A school of 430 pupils in the historic heart of the Group
AIM HIGH WITH INTEGRITY - BE ADVENTUROUS - SERVE OTHERS
Appointment of Head of Berkhamsted Girls School
A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Richard Backhouse - Principal
Berkhamsted is among the schools leading the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils – and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity –in all that we do. We are adventurous, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning We serve others – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community
Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both among our pupils and our staff We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer
Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school
We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal experience
The School
Founded in 1541 by John Incent, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, with a grant from Henry VIII, Berkhamsted Schools Group (‘Berkhamsted’) is based in a historic Hertfordshire town, surrounded by Chiltern countryside and within easy reach of the centre of London. Berkhamsted has grown into a leading provider of independent education in the South East with 2200 young people in its care through a merger with Berkhamsted Girls School in 1997, and Heatherton House (a girls-only, 3-11 prep school in Chesham Bois) in 2011. Berkhamsted now comprises Pre-Prep, Prep, Boys (11-16), Girls (11-16) (originally founded in 1888), Sixth and Heatherton.
The School
Berkhamsted is the only school in the Herts, Beds and Bucks region, and one of only a small number of schools in the country, to offer a ‘diamond’ structure that combines the best of both single-sex and co-educational teaching. Boys and girls are taught together until the age of 11 (Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep), and separately from the age of 1116 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint sixth form (Berkhamsted Sixth).
The Opportunity
This role presents an opportunity to lead and manage a forward-thinking innovative school which boasts a broad curriculum, both in and out of the classroom.
Each school within the Group is run on a day-to-day basis by the Head. The Head enjoys significant levels of autonomy, reports directly to the Principal, and is a key member of the ‘Exec’ which designs and manages the strategic direction of the Group. All members of the Exec are expected to co-create strategy and troubleshoot its implementation across the whole group of schools, with cabinet responsibility. The Head attends Governor committees and Full Governors’ meetings as appropriate. The Girls, Boys and Sixth Schools share one teaching staff, and one set of heads of department, whose management is via a separate structure.
The post of Head of Berkhamsted Girls is therefore equivalent to a role between a Headteacher and Deputy Head in the structure which most schools employ. It is an ideal role for those seeking a second, larger Deputy Headship, or those seeking a springboard to Headship.
Berkhamsted describes itself as Developing Remarkable People: this ‘strapline’ was chosen deliberately to include staff. It is intended and expected that all members of staff which they are appointed Recent senior post alone headships across the UK and abroad
The Role
The post of Head of Berkhamsted Girls is primarily responsible for the successful school experience and development of (currently) 430 pupils, assisted by a Deputy Head and seven Heads of House. In this context, the Head of Berkhamsted Girls is expected to establish and sustain a vision for an appropriately ambitious academic work ethic, a sense of personal responsibility and integrity among the pupils, an ethos of adventure with regard to the opportunities of the Girls School, a community noted for its supportive and positive nature and contribution to the local area, and an atmosphere where young people are nurtured yet encouraged to become independent learners, be socially responsible and take advantage of the extra-curricular opportunities. The Head, assisted by the Deputy Head and Heads of House, is responsible for the relationship between the School and parents from first visit to the School until their child leaves.
The Head of Berkhamsted Girls is responsible for marketing the school, for entry into year 7. Berkhamsted Prep School provides circa 80% of the year 7 intake; therefore, the relationship between the Head and the wider prep feeder schools plays an important role in this recruitment.
The Girls School is located on the Kings Road, with the Knox Johnston Sports Centre next door. Pupils have their own House base and attend academic lessons on this site, with good use made of extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities (on and off-site) on two afternoons per week. Pupils attend a chapel service and assembly, as well as morning House meetings; a weekly comprehensive tutorial programme encourages the discussion of contemporary issues
Job Description
The successful candidate will:
Leadership & Management
Represent the values of the Berkhamsted Schools Group in all their interactions with parents, prospective parents, pupils, prospective pupils, governors, and colleagues
As a member of the School’s ‘Exec’, contribute to the formation and execution of the Group’s Strategic Plan.
Contribute as a member of the Senior Management Team to keeping the School at the forefront of educational development by encouraging all its pupils to fulfil their academic potential, support the staff and develop appropriate policies across the whole school to enhance its good reputation
Take on whole school roles or responsibilities as directed by the Principal
Lead and line manage the team of Deputy Head and seven Heads of House, monitor and coordinate their work, chair regular team meetings and report to the Principal and SMT on Berkhamsted Girls issues.
Liaise with the Chief People Officer over the appointment of Berkhamsted Girls House staff and appraise Heads of House.
Recruit and assess prospective Berkhamsted Girls pupils
Ensure appropriate provision and supervision of Berkhamsted Girls activities and areas of the school buildings, including House rooms.
Organise the appointment procedure and induction of school officers – School Captain, House Captains and Council Representatives – and support their work.
Represent the Girls School at the Governors’ Education Committee meetings, and Full Governors Meetings as required, producing reports and information as requested
Job Description
Education
Develop a culture in which all pupils demonstrate a spirit of intellectual enquiry and curiosity and an interest in education for its own sake.
Have sector/market knowledge, including an understanding of the prep school landscape
Be up to date and knowledgeable on girls’ wellbeing issues and lead on the safeguarding requirements for the Girls School, as Designated Senior Person.
Keep up to date with all aspects of senior school KS3/4 curriculum development, liaising through Senior Management Team meetings.
Teach up to A level in their subject.
Recommend bursary and scholarship applications in consultation with the Assistant Vice Principal
Oversee GCSE examination arrangements, the Senior School Preview Evening and Parents’ Evenings.
Co-ordinate and write pupil references, for those pupils who may leave the school.
Award commendations, prizes, and colours for sports, arts and academic achievement.
Marketing
Give presentations about the Girls School at open days or in other schools.
Liaise with Admissions and Marketing in promoting the School, leading guided tours, greeting visitors, etc.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will:
Be willing to learn, try new things and be personally committed to their own development
Have experience in vision casting and execution, and of strategy at a leadership level
Have excellent attention to detail
Build trust with colleagues
Have or be building an educational profile via conferences/articles etc
Be able to forward plan
Be able to react quickly in an emergency
Have excellent communication skills - public speaking
- in meetings
- in writing
Be able to delegate and follow up effectively
Be able to have difficult conversations – parents, staff and pupils
Be able to coach middle leaders to outstanding levels of management and leadership performance
Be calm under pressure
Hold highly effective 1-2-1 meetings with direct reports
Chair meetings effectively
Be proficient in using Outlook / Office 365
Have excellent time management skills and personal productivity
Be able to conduct 360 appraisals including of those at middle leadership level
BenefitsBenefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme.
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing.
Free classes and advisory services memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
Watch our video
Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community.
BenefitsSafeguarding and Child Protection
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding The successful applicant will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630.
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
How to apply and Next Steps
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handling this appointment:
Michael Stephens, Head of Senior School Search: michaelstephens@rsacademics.com
Helen Flower, Search Consultant: helenflower@rsacademics com
James Fowler, Senior Advisor: jamesfowler@rsacademics.com
The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am (UK time) on Friday 4 October 2024.
Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics To submit your application, please upload your documents according to the instructions on the RSAcademics website, the links for which are as follows:
Head of Berkhamsted Boys: please click here
Head of Berkhamsted Girls: please click here
You should submit the following (both in PDF format): a completed application form (available alongside this candidate information at the links above) a covering letter addressed to Mr Richard Backhouse, Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group The letter should explain your reasons for applying.
If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com.Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163
How to apply and Next Steps
The process is as follows:
All applications will be acknowledged by e-mail If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact RSAcademics by telephone on 01858 383163
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Preliminary interviews will take place with RSAcademics via Teams during week commencing 7 October and 14 October.
Long List interviews with the school’s Selection Panel will take place at Berkhamsted School week commencing 11th November 2024
Short List interviews will take place at Berkhamsted School week commencing 18 November 2024
N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.
Berkhamsted Schools Group is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and a review of their social media presence. All appointments are subject to a criminal background check and proof of qualifications, in accordance with the requirements of the Children Act This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The Schools’ Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found on their website.
About RSAcademics
Founded in 2001 by Russell Speirs, RSAcademics has advised and supported over 700 schools and educational organisations in the UK and worldwide. Through our working partnerships with heads, leadership teams, boards, staff and parents, we specialise in supporting schools in five main areas: strategy, marketing and research; equality, diversity and inclusion; operational improvement; leadership and governance and philanthropy We enable schools worldwide to thrive, by finding and developing senior leaders, guiding decision makers, making connections and shaping debate. We are known for the calibre and spirit of our people We exist entirely to serve schools because we believe that the world needs thriving schools. RSAcademics is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
Please visit www rsacademics com for more information
How to apply and Next Steps
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS). This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications
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Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn)
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance
We aim to be 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.
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview
We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline
