Application Pack for: Executive Principal of Hardwicke Parochial and Clearwater C of E Primary Academies MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Thank you for your interest in the post of Executive Principal; I am sure that you will find we have much to offer you. Originally established in 2012 as one of the first Diocesan Multi- Trusts, The Diocese of Academies Trust (DGAT) is now recognised as a successful and growing MAT. There are currently ten schools within the Trust, including nine church schools and one community school; we anticipate this number will to rise to thirteen by September. Nine of the ten schools within the Trust have now been rated as at least ‘good’ by Ofsted.

Our family of schools work in close collaboration with each other to share good practice and develop innovative approaches to teaching and curriculum development. Whilst close working has led to Trust academies undertaking Achievement for All accreditation and adopting enquiry-based approaches to learning, each academy retains its distinctive characteristics, driven by the needs of the local community it serves. Whilst some of our academies are developing an international curriculum, others focus on the outdoor environment or approaches to formative assessment; it is the breadth and diversity of our schools, and the willingness to share learning, which is a unique feature of the Trust.

This post offers an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding school leader to work across two Trust academies: one a long-established and oversubscribed church school in the village of Hardwicke and the other a brand new school, scheduled to open in September 2017, serving the community in . When the new buildings are complete, the two schools will be less than two miles apart. In the first instance, all pupils will be educated on the Hardwicke site, providing an exciting opportunity from the outset to explore a shared vision for educational excellence within the locality.

The new Executive Principal will be an inspiring school leader who can build on existing good practice, command the confidence and trust of families enrolling in the new school and move both academies forward in further championing the mission of the Trust: to ensure that every pupil enjoys human flourishing.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Chief Executive THE VISION OF THE DIOCESE OF GLOUCESTER ACADEMIES TRUST

The vision of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT) is to provide children of all faiths and none, with excellent educational provision “[Primrose Hill] has which transforms lives within a caring and supportive Christian ethos. received effective support from the In all our academies we seek to provide a complete and fully-inclusive academy trust, education which: particularly for leadership and teaching. * enables human flourishing by encouraging pupils’ and adults’ Senior and middle gifts and talents; leaders commented that nurtures developing relationships * the social, moral, spiritual and cultural development of the academy community, as well as maximising the progress, with other schools achievement and attainment of every child; through the Diocese of Gloucester Academies * celebrates the intrinsic value of every person, made in the Trust has helped them image of God. to improve teaching and raise expectations.” The Christian ethos of the Trust underpins all that we do. In order to deliver our vision we endeavour to ensure: OFSTED REPORT FOR PRIMROSE HILL CHURCH * high expectations and a shared vision of excellence which is OF ENGLAND PRIMARY acted upon by all ACADEMY, OCTOBER 2016 * at least good or outstanding teaching across the Trust * an inclusive culture in which all pupils can achieve, relative to their ability * a collaborative culture of shared accountability * staff are empowered to make significant contributions to their academy and the wider Trust * robust self-evaluation drives policy and priorities * effective partnerships with parents and carers, and the wider community within and beyond * effective stewardship of resource. BENEFITS OF LEADING A DGAT ACADEMY the use of Teaching Assistants to support learning. No school is an island * Several Trust academies have also shared their Good practice is shared * good practice with a wider audience. For example, Opportunities to lead Trust-wide initiatives * Minchinhampton C of E Primary Academy has also led Professional support and challenge from an * a one year long research project which looks at how academy development partner formative assessment can support children’s learning. * Regular facilitated discussion and dialogue with other academy leaders With high expectations the norm, we have facilitated a number of professional development opportunities * Trust-wide professional development opportunities, driven by the needs of schools for staff based on the collective needs of academies. This has included a six day ‘good to outstanding’ * Comprehensive support for all business, finance and estate management functions teaching programme, training and support for teaching assistants and an annual conference for all academies. Trust academies work together to build capacity, Each academy receives at least three visits per year support the professional development of staff and from an academy development partner to monitor ensure that each academy remains a vibrant and performance and engage in professional dialogue and dynamic place where everyone can flourish. We challenge. want our academies to remain places of learning, not just for pupils, but for staff and governors too. In order to ensure that each academy remains free to focus on what schools do best, the education In adopting a collaborative approach, we have of children, we undertake a range of financial developed flexible models of working which fully and business activities for our academies, from utilise the expertise which exists within our schools. compilation of statutory accounts, to VAT and All DGAT academies play an active role in sharing best pension returns. In 2016, we secured a total of practice and learning from one another. Currently, £612,043 of funding from central government to we run three forums, meeting up to six times a year: improve the conditions of our buildings at five the Principals’ Forum, the Chairs of Local Governing academies, including Hardwicke. Body Forum and the Business Managers’ Forum. “The Diocese of Gloucester Academies In addition, teachers and senior leaders have Trust provide an Academy Development participated in a range of peer reviews to share Partner who gives good support to the best practice, ensuring there is mutual accountability academy. There has been some effective across the Trust. To date, staff and governors support, specifically in identifying have worked together to review the leadership of underachievement of pupils and maths, the use of funding to support pupil premium, identifying area for school development.” effective governance, safeguarding procedures and (OFSTED REPORT FOR DURSLEY CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY ACADEMY, MARCH 2015 THE LOCALITY OF HARDWICKE AND QUEDGELEY Hardwicke lies on the A38, 4 miles south-west of Gloucester City, close to the River Severn and within close proximity to Junction 12 of the M5 motorway. Clearwater Church of The village serves a community of approximately England Primary Academy 4,000 people and is located in the Benefice of Hardwicke, Elmore and Longney. Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy is one of two DGAT academies in the Benefice, the other being a 100 pupil primary

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r i v 1991 and is the only civil parish within the city. The day to e day amenities in Quedgeley and neighbouring Kingsway have grown over the years and are served by two main shopping centres. The Severn Vale shopping centre is home to a large Tesco supermarket and a variety of adjoining stores, including a post office and library.

e iv Quedgeley has five schools, of which one, Fieldcourt r D e n r C of E Infant Academy, is a member of the Trust. u o b t s e All local schools have been judged as at least ‘good’ by W Ofsted. There is one main feeder secondary school: Severn Vale School (an academy). The new Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy is located in the parish of Quedgeley and Kingsway and is served by Hardwicke Parochial St James’ Church. Primary Academy CLEARWATER CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY ACADEMY: A BRAND NEW OPPORTUNITY

Why a new Free-School in Quedgeley? Transitional Arrangements for Clearwater The bid for a new free school has been approved Church of England Academy because of an increase in basic need for school The new academy is a 4 - 11 co-educational Church provision alongside the development of new housing of England academy accommodating 420 pupils when in the area. With neighbouring schools performing full. In the first year of opening, the new academy well, the need for the new school is based on a will admit pupils to the Reception Class and Year 1. marked rise in demand in the area, as opposed to We anticipate that the academy will be at full concerns over the standard and quality of provision capacity within six years. The academy will include locally. Gloucestershire County Council has reviewed on-site nursery provision for children from the age and analysed pupil numbers and projections for the of two. The neighbouring DGAT academy runs an Quedgeley area. Between August 2013 - 2015 there ‘outstanding ‘nursery (as judged by Ofsted) and the have been an additional 330 primary aged children provision of additional places at the new academy will living in the planning area and it is estimated that complement this provision. this figure will more than double again by 2019. The Local Authority and local schools have been fully Subject to final agreement from the Secretary of supportive of the need for a new academy. State for Education, the new academy will open in September 2017 in temporary buildings located on the Hardwicke site.

We have secured budget approval for the new-build academy and for the temporary accommodation at Hardwicke. The permanent site has been secured from Gloucestershire County Council. Current projections suggest that the Trust will be able to take occupancy of the building by the summer of 2019. A Vision for Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy With a vision to serve the new and emerging community, the free school will be fully inclusive, extending hospitality and welcome to all, by encouraging opportunities for family engagement through parent partnerships and using the academy site as a focus for community activities. The local plan for Quedgeley identifies the lack in public open spaces, play areas and sports pitches as a cause for concern. Our vision is therefore to support families by using the school grounds to promote exercise and healthy lifestyles in order to build a resilient academy community. Alongside this, the development of outstanding pastoral care will ensure that the well-being of the whole child remains a central focus of the academy and barriers to learning are removed.

The free school will adopt some distinct pedagogical practice, for example, through the delivery of Philosophy for Children and the Forest Schools programme. The free school will, therefore, offer an enquiry-based approach to developing outstanding teaching and the use of additional curricular and extra-curricular activities will re- invigorate creativity and provide an exciting range of additional learning experiences. A range of activities across Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy and the three neighbouring DGAT academies will also offer an extended menu of additional opportunities for family learning and engagement. CHARACTERISTICS OF HARDWICKE PAROCHIAL PRIMARY ACADEMY With regard to pupil profile, most pupils at ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy are of MATTHEW, 19-19 White British heritage. The number of pupils in receipt of special educational needs support is We care, learn and achieve…together slightly higher than the national average, currently 17.7%, but the number of pupils with an Education, Core Values Health and Care Plan remain in line with national Friendship: We achieve more if we support average. In total, 15.7% of pupils are known to be and help each other eligible for pupil premium funding. Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy offers pupils Aspiration: Aim high and achieve success a rich variety of extra-curricular activities and clubs. Respect: Everyone has a voice and deserves Activities include: nature and gardening clubs; to be heard cross-country running; girls’ football; food technology and book club, to name but a few. Responsibility: Our purpose is to make the The academy is located on an extensive site and world a better place there is plenty of scope for the further development of outdoor learning and Forest Schools. Hardwicke is a larger than average primary school, with a PAN of 420 pupils. At the time of its last The academy enjoys good links with the local Ofsted inspection (before conversion to academy church community and ‘Lighting the Candle’ status in November 2015), it was judged to be a supports the development of young worship leaders ‘good’ school. In 2016, the Trust was approached by in the academy. The celebration of the major the Local Authority to admit an additional 30 pupils, Christian Festivals is a focus of community activity because of the pressure for places in the locality. for the school. The academy regularly participates Additional funding, totalling £420,000, was also in a range of charitable fundraising activities, raising secured through the Local Authority to temporarily money and donating gifts to Children in Need, expand Hardwicke and build two new classrooms. The Shoe Box Appeal and Macmillan Nurses. Academic Performance of Pupils in 2016

Early Years Foundation Stage: Performance of pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage is good, with 85% of pupils meeting or exceeding good levels of development (compared to the National Average of 66%).

Phonics: In total, 89% of pupils passed their phonics screening in the first year. This figure rose to 90% for those pupils retaking in the second year.

Key Stage 1: Historically, results at Key Stage 1 have been in line with national averages, but in 2016 there was a significant dip in attainment of year 2 pupils. In total, 65% of pupils met age related expectations in reading (compared to a national average of 74%), 48% in writing (compared to a national average of 65%) and 43% in maths (compared to a national average of 73%). Improving key stage 1 performance in 2017 is a focus for the academy.

Key Stage 2: Attainment at Key Stage 2 remains a particular strength of the academy. Hardwicke remains amongst the highest performing schools in the South West. On average, 90% of pupils achieved expected levels in reading, writing, English, grammar, punctuation and spelling (EGPS) and maths. The percentage of pupils achieving expected levels in reading, writing and maths combined was 79%, compared with a national average of 53%. Average scaled scores for reading, EGPS and maths were 106, 107.5 and 105.3 respectively. SEEKING AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER… Following the announcement of the retirement Academic Performance of Pupils in 2016 of the previous Principal, Mr Martin Bragg, from Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy in Spring * can clearly articulate a compelling vision 2015, we were very pleased that the Principal of one of educational excellence across the two of our other very successful academies, Winchcombe communities Abbey Church of England Primary School, assumed * is passionately committed to developing the the Executive Principal role for one year, whilst distinctive Church of England ethos of both we awaited the outcome of the free school bid. academies Following the success of the free school application, * inspires, leads and motivates all staff and pupils we now seek to offer a permanent post to an to give of their best outstanding leader who has the requisite skills to * is committed to the Trust’s vision of inclusive not only lead an established academy, but also has education the vision and energy to help shape the educational can build excellent relationships with all provision within a brand new school. * stakeholders We are delighted to be able to advertise for the post * is committed to leading the development of of Executive Principal. This role provides an exciting collaboration between the two schools and opportunity for an inspirational Executive Principal wider Trust academies. to lead Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy, We can offer you: a successful and oversubscribed 2FE academy, alongside opening Clearwater Church of England * the opportunity to be part of an extended Primary Academy, a brand new neighbouring free leadership team across the Academy Trust school and nursery in new purpose-built facilities. * CPD, professional support and career development in a highly successful and growing We are looking to appoint an outstanding leader organisation who naturally inspires others and is passionate about teaching and learning. The successful candidate will * an existing ‘Good’ School (as judged by Ofsted) be a highly effective and knowledgeable primary with a motivated and ambitious governing body practitioner with a proven track record in leading and Key Stage 2 results amongst the highest in teaching and learning and securing excellent the South West outcomes for pupils. Applicants should be driven by * the opportunity to lead and shape the a commitment to create the best possible educational development of a brand new school, in opportunities for pupils across the two academies purpose-built accommodation. and wider Trust. EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL: JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION Salary: Leadership Spine - Group 5: L18-31, a seven point range within (negotiable dependant on experience) Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer, Directors of the Trust and the Local Governing Body. Job Purpose: The Executive Principal will work across Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy and Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy to promote educational excellence, within a caring and supportive Christian ethos. KEY PRIORITIES With high expectations of all, and excellent outcomes as a given, the Executive Principal’s first role will be to work closely with the Directors of DGAT and the Local Governing Body to develop the Christian ethos and culture of both academies, and establish excellent progress and outcomes for all pupils. Specifically for Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy, this will include effectively managing the opening of the new school and ensuring positive engagement with all potential stakeholders.

Shaping the Future – Strategic Direction and Accountability

* Ensure the strategic vision and Christian ethos of both academies are clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all. * Work with the Directors of DGAT and the Local Governing Body to ensure educational excellence within both academies. * Translate the vision into agreed evidence-based objectives and operational plans which will promote sustained academy improvement. * Present a coherent, understandable and accurate account of both academies’ performance to a range of audiences including the Trust, governors and parents/carers. * Lead and inspire all stakeholders by motivating, challenging and empowering others to create a shared culture where ambitious outcomes are the norm. * Ensure robust systems of self-evaluation drive academies’ policies and priorities as well as the academies’ development plans, and, in consultation with the Local Governing Body, take action, as required. * Secure the commitment of parents and the wider community to the vision and direction of both academies. * Ensure both academies play a significant part in contributing to and shaping the vision, policies and procedures for the Trust. * Keep abreast of educational developments and anticipate the consequences of future trends and initiatives and articulate these to the key stakeholders in the school and the wider community. Teaching and Learning

* Maximise the opportunities for all pupils through a continuous academy-wide focus on pupils’ achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every child’s learning. * Ensure high quality teaching is at the heart of strategic planning and resource management. * Establish creative, responsive and effective approaches to teaching and learning. * Work closely with the Trust and other Principals to promote educational excellence across the family of Trust schools. * Contribute to the development of a collaborate approach and mutual accountability across the Trust. Leading and managing staff

* Create an organisational structure that reflects both academies’ values, and enable the management systems, structures and processes to work effectively. * Recruit and develop an expanding team of staff for the new academy. * Inspire staff and support the development of distributed leadership throughout both academies, ensuring clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities. * Ensure creative, responsive and effective subject leadership in all curriculum areas. * Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote improvement strategies. * Develop and maintain effective strategies and procedures for staff induction, professional development and performance management. * Recruit, retain and deploy staff appropriately and manage their workload to achieve the vision and goals for both academies. * Develop and maintain a culture of high expectation for self and for others, celebrate achievements and take appropriate action when performance is unsatisfactory. * Maintain an ‘open-door’ and ‘listening’ culture. Raising achievement and attainment through teaching and learning

* Ensure that learning is at the centre of strategic planning and resource management. * Ensure a consistent and continuous academy-wide focus on pupils’ achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every child’s learning and target intervention where necessary. * Ensure a culture and ethos of challenge, support and high expectations where all pupils can achieve success, are set stretching targets and are engaged in their learning. * Ensure effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the quality of learning and teaching, including quickly establishing evidence of the new school’s performance. * Determine, organise and implement a flexible curriculum to meet the needs of all learners. * Establish a flourishing enrichment programme particularly in the areas of music, drama, sport and enterprise and support the development of a lifelong love of learning for its own sake. Ethos, culture and partnerships

* Lead the marketing of the new free school to prospective parents and pupils and secure sufficient admissions until the school reaches full capacity. * Ensure that distinctive Christian values permeate all elements of both academies’ practice and are robustly monitored against the SIAMS framework. * Develop exemplary pastoral care and an inclusive and supportive approach so that both academies are places where all children and families feel welcome and children flourish academically, morally, culturally, socially and spiritually. * Develop close partnerships with local churches, parents and other agencies to ensure that pupils respect diversity (including British values) and feel safe. * Contribute to the development of the educational excellence within the Trust by sharing effective practice and promoting innovative approaches to learning. Managing Resources

* Manage both academies’ financial resources effectively and efficiently to achieve the academies’ educational goals, ensuring compliance with the Trusts finance policies and procedures. * Effectively deploy the required level of both teaching and support staff to realise the vision for both academies. * Ensure that the range, quality and use of all available resources is monitored, evaluated and reviewed to improve the quality of education for all pupils and provide value for money. * Manage and organise the academy environments efficiently and effectively to ensure that the academies are well maintained and facilities are fully utilised to meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations. * Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and requirements. OTHER The current main duties and responsibilities of this post are outlined in this job description. The list is not intended to be exhaustive. The need for flexibility, shared accountability and team working is required. The post-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities, commensurate with the post’s banding and whenever reasonably instructed. It is the practice of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust to review job descriptions annually to ensure that they relate to the role as then being performed or to incorporate whatever reasonable changes that have occurred over time or are being proposed. This review will be carried out by the Trust in consultation with the post-holder before any changes are implemented. The post-holder is expected to participate fully in such discussions and implementation. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable Personal Values Practicing Christian * Committed to actively promoting the Christian ethos and values of the academy * Committed to the Trust’s vision of inclusive education * Qualifications Qualified teacher status * NPQH or higher level educational/leadership or management qualification * A record of recent and relevant continuing professional development * Leadership & Management Ability to successfully inspire, lead and manage others, through a clear vision of what constitutes educational excellence in a Church of England Academy * Significant experience of leading an organisation * Inspirational/transformational leadership experience in relation to school improvement * A proven ability to developing middle leadership * Understanding of managing organisational culture/change management * Ability to establish collaborative work with all stakeholders and the wider community * A track record of leading effective INSET within a school * Successful management of accurate and incisive school self-evaluation * Ability to strategically plan based on use of data, targets and benchmarking * Ability to accurately self-evaluate against the Ofsted requirements * Ability to accurately self-evaluate against Section 48 requirements * Experience of balancing strategic and operational dimensions of the role * Proven track record of improving outcomes for children * Managing Resources A successful track record of human and financial resources leadership * Success in effectively managing finance and resources against school priorities * Experience of setting school budgets * Essential Desirable Teaching & Learning Ability to communicate a vision of outstanding teaching and learning * Ability to lead with creativity and inventiveness, in relation to the curriculum * Experience, knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning pedagogy * Experience of using the latest technologies to support learning * Other Experience of working in a Church School context * Up to date knowledge of legislation/guidance in relation to safeguarding * Understanding of statutory educational frameworks * Personal Qualities Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills * Intellectual versatility and emotional intelligence * Reliability and integrity * Ability to respond positively to pressure, whilst maintaining accessibility and consistency * Decisiveness, incisiveness and authority * Energy, dynamism, courage and resilience * Enthusiasm and passion * The ability to learn from one’s mistakes – to be reflective, self-critical and honest * The ability to develop a high profile and be strong visible presence * Additional Requirements An enhanced criminal record disclosure/DBS will be required prior to appointment * Excellent and unequivocal references * For an application pack or to register interest in the Trust, please contact Ellie Hully at: [email protected] Closing date for applications: 3 March 2017 Interviews: 23-24 March 2017

The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust, 4 College Green· Gloucester· GL1 2LR Tel: 01452 835597 www.dgat.org.uk Registered Office: 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR. Registered in England, Company Number 08149299.