The Woodcote Way symbolises what the school strives for. An ASPIRE pin badge is given to every student to remind them of the qualities and behaviours they should aspire to develop. The WHS ASPIRE programme includes assemblies and workshops that help students to reflect upon the key values, why they are important and how they can demonstrate them.
A S P I R E
mbitious
elf-reliant
ersevering
nquisitive
espectful
nthusiastic
Letter from Chair of Governors 25th February 2022 Dear Candidate Appointment of Headteacher at Woodcote High School Thank you for your interest in this post. I hope that this information pack will give a flavour of the fantastic opportunity offered by the role as our next Headteacher, and that you will visit our school to understand how our values and approaches translate into practice. We are very proud of Woodcote High School and are, therefore, looking for a very special person to lead the school in the years to come. Woodcote is a large and successful standalone academy of 1,200 11-18 students, proud to be at the heart of our local community. OFSTED judges us to be good (April 2018), and our local community has confidence in our work, with well over 1,000 applications each year for the 240 places in Year 7. Academic standards are high throughout the school, alongside a rich and wide extra-curricular provision. We are proud of our enhanced learning provision which provides inclusive support for a small number of students with learning and physical disabilities. Wider SEN provision is supportive of great learning for all students. Our sixth form enables over 90% of students each year to progress to their first choice university; we are now keen to develop our post-16 to encourage a greater proportion of our Year 11 students to continue their studies with us. The school has been through some specific challenges, beyond COVID-19, over the last two years. However, the Governing Body is focused on establishing a dynamic future that matches and quickly surpasses the great successes of the school in the past. Our excellent staff, our wonderful students and our supportive parents look forward to working with the new Headteacher to ensure Woodcote continues to be a vibrant and effective part of our local community. The senior leadership team is highly experienced, and the new Headteacher will be able to appoint to this team. We would be delighted to receive an application from you if, upon consideration, you feel that this role and Woodcote High School may be right for you. The appointment process is outlined towards the end of this pack. To make an application, please complete the application form, attaching where requested a statement of no more than three sides of A4 outlining: 1. Your suitability for the post and the extent to which you meet the person specification; for any point of the specification that you do not meet, please outline the professional learning you would undertake prior to taking up the post and the professional support you feel you would require when in post. 2. Your understanding and experience of leading students and staff to successful outcomes. The governors are looking for an inspirational leader with excellent communication skills and the vision and strategic ambition to take Woodcote into the next phase of its development. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a positive track record of strategic planning and transformational change within schools. If you could be our next leader, we would be delighted to hear from you. Thank you again for your interest and we wish you the best of luck for your next steps. Yours sincerely
Hiten Savla Chair of Governors
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Key Information Since opening in 1957, Woodcote High School has constantly evolved and grown, whilst remaining at the forefront of educational developments in the area. Exam results have for many years exceeded national and local averages, delivering a positive Progress 8 score. Other landmark achievements over recent years include significant building projects, the opening of a Sixth Form at the School, the move to Trust and academy status, the opening of an international standard athletics facility (Track Coulsdon, in conjunction with South London Harriers and other funding partners) and the establishment of the Enhanced Learning Provision for mobility impaired students.
Roll Year Group
Number of Boys
Number of Girls
Total
7
119
120
239
8
125
108
233
9
114
103
217
10
115
96
211
11
102
109
211
12
43
36
79
13
23
26
49
641
598
1,239
36
Staffing Profile Type
Number
FTE Teachers
78
Teaching Assistants
24
Admin
13
Technical Support
5
Site Staff
3
Other Support Staff
27 150
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Senior Leadership Team Position
Name
Acting Headteacher
Ms Kirstie Woodcock
Acting Deputy Headteacher
Mr Pratik Patel
Assistant Headteacher & Director of Sixth Form
Mrs Michelle Edwards
Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Marcia Blair
Assistant Headteacher
Mr Regan Deale
Assistant Headteacher
Mr Stephen Frith
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Ms Tania Carolan
Associate Assistant Headteacher & SENDCO
Miss Allison King
School Business Manager
Mrs Sherralyn Squires
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Information About the School The curriculum Students in Years 7 to 9 follow a broad and balanced programme covering the national curriculum. On first transitioning from primary school, they are encouraged to try new and different learning styles. Having settled in during their first year at Woodcote, Year 8 is a time of acceleration, with careful tracking of progress. Year 9 then becomes a transition year completing Key Stage 3 and starting to focus on the demands of GCSE, including the options process. At Key Stage 4, students can study a wide range of options subject across GCSE and BTEC, matching the wide offer post-16. More details on Woodcote’s curriculum can be found online at: www.woodcotehigh.com/Statutory_Information_/Curriculum
Wider provision Woodcote is a busy community, with lots to offer our students. We encourage students to develop enquiring minds that in turn increases their enthusiasm for enrichment both in and out of the classroom. Those interested in music and performance deliver great seasonal productions, and benefit from a wide range of individual music tuition and opportunities in: • • • •
Singing Piano Guitar; acoustic, electric, bass Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• • • •
Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone Brass: offered depending on interest Drumkit Band, orchestra, choir
Our world-class Track Coulsdon is at the heart of our great sport and PE facilities, and we have a full range of extra-curricular sport, including (but not limited to) the following sports: • • • •
Football Cricket Gymnastics Trampolining
• • • •
Rugby Tennis Athletics Badminton
In the Sixth Form, in addition to the whole school enrichment programme, students have the opportunity to stand for student leadership positions, take part in charity events and lead assemblies for raising awareness on subjects they are passionate about. We also run a series of events where guest speakers are invited into school to speak to the student body.
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Job Description
PURPOSE OF THE POST As Headteacher, under the direction of the Governing Body: •
To provide professional leadership, vision and direction for the school, developing a culture that promotes excellence, equality and high expectations of all so that Woodcote High School is an excellent 11-18 school
•
To deliver high quality teaching and learning, excellent personal and social development of students, and outstanding outcomes that ensures every student achieves his or her full potential
As Accounting Officer, under the direction of the Governing Body: •
To implement the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook
•
To implement all legal and statutory requirements to maintain a safe and secure learning and work environment
ACCOUNTABLE TO The Governing Body.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY To carry out the duties of Headteacher and Accounting Officer as required by the Governing Body. LEADING THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM The Headteacher will •
create an environment of high-performance that encourages ideas and contributions from staff and values the achievements of individuals and teams
•
ensure the ethos and values of the school are clear, communicating the vision, strategy and direction of the school, ensuring that the school’s aims are implemented through the work of the Senior Leadership Team
•
develop the aims and objectives of school policies, managing the resources, monitoring progress and ensuring consistency throughout the school
•
anticipate future developments in education and ensuring that the Senior Leadership Team is kept fully informed of national policies and proposals
•
monitor, evaluate and improve teaching and learning, thus raising standards of achievement
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•
develop systems of care to support the personal development of all students, ensuring equal opportunities are available to all
•
develop and monitor the school’s behaviour policy, promoting common high standards of courtesy and conduct and dealing with major disciplinary problems, including exclusions
•
ensure effective safeguarding systems, processes and behaviours are established and maintained
WHOLE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING The Headteacher will •
work with and be accountable to the Governing Body in the preparation of policy and planning and contributing to the strategic vision of the school
•
take responsibility for the production of the School Improvement Plan
•
understand the context in which the school operates and ensuring that Woodcote High School meets all legal requirements
STAFF PLANNING AND STAFFING STRUCTURE The Headteacher will •
recruit, select and retain teaching and support staff
•
appoint staff in accordance with the school’s policies, legal requirements for safeguarding, the delegated budget and the terms and conditions of the current school contract
•
manage the efficient and effective deployment of staff
•
create and maintain good working relationships with the staff
•
promote staff development through induction, in-service training and continuing professional development
•
implement the School Appraisal Policy
•
monitor staff performance, including that of senior staff, and take remedial or disciplinary action where appropriate
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CURRICULUM AND TIMETABLE PLANNING The Headteacher will •
maintain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current trends and developments in curriculum and assessment, and brief the Governing Body accordingly
•
take overall responsibility on behalf of the Governing Body for the school’s curriculum policy and for the quality of teaching and learning
•
with the staff, determine, implement and reviewing the curriculum, ensuring breadth, balance and relevance to all pupils whatever their abilities, aptitudes and needs
•
ensure a consistent and continuous focus on students’ achievements using data and benchmarks to rigorously monitor progress of every student
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The Headteacher will •
take overall responsibility with the Governing Body for the school’s delegated resources and ensure these are effectively administered and controlled
•
within the remit set down by Governing body in the Financial Handbook and Procedures and the Scheme of Delegation, manage funding, including preparing and monitoring the budget, matching the needs of the staffing and curriculum to the budget; at all times operating within the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook
•
oversee the school’s teaching and learning facilities ensuring they provide an efficient and safe learning environment
PROVISION OF PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO THE GOVERNING BODY The Headteacher will •
keep abreast of current trends and developments in education and assessment, including legislation and briefing the Governing Body
•
provide the Governing Body with a written report of the school’s activities each half-term
•
assure the Governing Body of value for money in the work of the school
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WOODCOTE HIGH SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY The Headteacher will •
act as the public face of the school
•
promote good public relations through communication with parents and the local community
•
promote the interests and the work of the school in the wider community
•
establish and develop effective links and liaison with other schools
•
seek opportunities to involve parents, guardians and carers, community figures, businesses and other organisations in the life and work of the school and build opportunities for students to contribute to the community
The above is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties and the post holder will be expected to carry out other duties as requested by the Governing Body. All duties are subject to periodic review and job descriptions can change according to the needs of the school.
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Person Specification QUALIFICATIONS •
Good honours degree + Qualified Teacher Status
•
Evidence of further formal professional learning, e.g. NPQH, Master’s degree
EXPERIENCE •
Demonstrable track record of success in leading change and improvement in a successful or improving school, achieved as a Head, Deputy Head or senior executive in a trust
•
Track record of achievement in raising standards through innovative approaches to improve performance outcomes for students
•
Improving teaching across a staff team, with successful promotion and implementation of innovation in teaching and learning
•
Effective implementation of whole school policies and procedures
•
Experience of leading strategic resources including HR and ICT, and budgetary and financial management that delivers best value
•
Leading and managing a significant staff team, including development of leadership capacity and accountability, to deliver high quality learning
•
Experience of building successful working relationships with a governing body and of sustaining and developing effective partnerships with other organisations and the local community
KNOWLEDGE •
Effective teaching, learning and wider school improvement strategies to deliver excellent progress, including for vulnerable groups
•
The secondary curriculum, pedagogy and assessment mechanisms
•
OFSTED processes and quality assurance systems
•
Evaluative skills to assess the quality of a school’s work and make improvements
•
Legal issues relating to managing a school including safeguarding and child protection procedures, equal opportunities, race relations, disability and SEN, human rights, employment and health and safety legislation
•
Regulatory frameworks of the ESFA (on compliance and governance) and the RSC (on educational standards)
UNDERSTANDING •
The wider educational environment, including national policies, priorities, and legislation
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•
Funding rules and mechanisms, including the role of the Accounting Officer
•
HR requirements and systems
QUALITIES •
Acknowledges excellence and challenges poor performance, by setting priorities and agreeing and achieving ambitious goals and targets
•
Innovative and creative problem-solver that shows resilience and decisiveness under pressure
•
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
•
Strong, confident and engaging public figurehead and leader who inspires, motivates and empowers staff, students and parents
•
Exemplary role model
Our staff, students and parents are excited by the opportunities that a new Headteacher will bring to develop and improve the work of the school. They want our new Headteacher to be a strong communicator who is: approachable, fair, friendly, visible, motivational and passionate. .
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How To Apply To apply, please forward a completed application form together with a supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role. Please send your completed application by e-mail to governance@woodcotehigh.com. All applications will be acknowledged.
Recruitment Process We will treat all enquiries, formal and informal, in confidence. National advert
Monday 21st February 2022
*Visits to the School
W/B Monday 28th February 2022
*Discussion with Chair
W/B Monday 28th February 2022
Closing Date
Monday 14th March, 9am
Preliminary Interviews
Thursday 24th March 2022
Final Interviews
Friday 25th March 2022
Confirmation of Appointment
Monday 28th March 2022
*To arrange a visit to the school, or a confidential discussion with the Chair of Governors, please contact governance@woodcotehigh.com.
Further Information Woodcote High School is committed to safeguarding children. The successful applicant will undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
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