First”

“I do not want art for a few any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few” William Morris

Dear Prospective Candidate

We appreciate your interest in this exciting and challenging opportunity.

Kelmscott is a successful, mixed comprehensive secondary school in Walthamstow, birthplace of William Morris; named after the press of the Arts and Crafts designer and socialist.

This is not a job you should take lightly. As governors of a proudly community school, we see ourselves as custodians of a community asset, investing in and preserving it for the next generation of local children and their parents. Our Headteacher of eleven years has been our torchbearer, taking our school from strength-to-strength through hard work, team work, humility and, above all, a clear sense of moral purpose. As she retires, her successor will be expected to keep the torch burning brightly.

This will be a difficult job too. Though financially stable, we face the same funding challenges as schools nationwide. This September we will embark on a three-year expansion, from six to eight- form entry. Our students have extremely varied ethnic, social and economic backgrounds – their challenges are our challenges and we strive to meet them together.

We are determined not to compromise our core values as we negotiate these challenges: child- centred education and provision of a broad and balanced curriculum that instils a lifelong love of learning amongst all our students.

Finally, we believe this will also be an immensely rewarding job. As well as bringing energy, wisdom and hard-work to this job, you will also find the same qualities all around you at the school; likewise, kindness, courage and optimism.

You will be able to harness a stable and highly-motivated staff with an engaged governing body, all committed to working alongside you to ensure our students are the best they can be, irrespective of ability or background.

Please read our Application Pack carefully and visit our website. You may also wish to visit the school on 7th March 2019.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Best wishes Mark Holding Chair of Governors

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Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First”

Dear Prospective Candidate

Thank you for taking the time to enquire about the position of Headteacher of Kelmscott School. As you have requested the pack I assume you are considering applying for this post and I would encourage you to do so.

In my view, Kelmscott is a very special school and the governors, staff and students are looking for a talented and dedicated person to continue to move the school forward.

I joined the school in 2007 when the school was in the middle of being redesigned through the original Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, and although that work was completed nearly 10 years ago, we are still immensely proud of the facilities it left us with, such as our main school hall and our amphitheatre.

Over time the school has changed in many ways but central to our ethos remains a caring and supportive community where students are happy to come to school and staff want to stay.

It would be wrong of me to suggest that, over the time I have been here, it has been an easy headship; there have been many challenges and I believe there are more to come.

The right candidate therefore, will be someone who has an understanding of those challenges and has the ability to address them with intelligence, creativity and an understanding about what is right for our students and school community.

Kelmscott is not an academy or free school; it remains a locally maintained community comprehensive. Despite considered and detailed debate, the governors and staff community believe this is still the right decision for the school, and therefore, the new Headteacher would be someone who shares those views and beliefs.

The successful candidate will find themselves working with a very supportive Governing Body, an excellent Senior Leadership Team and a strong and dedicated staff. I believe Kelmscott School is now ready to move forward into the next phase of its journey and I look forward to handing over that challenge to the successful candidate.

I wish you all the best Lynnette Parvez Headteacher

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Kelmscott School Teaching & Learning “Putting Learning First” Learning is at the heart of everything we do, but our aim is not just to achieve the best results, but to develop our students so that they possess a profound social conscience and an enlightened cultural awareness. Our School We are dedicated to improving teaching and learning and We are a local authority maintained school of developing strong and effective professionals. Many of approximately 900 students, aged 11-17, and 130 staff, our middle and senior leaders began in the school as situated in the heart of Waltham Forest; the 2019 London NQTs or student teachers. Borough of Culture. In addition, we have a small specialised Post-16 Provision accommodating students “A highly supportive environment transitioning from secondary school to further education with an emphasis on putting or training. learning first” (Ofsted 2016)

We are proud that our intake reflects the rich cultural diversity of the community, and we strive to ensure that Curriculum our students are not educationally disadvantaged by We are proud of the breadth and balance or our social deprivation. curriculum and that it reflects our moral purpose of ensuring that every child can access their fullest We are consistently in the top quartile of schools potential, irrespective of their background or ability. nationally for progress and have been praised by Ofsted for our inclusive yet aspirational curriculum. Our curriculum has been praised by Ofsted in their last two visits and we strive to ensure that our students have We believe our success is built on the professional many options and pathways open to them when they commitment of all staff -both teaching and support- leave us at the end of Year 11. where we develop enquiring, knowledgeable, responsible, global citizens through challenge and Our School Community understanding. We work closely with our community partners including Cenlig and the recently established West Walthamstow Partnership. With our linked primary schools we have Our Vision established close working practices designed to ensure Our vision of teaching and learning in Kelmscott there is a smooth transition to secondary school. School is to ensure it provides the best possible Students at Kelmscott work widely with members of the opportunity for students of all abilities and community. backgrounds to reach their fullest potential. Our Facilities At the heart of our vision is a commitment to equality All of our facilities –set across two buildings- are of opportunity and a celebration of diversity. wheelchair accessible and include dedicated maths and Our motto 'Putting Learning First' is testament to our English classrooms. Our specialist facilities include a belief in the importance of the child and our sound-proofed music suite and a drama studio with recognition that achievement will occur where access to the main hall stage, and an amphitheatre for students are nurtured in a stimulating and safe outside productions. In addition, we have six well- environment where learning is paramount. equipped science laboratories and specialist technology rooms for food, textiles, art and media photography. We understand the importance of teaching and learning within the classroom whilst also recognising The Future the need to promote learning through all other areas This is an exciting time for Kelmscott as we are entering of the school’s work. phase one of a three phase building programme to

extend our building and enable us to accommodate and Our vision is to ensure that all staff understand the increase from 6-form to 8-form entry. The plans include link between good teaching and effective learning and additional technology and science facilities, a new activity therefore strive continually to improve their practice in order to create the best environment in which to studio, an English suite and an extended dining area.

learn.

Our ultimate vision is to ensure that through our teaching and learning policy we equip our students “School Leaders and Governors are with the skills, knowledge and understanding to take “highly committed and ambitious for their place as valued citizens able to take a place in pupils to achieve” (Ofsted 2016) adult society.

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Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First”

HEADTEACHER

To start September 2019

Salary: L30 – L35 Outer London (£84,864 - £94,362) plus up to 25% discretionary payment

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead this highly successful and innovative 11-17 mixed comprehensive school, at the heart of Walthamstow’s vibrant and ethnically diverse community in north east London. Our current Headteacher is retiring and the Governors are looking for a new Headteacher with similarly strong values, great drive and clarity of vision.

We stand for: . Child-centred education that recognises that achievement occurs where students are nurtured in a stimulating and safe environment where learning is paramount. . Ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, irrespective of ability or background. . Teaching and learning that equips our students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to take their place as valued citizens, ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

We are proud that: . Our school sits at the heart of its local community – their challenges are our challenges and we strive to meet them together. . Our school delivers a broad, balanced and innovative curriculum enabling students to achieve their best across the core EBacc subjects and beyond, from music and drama to engineering and economics, plus most latterly, Latin and Greek. . Our students have achieved outstanding academic progress in recent years. We are consistently in the top quartile of schools nationally according to the GCSE Progress 8 measure.

We are looking for a Headteacher who will: . Provide effective, empowering and supportive leadership that nurtures staff and provides a clear sense of common purpose. . Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity and maximising the life chances of all young people. . Demonstrate first rate skills in leading change and facilitating school improvement.

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You can find out more information by taking a look at our website www.kelmscottschool.co.uk and by visiting us on 7th March 2019; please contact Alison Scotchmer (Headteacher’s PA) if you wish to attend: Telephone: 020 8521 2115 Ext: 2211 / Email: [email protected]

For an application pack: Visit https://www.kelmscottschool.co.uk/vacancies or contact Alison Scotchmer (see above).

Kelmscott School is an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status or race.

Job-share applicants are welcome.

Governors safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. Successful candidates will undergo reference checks with previous employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

All completed applications should be returned to the school at the following email address: [email protected]

Closing date: Noon, 11th March 2019 Shortlisting: 18th March 2019 Interviews: 2nd and 3rd April 2019

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Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First”

JOB DESCRIPTION 2019 POST TITLE: HEADTEACHER General Information Post Purpose: . Work in partnership with the Governing Body and others, to agree a shared vision and strategic plan for the successful development of the school which inspires and motivates students, staff and all other members of the school community. . Ensure that the vision for the school is clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all. . Lead and co-ordinate the translation of the vision into agreed objectives and operational plans, including leadership team targets, which contribute to the school development plan and the SEF. . Lead the school’s recruitment and retention strategy in order to appoint and retain high performing teaching and support staff. . Work in partnership with the Chair of Governors to support the function of the governing body, providing leadership and guidance as appropriate. . Lead by example, demonstrating the vision and values in everyday work and practice. . Motivate and work with others to create a shared culture and positive climate. . Ensure creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate new technologies to achieve excellence. . Ensure that strategic planning takes account of the diversity, values and experience of the school and community at large.

Reporting to: The Governing Body Responsible for: The provision of a stimulating learning experience and high quality outcomes for students Liaising with: Governors, local authority, teachers and support staff, students, parents and external agencies Working time: Full time as specified within the School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions Document (STPCD) Salary/Grade: Leadership Pay Scale: L30 – L35 Outer London (£84,864 – £94,362) plus up to 25% discretionary payment Disclosure Level: Enhanced

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Review arrangements: The details contained in this job description reflect the content of the job at the date it was prepared. Over time, the nature of the job may change and the post holder is expected to be flexible with this. Existing duties may no longer be required and other duties may be gained without changing the general nature of the post, or the level of responsibility entailed. Consequently, the school will revise the job description from time-to-time and will consult with the post holder at the appropriate time.

1. Leading, Teaching & Learning

1.1 Determine, organise and implement a diverse, flexible curriculum and implement an effective assessment framework. 1.2 Ensure that learning is at the centre of strategic planning and resource management. 1.3 Ensure creative, responsive and effective approaches to teaching and learning. 1.4 Ensure a culture and ethos of challenge and support where all students can achieve success and engage in learning. 1.5 Ensure a consistent and continuous school-wide focus on students’ achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every child’s learning. 1.6 Demonstrate and articulate high expectations and set stretching targets for the whole school community. 1.7 Implement strategies which secure high standards of behaviour and attendance. 1.8 Take a strategic role in the development of new and emerging technologies to enhance and extend the learning experience of students. 1.9 Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote improvement strategies. 1.10 Challenge under-performance at all levels and ensure effective corrective action and follow- up. 1.11 Implement strategies and actions to demonstrably address issues raised in Ofsted reports.

2. Developing Self & Working with Others

2.1 Ensure that the best interests of all students are at the heart of all decision making. 2.2 Support all staff to achieve high standards and build a professional learning community, which enables all staff to achieve, through a focus on high quality performance management and effective continuing professional development. 2.3 Treat people fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect to create and maintain a positive school culture. 2.4 Build a collaborative learning culture within the school and actively engage with other schools to build effective learning communities. 2.5 Develop and maintain effective strategies and procedures for staff induction, professional development and performance review. 2.6 Ensure effective planning, allocation, support and evaluation of work undertaken by teams and individuals, ensuring clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities. 2.7 Acknowledge the responsibilities and celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams.

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2.8 Develop and maintain a culture of high expectations for self and for others and take appropriate action when performance is unsatisfactory. 2.9 Reflect on own practice, set personal targets and take responsibility for your own personal development. 2.10 Manage own workload and that of others to allow an appropriate work/life balance. 2.11 Conduct performance reviews with an appropriate group of senior leaders. 2.12 Motivate and enable members of the Leadership Team to develop expertise in their respective roles through personal coaching and supporting high quality continuing professional development.

3. Leading the Organisation

3.1 Lead, co-ordinate and implement clear, evidence-based improvement plans and policies for the development of the school and its facilities. 3.2 Create an organisational structure which reflects the school's values, and enables the management systems, structures and processes to work efficiently and effectively in line with legal requirements. 3.3 Ensure that policies and practices take account of national and local circumstances, policies and initiatives. 3.4 Ensure that the school's financial and human resources are managed effectively and efficiently to achieve the school’s educational goals and priorities. 3.5 Ensure that recruitment, retention and deployment of staff is appropriate and workload managed effectively to achieve the vision and goals of the school. 3.6 Ensure the successful implementation of performance management processes with all staff. 3.7 Ensure the school environment is managed and organised efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations. 3.8 Ensure that the range, quality and use of all available resources is monitored, evaluated and reviewed, to improve the quality of education for all students and provide best value. 3.9 Ensure that a range of technologies is used and integrated effectively and efficiently to manage the school. 3.10 Develop, implement and evaluate the school's policies, practices and procedures. 3.11 Maintain relationships with organisations representing teachers and other members of the school's workforce.

4. Securing Accountability

4.1 Maintain a school ethos which enables everyone to work collaboratively, share knowledge and understanding, celebrate success and accept responsibility for outcomes. 4.2 Develop and present a coherent, understandable and accurate account of the school's performance to a range of audiences including governors, parents and carers. 4.3 Fulfil commitments arising from contractual accountability to the governing body including the provision of information, objective advice and support, to enable it to meet its responsibilities.

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4.4 Ensure individual staff accountabilities are clearly defined, understood and agreed, and are subject to rigorous review and evaluation. 4.5 Actively participate in individual, team and whole-school arrangements for continuing professional development, review and evaluation 4.6 Reflect on personal contribution to school achievements and take account of feedback from others.

5. Strengthening Community

5.1 Create and promote positive strategies for addressing inequalities and challenge related unacceptable behaviour where it exists. 5.2 Create and maintain an effective partnership with parents and carers to support and improve students' achievement and personal development. 5.3 Co-operate and work with relevant agencies to protect children. 5.4 Promote equal opportunities for all members of the school community.

6. Other

6.1 To undertake any other duty as specified by School Teachers’ Pay & Conditions Document (STPCD) not mentioned in the above.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.

The Governing Body will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustment to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.

Signed: ...... Headteacher Dated: ......

Signed: ...... Chair of Governors Dated: ......

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Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First” Measured by: (A) Application (E) Essential (I) Interview PERSON SPECIFICATION: HEADTEACHER (D) Desirable (R) Reference Qualifications & Training Qualified Teacher Status E A First Degree or other equivalent qualification E A NPQH or recent additional professional qualification D A Masters Degree or equivalent qualification D A Experience Extensive experience as a significant member of a Senior Leadership Team in a secondary E A/R setting Leadership experience in a range of secondary contexts E A Proven track record of raising standards in student achievement with improved outcomes E A/I/R Experience in school evaluation E A/I/R Experience of appraisal as a performance reviewer E A/I/R Experience of recruiting and developing effective teams E A/I/R Skills, Abilities & Knowledge Ability to provide inspirational leadership and to empower staff E I/R Knowledge and understanding of current education policies and practices E A/I Ability to initiate innovative curriculum design to meet the needs of all students E A/I/R Understanding of how to lead change in a whole school context E A/I Ability to empower and encourage staff and students to become leaders in their own right E A/I Strong negotiating and influencing skills E A/I Ability to make and communicate decisions effectively E A/I Knowledge and understanding of effective financial and resource management E A/I/R Proven skill and ability in developing and sustaining collaborative relationships with a E I/R range of educational stakeholders, internal and external Knowledge and understanding of legal issues relating to school management D I Ability to effectively communicate your strategic vision for the school to all stakeholders E A/I Knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the governing body E I Ability to set clear and challenging targets based on a comprehensive knowledge and E I/R understanding of data and performance indicators Personal Qualities Ability to articulate a passion for delivering high quality education to all stakeholders E A/I/R Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of students and staff E A/I/R Ethical commitment to achieving positive outcomes for all students in the school E I/R Ability to work effectively under pressure E I/R Ability to employ a range of leadership and management styles E I/R Ability to reflect on personal performance and adapt behaviour and practices accordingly E I/R Ability to achieve the right balance between personal accountability and the accountability E I/R of others Ability to anticipate consequences from decisions and take preparatory action E I/R Sense of perspective and work/life balance E I

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Kelmscott School “Putting Learning First”

How to find us

Directions – By public transport Our nearest train stations are: . Walthamstow Central (Victoria Line & London Overground), . St James’ St Station (Overground via the Liverpool St – Chingford line) . Walthamstow Queen’s Road Station (London Overground via the Barking – Gospel Oak line)

Buses that stop right outside the school on Markhouse Road: . 158 (Stratford – Chingford Mount) . 58 (Walthamstow Central – East Ham)

Buses from the stations: . Blackhorse Road/St James’ St Station – Take bus 158 heading towards Stratford . Walthamstow Central – Take bus 58 heading towards East Ham

Car Parking Facilities The school shares its car park with Walthamstow Leisure Centre. It is a pay-and-display car park operated by a private company. Upon arrival, please report to reception stating that you have parked and you will be issued a visitors permit.

Map