Information for candidates for the post of Principal on separate lines from Waterloo (to Dorking and Guildford) and Introduction Victoria (to Dorking and Horsham). Bus routes cross the rail axis and provide a good service to Kingston, Morden, Worcester Park, Castle School, located on three separate but adjacent Hook and . sites in Ewell Village near Epsom in , is a co-educational The area contains a wide choice of independent schools and day school offering a seamless educational experience for 550 a number of grammar schools, sixth-form colleges and good pupils from 3 to 18 years. It is a happy, ambitious and successful non-selective state schools. Competition is therefore intense but school where the well-being of each child is of paramount Ewell Castle has sustained its position in the market place by importance and the achievements of all are celebrated. being nimble and adapting quickly to change and by constantly The Preparatory School (200 pupils) is sub-divided into developing the quality of its facilities and educational provision. Chessington Lodge for pupils aged 3 to 7 (Early Years and KS Substantial progress has been made in line with the School’s 1) and Glyn House which accommodates pupils in Key Stage 2. Strategic Development Plan (2016-2019). New initiatives have The main building for the Senior School (350 pupils aged 11-18), been successfully introduced in academic, pastoral and co- The Castle, is an attractive Georgian mansion set within a fifteen- curricular areas; there has been a substantial focus on a whole acre site. The freehold of Glyn House is owned by the school; the school approach and the personal development of pupils and other two sites are occupied on long leasehold arrangements. staff. Many areas across both the Preparatory and Senior Schools The School’s vision, based on a clear set of values, is have been refurbished or upgraded and further sports facilities at to Inspire and Nurture pupils to Achieve, within a happy, family Church Meadow have been acquired. Recent capital development friendly atmosphere. Several distinctive features have combined includes the Budgell Building, the landscaping of the area around to give the School an excellent reputation and create the basis it and the Music Pavilion. for future development in a market which is highly competitive The School is inspected by the Independent Schools but presents interesting opportunities. There is a real sense of Inspectorate and is due Compliance and Educational Quality community within the School yet it is also outward facing, keen inspections in 2018. The Integrated Inspection (2012) and the to contribute and sensitive to a changing world. Its size is such Compliance (2015) reports can be accessed at that it is small enough to ensure that individuals matter but large https://www.ewellcastle.co.uk/information/inspection-report.html. enough to offer an extensive and balanced curriculum inside and All recommendations arising from the 2012 report were acted outside the classroom. Such opportunities assist in identifying upon swiftly. every pupil’s special interests and talents and the School aims to instil a belief in every individual that there is no limit to what can The Principal of Ewell Castle is currently in membership of be achieved. The Society of Heads, and the Head of the Preparatory School is a member of IAPS. The catchment area of the school on foot, by car, or on the train is substantial. Rail travel to Ewell from Central London takes around 25 minutes and the locality is served by two stations with services The criteria for entry and the wide range of opportunities in the History Sixth-Form are published in the following guide: https://www.ewellcastle.co.uk/information/guide-to-sixth- Ewell Castle was founded in 1926 and catered for day pupils form-subjects-and-entry-criteria.html and boarders. The move to becoming a day school was made in the early 1970s and the Preparatory School was started at the Investment in enhancing the academic environment and same time. The Nursery was added a few years later. The move academic facilities including ICT is given a high priority and to co-education in the Senior School from 2012 onwards marked the School is determined to keep class sizes small and to tailor another significant stage in the School’s history. provision to individual needs. Stretch and challenge is provided in all sections of the School through differentiation, setting by ability groups and additional curriculum opportunities. The Extended Project Qualification is offered in the Sixth-Form. Curriculum, Teaching The School also has a team of well qualified teachers to provide support for those identified with specific learning and Learning difficulties or who need additional help with English as an Academic achievements are founded on an ethos of individual Additional Language. attention across a relatively wide ability spectrum and excellent In the Prep School, pupils’ levels of progress and achievement arrangements are in place for supporting all pupils including the in English, Maths and Science are monitored regularly using more able and those with specific learning difficulties. the GL series of assessments. Outcomes in the senior school Informal assessments based on a visit to the school are demonstrate that the School achieves positive value-added made for the youngest children but from the age of 7 upwards scores in the public examinations. In last summer’s exams there more formal selection assessments are used in making offers was a 98% pass rate at A level with 68% at A*-C with an average of places. UCAS points score of 241. Leavers go on to read for a wide range of degrees at a diverse set of universities including the The curriculum at Chessington Lodge in Nursery and Reception Russell Group. At GCSE, there was a pass rate of 89% at A* to C mirrors the Early Years Foundation Stage and the seven areas of or 9-4 and 92% of the candidates achieved at least 5 A* to C or learning whilst those in Years 1 and 2 follow a curriculum which is 9-4 grades. closely aligned to the National Curriculum but with the freedom to be flexible and to go “above and beyond” in pursuit of intellectual The teaching staff are committed and of high quality. Regular curiosity. This adaptable approach is continued in Key Stage 2 at monitoring and training has reaped significant benefits and seen Glyn House and in Key Stage 3 in the Senior School providing a the quality of teaching and learning enhanced and pupil outcomes seamless academic transition through the Preparatory and Senior improve. Staff have responded well to the initiatives (for example, Schools The GCSE curriculum is outlined at: Growth Mindset, Clifton Strengths) which the school leadership has introduced to assist them in their professional development https://www.ewellcastle.co.uk/information/year-9-gcse- and a number are also pursuing higher level courses. options-booklet.html Co-curricular programmes Pastoral Care and Alongside its academic priorities Ewell Castle’s aim is to provide opportunities beyond the classroom of a range and quality Personal Development commonly found in much larger schools. The School prides itself on maintaining a high level of In the Senior School, there is a programme of themed weeks, pastoral care and loves to celebrate individual ambition lectures, debates and meetings of a range of societies, while and achievement. It aims to create a happy, family atmosphere pupils of all ages are well-engaged in charitable events of one in which parental involvement is welcomed and in which kind or another; for example, supporting schooling in Nepal communication with parents is regular, honest and open. following the earthquake in 2015. Many pupils are involved in the Opportunities are also taken to inform parents of pastoral issues school-based Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme group. There is and exciting new developments such as “Growth Mindset”. a programme of curriculum related, cultural or sports tours and Visitors to the School are struck immediately by the caring and visits, while the school is also particularly proud of the standards supportive environment throughout the School and this is key to it achieves in music, drama and the Arts. The new Music Pavilion the choice made by many parents sending their children to Ewell and the introduction of the Performing Arts Academy in 2017 Castle School. Pupils are self-confident, articulate and respectful have led to increased opportunities including roles in films and of one another and the staff. The three houses- Castlemaine, on stage at the National Theatre. There is a regular schedule of Essex and Raleigh provide a framework for social engagement concerts and recitals and a current pupil has already achieved and competition in a range of areas. the top grades in the ABRSM examinations and has been offered Key structures are in place to deliver outstanding pastoral care a place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. A highlight of the and to maximise pupils’ personal development. On a day-to-day year is the School musical production which is performed at the basis, such care in the Preparatory School is largely in the hands . Recent shows have included “Oliver” “Bugsy of the form teacher. There is good record-keeping and team-work Malone” and “Guys and Dolls.” and an established “key person approach”. Similarly, Form tutors The sports programme is similarly ambitious although there are are important in the Senior School, overseen by Heads of Year. inevitable challenges for a small school. The Preparatory School A Whole School Chaplain provides pastoral and spiritual support fixture list continues to grow and rugby, soccer, netball and for both pupils and staff whilst pupils in the Senior School also cricket are the main school sports, with a range of other options have access to a School Counsellor. on an individual and collective basis. The School currently Pastoral care on the ground is supported by a taught curriculum runs 20 football, 19 rugby, 14 cricket, 10 swimming and 9 covering a wide range of potential pastoral matters and reflecting netball teams ensuring that the vast majority of pupils have an a modern approach to educating pupils about the issues which opportunity to represent the School in competitive fixtures. they may confront at school or in later life. This curriculum In order to extend its own provision and to provide specialist includes Personal, Health, Social, Economics Education, sports training, the School has set up the Ewell Castle Sports Citizenship and British values, a Life Skills programme, Careers Academy for cricket and tennis, the latter in partnership with and classroom-based sessions from a certified Mindfulness the Tennis Avenue Academy. Beyond school, pupils currently teacher to raise awareness of the potential academic and represent the county in tennis, cricket, rugby, hockey and golf personal benefits of mindfulness. with one pupil reaching the national athletics finals. The School enjoys close liaison with the parish church, the Fitznell Governance and Finance Music School, with other schools and several local community groups and organisations; for example, the Epsom Education The Board of Governors are trustees and members of the school Business Partnership. The current Principal is also a member of charity. Ewell Castle is also a company limited by guarantee. the Partnership of Schools. Elections to membership (currently 8 people) have regard to the skills required, and current appointees have experience in education, the law, planning, finance and business. The Board meets four times a year and holds an Annual General Meeting. Leadership and The Principal is always present. There are also sub- groups addressing strategic planning and finance, whilst individual management Governors have responsibilities in areas of teaching and learning, The School has an organisational structure which is distinctive, safeguarding, special needs and health and safety. The present though not unknown, amongst smaller schools, with a Chairman, Mr David Tucker holds regular and frequent meeting Principal, Deputy Head of the Senior School and the Head with the Principal, emphasising the supporting role that he and of the Preparatory Schools (Vice-Principals), The Principal is the Governors like to give. accountable to the Governors for the overall operation, working Ewell Castle operates on a successful smaller school business alongside and through his Vice-Principals, who are both model which is attractive to parents; occupies a niche in the technically Governors’ appointments, but for whom he/she is the market; and works financially. The School has further plans for line manager. The Principal is very much the Chief Executive. refurbishment and capital development and it is important that The Principal has oversight of strategic concerns, marketing, the flow of funds from fees and any other sources are maximised. financial management, the appointment of staff and public The establishment of a Marketing, Development and Alumni relations. He/she chairs the SMT, manages capital projects, and Office has seen a limited amount of fundraising take place; for oversees the curriculum and timetable of each section of the example, donations of fee deposits and some success in an school. There is also responsibility for appraisal and for pupil appeal towards the cost of the new Music Pavilion. Income is admissions apart from those in the Preparatory School managed also generated on a small scale from the letting of facilities by the Head of the Prep School. The respective Vice-Principals where appropriate. are in charge of day-to-day school matters affecting their parts of the school, such as visits, trips, references, departmental The School’s finances are managed by a new but experienced budgets, academic standards and staff absence and cover. Bursar with input from the Principal and the Governors. Current Senior School fees are set competitively at around £16,000 a year In short, as might be expected, the Principal has a wider and (between about 8 to 10 K in the Preparatory School) and annual more strategic role while the Vice-Principals address practical, turnover is in excess of £6.5 million. There is a limited amount of day-to-day issues. However, because of the relatively small money available for scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+, bursaries size of Ewell Castle, the Principal remains very much a “hands and hardship grants. on” figure who is well known to all the pupils, parents, staff and all the other stakeholders across the school community. The School regularly generates a healthy annual surplus. A The whole school SMT consists of the Principal, the two Vice bank loan was negotiated to fund the Budgell building and other Principals, the Bursar, the Marketing, Development and Alumni refurbishment projects and regular re- payments are factored in Manager (both of whom are line managed by the Principal), the to the annual budgeting. Overall the school’s finances are sound Director of Studies/Assistant Principal of the Senior School, the and well-managed. The most recent return of accounts to the Deputy Head/Assistant Principal and Director of Studies of the Charity Commission can be viewed at: Prep School. The Senior School SMT consists of the Principal, http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Accounts/ Deputy Head of the Senior School/Vice Principal and the Director Ends79/0000312079_AC_20160831_E_C.pdf of Studies of the Senior School. The Preparatory School’s SMT comprises the Vice-Principal for the Preparatory School supported by her Deputy/Assistant Principal and the Director of Community Links Studies in the Preparatory School. The Principal is the key figure in the external relationships of the school. He/she is the external face of Ewell Castle, setting the tone, overseeing the policies and leading the networking in the local community. The School’s alumni are automatically members of the Old Ewellian Society. In addition, it benefits from the generosity of a small but thriving PSFA (Parents, School, and Friends Association) who offer much-appreciated support and contributions to developments and activities. • Maintain oversight of new capital projects, refurbishment, and The Role of the Principal longer-term plans to ensure that the site and buildings are in good order and that standards are improved within the limits of The Governors of Ewell Castle seek to appoint a Principal to take financial good sense up the post in January 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter, • Build on current provision to develop and maintain a wide following the appointment of the current Principal, Peter Harris to range of sporting, artistic, musical, dramatic and other the headship of Birkdale School. opportunities outside the classroom The next Principal will inherit a successful school with established • Continue to value and promote the School’s high standards of values, a positive atmosphere, and a good reputation. He/ pastoral care and personal development she will need to provide a personal vision and devise the • Monitor and promote academic standards and assume overall appropriate strategy and business plan. He/she will also have the responsibility for school improvement, incorporating ambitious ability to inspire, a proactive and positive approach to change plans, identifiable targets and realistic outcomes management and a determination to constantly enhance the School’s educational provision. Equally importantly, the Governors • Foster relationships, especially through good communication, are looking to the new Principal to market the distinctive features with individual parents and the parent body as a whole, of the School skilfully in a competitive market place. encouraging their support for the School, and their involvement in the education of their children Below are some of the Principal’s key accountabilities: • Market the School as effectively as possible, promoting • The Principal acts as the School’s Chief Executive, consulting the benefits of an independent education and the merits with the Governors, and agreeing with them the aims and of medium/smaller sized schools. Be ready to maximise policies for the school the opportunities such as the relatively recent move to full • Provide regular analysis of academic, co-curricular and (with co-education. Understand and foster the relationships with the Bursar) financial performance to allow the Governors to “feeder” schools at different age groups, and catering for monitor standards and discharge their responsibilities different gender mixes • Develop a longer-term plan for the School, initially based • Identify further opportunities for fundraising and extending the on the current version but later with their own vision, targets relationships with alumni, current and former parents and other and deadlines. Agree this with the Governors; encourage potential supporters of the School. Recognise and develop the understanding and ownership of it within the School; and seek place of Ewell Castle in its local community to implement it effectively and efficiently • Ensure that the School complies with all relevant legislation and • Agree with the Governors appropriate budgets assume responsibility for ensuring that it is fit for inspection • Maintain oversight of the curriculum and educational support • Maintain the School ethos of individual care and celebration of for all pupils and at all ages, ensuring that it is balanced and the achievements of all appropriate, and reflects modern educational philosophy and • Be personally involved in the various aspects of life at Ewell best practice Castle, encourage and support the pupils activities and be an • Continue to lead on Human Resources issues, particularly ambassador for the School in the area emphasising the importance of the recruitment of good staff, their training, motivation and appraisal Person Specification It is expected that the next Principal of Ewell Castle School will demonstrate many of the following qualities:

Leadership

• An ability to develop a vision and accompanying strategy for the future • A genuine commitment to the ethos of the School and a belief and pride in the benefits of medium sized schools and the independent sector • An ability to recruit and lead a strong staff team • An understanding of the local market place and a determination to maintain and develop Ewell Castle’s place within it • A belief in setting and working towards high standards for himself/herself and for staff and pupils

Academic and pastoral

• An understanding of trends in education, a willingness to keep abreast of curriculum change, and an interest in how pupils learn • Good teaching skills • Knowledge and experience of how to assess performance, and an ability to work with others in improving it • A commitment to a rich programme of activities outside the classroom • A forward-thinking approach to educational provision, especially in areas such as ICT • A genuine willingness to get to know personally a substantial number of the School’s clients, pupils and stakeholders

Managerial

• Experience of strategic planning, school finances and marketing • A well-organized approach to the use of his or her own time, the ability to delegate where necessary, and knowledge of how to set measurable targets with agreed deadlines • Experience of managing a team of diverse talents • A good level of ICT literacy • Some experience of planning and organising substantial projects, understanding the need for priorities, good organisation and detailed planning • private medical insurance will be provided for the Principal Personal characteristics • a 50% staff fee remission scheme is available A Principal who displays the following characteristics is likely to • reasonable assistance with re-location expenses will be well-suited to this post: be provided. • At ease with people from a wide range of backgrounds • the Principal’s appointment will be subject to two terms’ notice on either side • Collegiate and consultative but with the ability to be decisive • applicants must be willing to undergo child protection • Empathetic, compassionate and humane, yet resolute and screening appropriate to the post including checks with past robust where necessary employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and the • Socially and professionally engaging, with good list of prohibited teachers/school managers operated by the communication skills NCTL. Full details are given on the application form • Innovative and imaginative • shortlisted candidates will be asked to undertake identity • Energetic and hard-working and qualification checks which conform to the School’s • Has a good sense of humour and an appropriate level Safeguarding Policy. They must also agree to references being of humility taken up at that stage and checks made with past employers • the successful applicant will be required to undergo medical screening so as the School can satisfy itself of the medical Qualifications and experience fitness of the successful candidate to carry out the duties of the post of Principal The successful candidate will: • Hold a good honours graduate qualification, possibly with post graduate qualification/further degrees • Have Qualified Teacher Status • Be able to provide evidence of continuing professional development

Terms and Conditions A formal contract detailing terms and conditions will be drawn up on appointment. The terms of employment will be set out in a contract between the Principal and the Board of Governors. The following notes provide guidance, without prejudice, on the likely main provisions: • the position attracts a salary commensurate with its status and responsibilities. The Principal’s remuneration is reviewed annually • necessary travelling, accommodation and general expenses incurred on the School’s business will be reimbursed on production of the relevant receipts • the School participates in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and the post is pensionable under the Teachers’ Superannuation Regulations. The Principal and the School will pay the contributions that are prescribed from time to time • to work such hours as shall be reasonably necessary properly to discharge the Principal’s duties and responsibilities. The nature of the post requires essential attendance at evening and weekend functions and the Principal will be required regularly to spend time during school holidays in the management, organisation and administration of the School. Subject to these commitments and to any other reasonable requirements of the Board of Governors, the Principal is entitled to eight weeks (plus public holidays) holiday per annum. Such holiday must be taken outside of term time Long List Candidates will be interviewed by a panel of governors, The Application Process be set some written exercises and have the opportunity to meet the current Principal. Short Listed candidates will be given a full Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to tour of the Senior School and the two Prep School sites and have arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants the opportunity for meetings with the Head of the Preparatory handling this appointment: School, the Bursar and the Senior Management Teams in both the Senior and Preparatory Schools. Candidates will also Caroline Stephens - Search Consultant be asked to make a presentation to the Governors and be [email protected] or 07885561980 interviewed further by them. Peter Bodkin – Senior Advisor The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with DfE guidance, to satisfactory [email protected] or 07821737092 references, satisfactory clearance from the DBS and the NCTL, proof of identity and qualifications and a satisfactory The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am Wednesday medical report. 9th May 2018. Ewell Castle School is committed to the safeguarding of children Candidates should complete the RSAcademics application form and child protection screening will apply to this post. electronically and email it to RSAcademics. Please email your completed application form, as a PDF file please, to our Operations Manager (Leadership Appointments), Alice Matcham at: [email protected] Alice can also be reached by calling our Head Office on 01858 467449. The process is as follows: All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact our Head Office by telephone. Founded in 2002 by Russell Speirs, RSAcademics specialises Preliminary Interviews will take place with RSAcademics on in schools, in the UK and internationally, advising on marketing Thursday 17th May and Friday 18th May 2018 strategy and research, leadership consultancy and the search and selection of Heads and senior staff. Comprising a team of Long List interviews will take place at Ewell Castle School on the best schools’ marketing professionals and respected former Monday 4th June and Tuesday 5th June 2018. school leaders, RSAcademics provides a high-quality service to Short List interviews will take place at Ewell Castle School on schools with rigour, experience and warmth. Please visit Monday 18th June and Tuesday 19th June 2018. www.rsacademics.co.uk for more information.