Introduction from the Principal

Introduction from the Principal

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the role of Assistant Principal (Head of Sixth Form) at Kenton School. Further details including a detailed job description and person specification are enclosed for your information.

Kenton School is at the cutting edge of modern education. With just over 1800 students, we are one of the largest schools in the North East. However, despite our size we pride ourselves on retaining a family atmosphere and in ensuring that we cater for the needs of all our students, recognising their special gifts or talents.

We are committed to ensuring our students achieve, enjoy and thrive and we believe our staff are the key to our success.

We are seeking a talented and inspiring Assistant Principal (Head of Sixth Form) to lead and develop our sixth form provision to be the provision of choice not only for Kenton School students but across the City. This post is open to both existing senior leaders and those looking for the next step in their career.

The successful postholder will champion and build a culture of self-improvement, ensure curriculum and learning experiences are appropriate for all and lead a team of tutors monitoring performance and providing targeted interventions. In addition, you will contribute to ensuring outstanding whole school leadership.

We are seeking candidates with a proven track record of successful middle leadership combined with experience of achieving successful outcomes using robust and challenging quality assurance processes to improve standards in teaching and learning.

Candidates must lead by example through demonstrating outstanding classroom practice in their own subject specialism, effective analytical skills with the knowledge and ability to analyse and interpret data to facilitate improvement, and the commitment and drive to motivate and engagestudents, colleagues and the wider school community. In return we offer an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Kenton’s sixth form as part of our supportive and innovative team.

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Andy Clark, Vice Principal on 0191 214 2200 (switchboard).

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Sarah Holmes-Carne

Principal

Introduction to Kenton School

Kenton is a successful school with a fine reputation. We have been over-subscribed every year for the last sixteen years and are on target to be again this year.

Student Outcomes

At Key Stage 4, in 2015/16, 59% of Kenton Students achieved Grade C in English and Maths. With 50% achieving Grade C or above, including English and Maths.

Our English A* - C increased from 65% to 70% with expected progress increasing from 69% to 79%. And the A* - C for learners eligible for Free School Meals increasing from 46% to 62%.

There were also marked improvements in Maths with overall A* - C rising from 61% to 65%.

At Key Stage 5, 67.4% of students achieved A* - C grades with 95.3% achieving A* - E.

Ofsted 2016

During our recent Ofsted inspection, our sixth form provision was rated ‘good’. Particular strengths were the ‘exceptionally’ wide range of courses on offer to students, strong student progress, particularly in motor vehicle technology, engineering, health, sport and beauty therapy, AS and A Level progress which was close to the National Average, a strong enrichment programme and student behaviour.

Sixth Form Curriculum

We offer a broad curriculum at sixth form meaning it is possible to follow a number of different pathways. Students looking to go on to Russell Group universities can study a range of facilitating subjects to the highest level. Students who want to become nurses or engineers can study our vocational and BTEC subjects. Creative students will have access to our outstanding Performing Arts and Art and Design courses. We also offer a range of Level 1 or 2 options to students who are not yet ready to study level 3 courses, in a supportive and inclusive environment.

All Different All Equal

Our motto means that we treat our wide range of students as equally valued individuals, each with his or her own talents, ambitions and needs. For example, we are Newcastle’s lead school for Gifted and Talented provision, while our teaching of students with special educational needs is exemplary.

Safeguarding

Kenton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families.

Job Description

GRADE: / L12 – 16
RESPONSIBLE TO: / Principal/Headship Team
RESPONSIBLE FOR: / Staff as allocated
JOB PURPOSE: / To lead, develop and be accountable for the schools Sixth Form provision.
To assist the Principal in the leadership and management of the school as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

Responsibilities of an Assistant Principal:

The following list is typical of the level of duties which the post holder will be expected to perform. It is not necessarily exhaustive and other duties of a similar type and level may be required from time to time.

To carry out the professional duties of an Assistant Principal as set out in the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. Carry out teaching duties in accordance with the school's schemes of work and the National Curriculum.

To assist the Principal and Vice Principals and SLT in the management, organisation and running of the school, including assisting in the development and implementation of school aims, objectives, procedures, policies and practices.

To manage staff, resources and budgets in allocated areas.

To assist in development of the school improvement plan and take a lead role in implementing specific objectives.

To demonstrate good teaching practice and innovate, inspire and motive other staff. Promote teamwork and trust and be a professional role model for other staff.

To participate in, and where appropriate, lead staff training and development and continuous professional development. Assist the Principal in the implementation of performance management systems.

To co-ordinate designated curriculum area(s) and monitor, evaluate and set target for these area(s).

To develop partnerships with Governors, parents, primary schools, the local community, other agencies and businesses.

To work effectively with/be aware of and assist integrated processes, such as Common Assessment Framework and local opportunities which support ECM and NCYPP aims for children, young people and their families.

Specific Responsibilities of the Head of Sixth Form

Be responsible for students (their learning, welfare, discipline and progression) throughout their post 16 education.

Work closely with the Principal and Vice Principals to ensure that there are appropriate courses and pathways for all of our students. This will include leading the review as necessary of the courses we offer at Kenton and advising/recommending to the Leadership Team of any revisions.

In partnership with Year 11 and 12 Year Leaders, take a lead role on recruitment and transition arrangements.

To track and monitor the progress of students, facilitating intervention strategies in conjunction with heads of department and to ensure robust quality assurance systems are in place.

Be responsible for the whole process of progression of students into Higher Education, Training, Apprenticeships and Employment. This includes links with Higher Education providers, the UCAS process, continuously updated training of staff and ensuring that Higher Education is given a high profile in the school and tracking and reporting on leavers.

Act as an adviser/consultant to all in the school on matters of Higher Education.

Be responsible for leading the staff who work within their team, who together will be responsible for the learning of all students in Post 16 ensuring all students make progress in their learning and personal development.

Develop, with the team of Tutors, a programme for tutorial time and the Enrichment Curriculum. Monitor and evaluate the contribution of these courses to student progress and development.

Take responsibility for the Kenton Bursary.

Person Specification

Part A: Application Stage

The following criteria (experience, skills and qualifications) will be used to short-list at the application stage:

Essential

1 / Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (degree, PGCE, BEd or equivalent).
2 / Proven track record of working successfully in a leadership role with a school.
3 / An outstanding classroom practitioner with broad subject knowledge (including experience teaching Post 16).
4 / Demonstrable experience of managing staff, including performance management, quality assurance and the ability to work effectively with colleagues in helping them to improve their everyday classroom practice.
5 / Experience in a pastoral and/orguidance role combined with knowledge of enrichment/pastoral curriculum.
6 / Experience effectively leading and managing change.
7 / Experience using and interpreting data to raise achievement and a clear understanding of AfL techniques and how these can impact on learning.
8 / Knowledge and thorough understanding of the current educational agenda, relevant legislation and other key issues affecting education.
9 / Sound knowledge of UCAS processes and the options available for Post 16 leavers.
10 / Experience in the planning, co-ordination and delivery of professional learning (CPD).
11 / Ability for formulate strategies for ensuring inclusion, diversity and access and understanding of cultural diversity and equal opportunities.
12 / Excellent written communication skills.

Desirable

13 / Evidence of taking a lead role in a whole school project or initiative.
14 / Involvement in school self evaluation
15 / Experience in the management/leadership of Post 16 or PSHEE.
16 / Experience in budget and resource management.

Part B: Assessment Stage

The following criteria will be further explored at the assessment stage in addition to criteria as outlined in Part A:

Essential

1 / Effective oral communication, negotiation and persuasion skills.
2 / Ability to demonstrate a clear vision for future of Post 16 education at Kenton and the ability to implement this vision.
3 / Ability to provide inspirational leadership, set aspirational standards, provide professional direction and develop high performing teams.
4 / An understanding of strategies and tactics to secure Post 16 and whole school improvement.
5 / Ability to gain the commitment and respect of staff, pupils, other agencies and stakeholders.
6 / Ability to implement, manage and drive change and school improvement.
7 / Decision making skills including the ability to think creatively, problem solve and identify opportunities.
8 / Ability to prioritise, plan, organise, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
9 / Appropriate behaviour and attitude towards safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people including:

Motivation and commitment to work with children and young people
ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
attitude to use of authority and maintaining discipline.

10 / No disclosure about criminal convictions or safeguarding concern that makes applicant unsuitable for this post.
11 / Committed to working with young people and contributing to whole school ethos

Assessment Methods

Assessment to the role will be in 2 stages:

Stage 1:Stage 2:

Lesson observationRole Play

Data/written taskWalk-through task

Informal Interviews Formal Interview

Part C: Additional Requirements

The following criteria must be judged as satisfactory when pre-employment checks are completed:

1 / Enhanced Certificate of Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service
2 / Additional criminal record checks if applicant has lived outside the UK
3 / Children’s Barred List Check
4 / DfE Prohibition Check
5 / Check of list of those prohibited to work in the EEA
6 / Section 128 check (those prohibited to operate in a management role in schools)
7 / Medical clearance
8 / Confirmation of Qualified Teacher Status and proof of qualifications
9 / Two references from current and previous employers (or education establishment if applicant not in employment)

Additional Information for Applicants

Terms and Conditions

The conditions of service applicable to this post are the Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales (the Burgundy Book) and the School Teachers Pay and Conditions document as they relate to Assistant Headteachers, as amended/supplemented by local decisions made by Kenton School Academy Trust.

Salary

The salary range for the post is Leadership Group point 12 – 16 with current corresponding salaries of £51,127 - £56,511 pa). Starting salary will be dependent upon current pay point and relevant experience. Progression through the range is subject to annual successful performance appraisals.

Relocation Package

A relocation package of up to £6,000 is available to candidates who are relocating over 100 miles to take up the post.

Start Date

The start date of the post will be 1 September 2017.

Equal Opportunities

The school is opposed to any form of unfair discrimination and is publicly committed to be an equal opportunity employer.

Pension Scheme

The postholder will be eligible to join the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Further details can be found at

Application Process

Completed application forms should be forwarded by email to or by post to:

Human Resources

Kenton Schools Academy Trust

Drayton Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE3 3RU

Tel:0191 214 2200

Fax:0191 214 2207

Closing date:12.00 Noon on 10 May 2017