Head of Football by St Benedict's School

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Recruitment Pack Head of Football

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER, JOE SMITH Thank you for your interest in this key post at St Benedict’s School. I am acutely conscious that it takes a considerable commitment to apply for a new role. In return you can expect us to expend a similar amount of time and energy in considering your application. St Benedict’s was founded in 1902 by the monastic community of Ealing Abbey, who remain our neighbours. The school formally separated from the Abbey in 2012, but we are linked by our mutual Benedictine ethos, that is we are inspired by the “Rule” of St Benedict, essentially a model for a way of harmonious community living based on principles of balance, service, hospitality and respect. Roughly 40% of our students – and a similar percentage of staff – are Catholic, and we welcome students and staff from all faiths and none who appreciate and are keen to support the school’s distinctive ethos. Today St Benedict’s is a thriving, fully co-educational day school with just over 1100 students on roll – 300 in the junior school (3-11) and 800 in senior school (11-18). Exam results are very strong at GCSE and A level and we have just had a very positive ISI inspection of the school’s provision and outcomes for our students. Class sizes are relatively small and facilities very impressive. As an holistic as well as academic school our aim is that everything we do – be it teaching, sport, music, drama, art or pastoral care – is done to the very highest standard. As a result of our success in these endeavours our reputation is enviable. However, we are anything but complacent about maintaining and building our reputation in this competitive educational landscape, hence the importance of attracting and retaining high quality staff, both in the classroom and beyond it. Our staff are a wonderful, supportive, professional, and good-humoured team, and the atmosphere of the school is often described as warm and positive, as well as purposeful, with a real sense of community perhaps unusual in other large schools. St Benedict’s has a very strong reputation and tradition as an independent school in the local area and across London. Over the years, many members of staff have progressed to senior roles here both at St Benedict’s and at other prestigious schools, in no small part as a result of the opportunities for professional development on offer here. I urge you to spend some time looking at our website, which I hope will give you a flavour of our school. I do hope that you will decide to apply, and I look forward to meeting you. With best wishes

Joe Smith

The School St Benedict’s is London’s leading independent, Catholic, co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 18. About us St Benedict’s provides a well-rounded, seamless education. Some pupils join at the age of 3 and stay with us to the Sixth Form; the majority join at 11+, and some join us in the Sixth Form and in other year-groups. There are currently around 1,100 pupils at the school. St Benedict’s is committed to supporting all children to develop their full potential, by treating them as individuals, and catering for their unique abilities and talents at every stage. Inspirational teaching, tutorial guidance and exceptional pastoral care are at the heart of the bespoke education we offer. In addition to academic success, St Benedict’s recognises the importance of educating the whole person, by encouraging principled leadership, resilience and character in our pupils, and by promoting the Christian values of integrity, fairness and generosity.

Academic We have a proud academic record of outstanding examination results. Our pupils gain places at the UK’s top 30 universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, and most go on to attend their first-choice university.

Examination Results A Level and GCSE results have improved dramatically over the last seven years. In 2023 42% of all GCSE exams taken were graded 9-8 (A*), and 69% were graded 9-7 (A*/A). At A Level, 77% of all exams taken were graded A*-B. Academic Opportunities, Stretch and Challenge The academic curriculum throughout St Benedict’s is designed to promote a love of learning and to encourage intellectual curiosity. The Helikon Centre for Academic Challenge inspires pupils through its weekly programme of talks on a vast range of subjects, from U.S. politics to forensic psychology. There are also regular workshops, discussions and presentations led by teachers, pupils and visiting speakers. The St Benedict’s Lecture Series is open to pupils and parents and includes annual History, Science and Theology lectures given by distinguished speakers.

Many pupils conduct independent research into subjects of particular interest to them through the Higher and Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ). Recent examples of topics include romantic poetry, the Windrush scandal, the neurological impact of music on people with dementia and artists of the first and second world wars. Many Sixth Form students also do MOOCs – or Massive Open Online Courses - in a wide range of subjects such as English Criminal Law, Preventing the next pandemic, Geopolitics, and Natural Selection. National competitions challenge pupils to apply their knowledge and think outside the box. Every year our students excel in the UKMT Maths Challenges, and in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge for example. Co-Curricular: opportunities for personal development and growth At St Benedict’s, there is a vital focus on personal development, through our outstanding co-curricular programme. St Benedict’s has a distinguished sporting tradition: while many boys and girls train and

compete at county and national level, everyone is encouraged to enjoy sport, teamwork and fitness. Music and Drama are both excellent; there is a strong choral tradition, many instrumental ensembles and frequent concerts demonstrating very high levels of musicianship. Termly drama productions have recently included A Dolls House and Oliver! The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has gone from strength to strength over recent years; students from Year 9 upwards trek and camp in all weathers, developing teamwork and resilience on expeditions, which take them to Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons, the Cotswolds, the Chilterns and the South Downs. The St Benedict’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is very active and runs overnight training exercises and leadership courses throughout the year.

St Benedict’s Junior School and Nursery The Junior School and Nursery provide a supportive and vibrant environment in which to learn and shares excellent facilities with the Senior School on the same site. The children enjoy highly engaging creative curriculum topics, including Travel and Treason (the Tudors), Swords and Sandals (Celts and Romans) and We’ll meet again (Second World War). To enrich their learning, pupils go on many trips; these include the Golden Hinde, Hampton Court, the Ragged School at Mile End and the Verulamium Musuem in St Albans. As in the Senior School, the Junior School has a wide-ranging programme of co-curricular activities. Facilities at St Benedict’s Our latest new facility, the Atrium, is a versatile space for musical performances, art exhibitions, and drama lessons as well as being an attractive place of welcome. The Sports Hall complex, which includes a dance studio, fencing salle and multi-gym, is on site and

there are 14 acres of grounds a short distance away at Perivale, with a spacious pavilion, floodlights and a full-size AstroTurf pitch. We also have a new studio theatre, which is a well-equipped and flexible space providing a fitting backdrop for school productions and an excellent facility for hosting lectures and presentations. Future building developments at St Benedict’s include a centre for Science and Information Technology, and further investment in our sporting facilities. Outreach and Benedictine values Pupils have a strong sense of social justice and work hard to raise funds for various charities each year. These include The Glass Door, Young Minds, Shelter and Aid to the Church in Need. They also make regular collections for the Ealing Food Bank. All students in Year 12 engage in voluntary service, either at St Benedict’s or in the local community, by helping in the Junior School, mentoring younger pupils, visiting care homes or working in charity shops. Eco-Centric, a pupil-led environmental action group, works with the Senior Leadership Team to make St Benedict’s as eco-friendly as possible. The St Vincent de Paul (SVP) society organises parties for elderly people in the local community.

Partnerships St Bernard’s Preparatory School In 2019 the Trusteeship of St Bernard’s Preparatory School, Slough, was passed from the Bernardine Cistercian Sisters to the lay Trusteeship of St Benedict’s School, Ealing. St Bernard’s is an independent, Catholic, co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 11. www.stbernardsprep.org

The Emmaus Partnership In 2019 St Benedict’s launched the Emmaus Catholic Schools Partnership with Sacred Heart School Hammersmith, Cardinal Wiseman School and St Augustine’s Priory. The Heads of all four schools have made a commitment to advance Catholic education in West London by working together for the benefit of the pupils in all four schools, and for the common good. Pupils from all four schools take part in debates, concerts, lectures and fund-raising. The St Benedict’s Combined Cadet Corps For some years the St Benedict’s CCF has also been open to pupils from Cardinal Wiseman School.

The Sports Department Our Tradition and Approach St Benedict’s has a distinguished tradition of sporting excellence. The school promotes the highest sporting aspirations and is also committed to physical fitness and sport for all. A wholesome approach to sport is encouraged in all our pupils from a very young age. Through our sports programme our pupils learn the value of teamwork, leadership, perseverance, commitment, humility, respect and discipline. Pupils are encouraged to develop the confidence that comes from participating and enjoying success by showing enthusiasm for games and competitive sport. Sports Played at St Benedict’s St Benedict’s provides the opportunity for pupils to represent the school in our main sports. For boys, the main sports are rugby, cricket, athletics and fencing (with football being introduced in September 2024); for girls, the main sports are hockey, netball, athletics and fencing. Other minor sports on offer at various times through the year are badminton, basketball, cross-country running, handball, tennis, 5-a-side football and volleyball, with strength and conditioning, yoga and pilates also available. Our aim is to encourage all pupils to enjoy a healthy lifestyle by enabling them to find a sport they enjoy. Facilities Our facilities are first class and the investment in them is ongoing. The Sports Hall complex, which includes a dance studio, fencing salle and multi-gym, is on site. There are 14 acres of grounds a short distance away, with a spacious pavilion and a full-size AstroTurf pitch. Highly qualified teaching staff and specialist coaches, who have played and coached at national and international level, have produced, and continue to produce, a sporting elite.

Role Summary Head of Football The Head of Football is a new role, to start in September 2024. In common with many schools of its type, St Benedict’s is adjusting from playing two terms of Rugby Football to playing the XV-a-side game in the Autumn Term only. It is introducing a Football programme as the principal boys’ game of the Spring Term. Sevens will be played alongside in the latter part of the term. Girls’ Football will be introduced into the co-curriculum, in the first instance, to gauge its popularity alongside the existing team sports of Hockey and Netball. Its place as a principal sport will be kept under review. The appointed person will be responsible for introducing Football across both the Junior and Senior schools, and for building a programme that will evolve significantly year by year. It is an opportunity for a dynamic professional to make a mark on the sector and create an industry-leading provision for the game. The Head of Football will have full control of all aspects the programme, and will be expected to work closely with the Headmaster and Director of Sport to establish Football, and to integrate it within the wider sports provision of the school, and its existing values. It is anticipated that the Football programme will come to mirror the other team games, with a full programme of fixtures and practices, including Saturday mornings and national competitions, within a strong culture of commitment and discipline. The Head of Football will be fully integrated within a large and dynamic Department, and will contribute significantly to PE teaching and the coaching of seasonal games.

Person Specification St Benedict’s seeks to appoint a dynamic coach with experience of school Football, who has the ambition and drive to build a successful programme across both the Junior and Senior schools. This is a unique opportunity to manage the journey which will see the School establish itself firmly within the landscape of the sport. The successful candidate will articulate a clear vision of what a successful Football programme can be in a London day school, and how it can integrate successfully with a broad sports provision. They will be able to enthuse boys, girls, parents and staff by creating an exciting experience of the game, encouraging aspiration, commitment and high standards throughout. Strong organisational skills will be necessary to establish, and manage, a fixture list relative to the emerging standard of the game in the school. This will require the ability to build relationships with other schools, outside stakeholders and performance pathways. The Head of Football will be a creative, energetic and forward-thinking individual, who will be an ambassador for the school’s reputation within the game. The ability to communicate effectively, and an understanding of risk management will be important requirements of this position. It is likely that the successful candidate will be a PE teacher, currently working in a school with an established Football programme. They will have enthusiasm for the game, a successful record of teaching and coaching and a drive to make a mark on the sector. A degree in a sports related subject is essential, and QTS is highly desirable. Coaching qualifications, or the willingness to undertake them, are also expected. The ability to contribute to the teaching of exam PE would be an advantage.

Application Process Applications should be submitted via our application form, which can be found on the school website. The closing date for applications is Monday 11 March at 9.00am. Interviews will be conducted at the School on Friday 15 March. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the process, and encourages early applications. Right to Work in the UK is essential for this position. Safeguarding The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, and the receipt of two satisfactory references, including one from current employer Equal Opportunities The school is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. It seeks to attract and retain the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of the students and local community

Staff Development The School prioritises staff professional development and invests significant sums each year in staff training Train to teach with us St Benedict’s School is a Strategic Partner School within the West London Teaching School Alliance (WLTSA). Newly Qualified Teachers and Unqualified Graduates A support programme is established for those in their first year teaching. The Director of Teaching and Learning will monitor, along with the appropriate Head of Department, their professional development via classroom observation and regular discussion. Other Senior Leaders are available for support and advice; they will meet with the teachers at the start of the academic year. A programme of further meetings will be arranged to complete the Induction Programme. The timetable for NQTs and unqualified graduates is reduced to allow them to adjust to the demands of the profession. New teachers who do not hold a PGCE will be encouraged and, where possible, supported to achieve QTS. The School will contribute to the costs of this, provided the teacher agrees to serve the School for a minimum period of one year beyond qualification.

Support for New Staff A comprehensive programme of induction and support is arranged for all new members of staff, and new colleagues will usually receive specific details of this before they commence work at the school. New teaching staff receive a comprehensive induction, including: ●

An induction day and series of twilight INSETs to provide guidance and support

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Regular meetings with a Senior Leader to support teachers in their new school

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Support with attendance at external INSET

Benefits Accommodation at a reduced rental may be available. Fee remission, for staff children attending St Benedict’s. Pension The School will automatically enrol you to its defined contribution pension scheme. Gym Free use of the School’s Gym Facilities. Lunch Free lunch served in the School Dining Hall during Term Time. Cycle to Work Scheme Childcare Voucher Scheme

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Visit us A visit to the School is welcome either before or after application and can be arranged by contacting: Zoran Higgins Director of Sport Tel: 020 8862 2026 Email: ZHiggins@stbenedicts.org.uk Details of the recruitment process or any vacancy related queries can be obtained from the HR Department: hr@stbenedicts.org.uk

The Area At the turn of the 20th century, Ealing was the epitome of modern, “green” Victorian and Edwardian London living. It was known as the “Queen of the Suburbs”, for its street lighting, easy transport into central London, fashionable dining and entertainment venues, elegant family houses and large green open spaces. Much of the elegant Edwardian architecture remains, with beautiful Ealing Abbey at its centre. There are many handsome parks, independent shops and a real sense of community. Crossrail is driving property and commercial interest up across the local area, and Ealing is seeing a surge in creative, commercial and cultural developments.

How to Find Us St Benedict’s School 54 Eaton Rise Ealing London W5 2ES By Train St Benedict’s School is a short, 10 minute walk from Ealing Broadway train station (Central and District Lines) By Bus St Benedict’s School is serviced by bus routes: 226, E2 and E9 Parking Many of the roads surrounding the School are subject to parking restrictions, however, free on road parking is available a short walk away. There is a staff car park which operates on a first come first served basis. se

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