An Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) Selective Co-Educational Day School for children from 3 years to 11 years of age BRIEF FOR THE POSITION OF HEADTEACHER OF PREPARATORY SCHOOL www.khps.co.uk C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L “the school has a wonderful, friendly atmosphere, that allows the children to learn and express their personalities” 2 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L background King Henry VIII Preparatory School (KHPS) is one of the leading independent schools in the West Midlands with a pupil roll of over 500 pupils, with the present Head a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS). History and location KHPS is based on 2 campuses to the south of the city of Coventry. Swallows, for children aged 3 years to 8 years of age, is based on a beautiful self-contained campus opposite the War Memorial Park; Hales, for children aged 8 years to 11 years of age, has its own campus within the Senior School site, opposite Coventry station. Both Hales and Swallows have a range of superb specialist teaching facilities. KHPS is the feeder school of King Henry VIII Senior School, a former direct grant grammar school which educates students aged 11 years to 18 years of age and is a member of the Headmasters and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). King Henry VIII School was founded in 1545 and has been on its present site since 1885. King Henry VIII Junior School was established in 1884 and moved into a new purpose built building in 1997. The Reverend Kenelm Swallow founded Coventry Preparatory School in 1920 for boys aged 3 years to 13 years of age. King Henry Junior School and Coventry Preparatory School merged in 2008 to form King Henry VIII Preparatory School. Pupil numbers and classes There are presently 500 children on roll at KHPS, with 280 pupils at Swallows and 220 pupils at Hales. There are four classes in each year group Reception to Year 6. The maximum class size at Swallows is 16 children and at Hales 20 children. There is also a Nursery for 40 children of 3 years to 4 years of age. Senior Management Structure and Staff The Senior Management Team of KHPS is comprised of the Headteacher, two Deputy Headteachers (each with responsibility for the day-to-day running of either Swallows or Hales), a Director of Studies and the School Administrator. Altogether there are some 67 Full Time Equivalent members of staff and a number of support staff shared with the Senior School. 3 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L facilities The accommodation is spread over the 2 sites, Swallows Campus and Hales Campus. The Hales campus includes spacious classrooms, a large Library, an Art and Design Technology Room, a specially equipped Science Room and networked ICT Rooms. There is a Music Suite comprising a large teaching room, 7 practice rooms including a large percussion room. There is also a large Hall for assemblies, PE, Drama and extra-curricular activities. A modern 25 metre swimming pool and a significant range of other sporting facilities are shared with the Senior School. The Swallows Campus is situated on its own very attractive site of some 3.5 acres in a quiet conservation area. Swallows has its own specialist Art, ICT and Music rooms, an Early Years Centre constructed in 2008, a swimming pool, and excellent outdoor areas. Child protection The Coventry School Foundation (The Foundation) and its constituent schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils 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. The Foundation Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct can be found at this link. 4 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L the curriculum The School has claimed exemption from the Early Years First Stage (EYFS) to enable its curriculum for children in Nursery and Reception to be more academic. The following subjects are taught to children aged 5 years and upwards: English, Mathematics, Science, Art & Design, Computing, French, Geography, History, Music, PHSE, Religious Education, Physical Education, Swimming and Games. Information and Communication Technology is also used in most subjects. Children are expected to do homework and read every night (30 minutes in Year 3 building up to 1 hour in Year 6) and this is monitored daily by means of a homework diary. Heads of Year and Subject Coordinators are central to the delivery of the curriculum in all year groups. However, there is a progressive introduction of subject specialist teaching which increases throughout the school. The majority of full time staff teach around 20 lessons of 60 minutes duration out of 25 lessons in a week. KHPS operates a “Guaranteed Place” system at the end of Year 5 into Year 7, with the majority of children from KHPS entering the Senior School. 5 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L academic performance The School achieves excellent results, with 100% of children passing the 11+ to its own senior school and other independent senior schools in the area for the past two years. A link to the school exam results to date can be found here. Art, drama, and music Art is seen as important throughout the school and standards are high. Two 11+ Art scholarships were won in 2014. The School holds its own Art Exhibition every May. The Performing Arts are outstanding at the School. There is a year group performance involving every child in each year, produced annually, and a host of other performance opportunities. The School has its own Director of Performing Arts. LAMDA is also an extracurricular activity. Pupils receive specialist Music teaching for curriculum lessons from Nursery upwards. There is a large range of choirs and instrumental ensembles available to pupils and many opportunities to perform in public. Singing at the School is particularly strong. The School’s annual carol service is held in Coventry Cathedral and there is a major spring concert annually. The School’s senior choir, King Hal’s, tours Austria biennially. Learning support Our Specialist Learning Support Unit is headed by a teacher of Special Needs who gives assistance to pupils with learning difficulties in small groups. Children, who require additional support for Dyslexia, Discalculia and Dyspraxia, are catered for most efficiently and sympathetically by this Specialist Unit. Our co-ordinator of Learning Support also provides additional assistance to children for whom English is a second language. Sport A Director of Sport leads the sports departments. Sport plays an important role in the life of KHPS. Children in Reception to Year 3 receive 3 hours of sports teaching within the curriculum each week, which includes PE, Swimming and Games. Games is single sex from Year 3 with Rugby, Netball, Football, Rounders and Cricket being the main sports. The School is particularly strong in Rugby and Netball. Inter-school matches are played from Year 3, with a healthy programme of Saturday morning sports for children aged from 5 years to 11 years of age. 6 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L “The quality of teaching is excellent, promoting the high standards achieved and fulfilling a principal aim of the school.” 7 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L Entry Entry to KHPS is by competitive examination from Year 3. In EYFS children are screened before they come to the school to ensure they have the necessary maturity and aptitudes. In Years 1 and 2 children have to attend a ‘Taster Day’ when an experienced teacher will assess their academic potential. The school day The school day runs from 8.50am until 3.30pm for its youngest pupils and between 8.40am and 3.45pm for its older pupils. There are three timetables designed to meet the needs of children of different ages: Reception and Year 1; Years 2 and 3; Years 4 to 6. For the older children there are 5 teaching periods of 60 minutes: 3 periods before lunch and 2 periods after. Lunch runs between 11.45am and 1.30pm, with sittings dependent on the site and age of the pupils. For Swallows children there are both morning and afternoon breaks but at Hales there is no afternoon break. Before Care is available from 7.45am and After Care is available between 3.30pm and 6.00pm. Holiday care is available 8.00am - 5.30pm for all children aged from 3 years to 11 years of age throughout every holiday, including half terms. Discipline Although emphasis is placed on academic studies and the acquisition of sound basic skills, great importance is attached to honesty, good manners and discipline and an awareness of the needs of others. The school expects, and actively encourages, each child to achieve a high standard of conduct at all times. Clubs and Extra-Curricular All teachers are expected to lead extra-curricular clubs in addition to which there are clubs led by specialists from outside the School. Most clubs take place after school between 4.00pm and 5.00pm. Examples include Karate, Bollywood Dance, Ballet, LAMDA, Enrichment English, Enrichment Mathematics, Robotics, Drama, Art, Lego, Puzzles, Victorian crafts, French Dance, iPad Apps club, Punjabi, Archaeology and also squad practices and music ensembles. 8 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L Parents’ Association There is a thriving Parents’ Association group which provides a vital link between home, parents and teachers. The principal objectives are to encourage co-operation and to organise fund raising activities. Bursary and scholarships Bursaries and Scholarships are available from the age of 7 years. Finance, administration and site management The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day financial running of the school as well as the day-to-day personnel administration. The Headteacher reports to the Governors and attends the main committees. There are strong links between the Headteachers of the Preparatory and Senior School. 9 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L “the teaching is inspiring and imaginative and, as a result pupils are enthusiastic, responsive and stimulated to do their best.” 10 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L recruitment process Closing Date for application - FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY, 2015 Long List candidates informed week beginning MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY, 2015 Long List Assessment - FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY, 2015 Prior to interview each candidate will have the opportunity to tour the school and meet the Headteacher and key staff. Short List interviews - WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH, 2015 Interviews are scheduled for the afternoon. In the morning candidates will have a further opportunity to tour the school and meet staff and pupils. Please note that short list candidates and spouses/partners will be invited to an evening function to be held at the school on Tuesday 10 March, 2015. Hotel accommodation will be provided. Interviews will be conducted by a panel of Governors assisted by an external assessor (a former Headteacher). Remuneration package A competitive salary will be offered, within the Coventry School Foundation salary range for Headteachers. The remuneration package is negotiable and will reflect the importance of the post. Private medical cover will be included. Pension arrangements will be through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Appropriate relocation expenses will be available to the successful candidate. 11 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L An overview COVENTRY SCHOOL FOUNDATION History The Foundation came into existence in 1975 when Bablake School (founded in 1344) and King Henry VIII School (founded in 1545) were joined under the Foundation Commissioners' Scheme of 4 December 1975. Coventry Preparatory School (founded 1920) was purchased in 1992 and became part of the Foundation. As at 1 September 2007 Cheshunt School became part of the Foundation. Present configuration The Foundation now consists of 4 schools on 4 sites providing education for around 2400 pupils. The schools are; Bablake Senior School, King Henry VIII Senior School, Bablake Junior School, King Henry VIII Preparatory School. King Henry VIII Preparatory School is on two sites, Hales (co-located with the senior school) and Swallows. Under Statutory Instrument 2004 Number 1378, each school is designated as having a religious character. Foundation strategy and business plan The Foundation's overall objective is to be recognised throughout England as an outstanding provider of education for pupils from 3 years to 18 years of age. The Foundation Strategy & Business plan is updated annually agreed by the Finance & General Purposes Committee and is formally adopted by the Governing Body. The document, prepared by the Bursar, sets out the assumptions on which the plan is based, the financial framework, the strategic objectives and the management objects of the Foundation as a whole. The plan covers a rolling 7-year forward view and includes capital investment programmes and priorities for each school. 12 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L Structure of governance The Governor trustees are elected and appointed under the terms of the Scheme and are responsible for overseeing the management of the Foundation. Each Headteacher is entirely responsible to the Governors for the day to day running of his or her school and supported on administrative and financial matters by the Bursar and his staff. In order to provide a focus for school issues there is an Academic & Resources Committee, chaired by a Governor, for each of the school sites. Foundation wide issues are dealt with by the Major Projects Committee and the Finance & General Purposes Committee, which is attended by all Headteachers and the Bursar. The committees meet at least once a term and report to the full meeting of Governors. Some Governors sit on more than one committee. The full Governing Body meets at least 3 times a year; it is the decision-making body. One of the meetings has become an 'Away Day' giving the Governors the opportunity to discuss specific issues in more detail. All Headteachers attend. Fees, scholarships and bursaries The Foundation is proud of its history of providing a first class education to a wide social mix of academically able pupils. Governors recognise that bursary support is essential in attracting pupils from less affluent backgrounds and therefore the policy is to increase the available funds for bursaries whilst retaining competitive fee levels. Fee levels are currently the lowest of the Warwick Group of schools. In Academic Year 2013/14, 621 pupils received £1.89M of assistance, of which 83% was allocated to means tested bursaries. Foundation office The Foundation Office is located in Coventry within walking distance of the schools. The Bursar and Clerk to the Governors, is responsible for the financial functions, legal issues, the estate and for the provision of a Governors' secretariat. The Bursar attends all principal Foundation meetings and is responsible for taking and publishing the minutes of such meetings. 13 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L role and responsibilites Summary of the role Job title Headteacher Job purpose To lead and manage King Henry VII Preparatory School (KHPS) Reporting line This is a Governor appointment and is accountable to the Chair of Coventry School Foundation Governors. Hours The post-holder will be required to work as necessary to complete the role (subject to the Working Time Regulations 1998). Salary A competitive salary will be offered, within the Coventry School Foundation salary range for Headteachers. Role summary The Headteacher is responsible for all aspects of the School’s day to day leadership and management. The Headteacher will ensure that the role is fulfilled in accordance with legal requirements, the strategy as set by the KHVIII Academic and Resource Committee and acting within the framework of the Coventry School Foundation’s expectations and the ethos of KHPS. 14 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L Leadership and management of King Henry VIII Preparatory School Committees on strategy and risk, and ensuring transparency of communication on operational plans and objectives. Main duties and responsibilities: n To educate pupils appropriately in all relevant areas, promoting a culture of learning and a commitment to the School and Foundation’s core values. n Leading, managing and motivating the Senior Management Team, all academic and support staff, acting as a role model. n To ensure that operational activities are delegated appropriately and effectively, whilst ensuring quality control of all major aspects at all times. n To recruit high quality staff for the School, in conjunction with the Headteacher of KHVIII Senior School as appropriate. Curriculum n To plan and implement an effective curriculum, timetabling and the academic organisation of the School, and reviewing these as appropriate. n To manage, develop and deliver internal and external assessment via any relevant examinations. n To oversee the range of co-curricular activities for pupils including music, sport and the arts. n To create the appropriate balance between all areas of school life and activity, including those not leading to formal examinations such as art, drama, music, sport and community involvement. To demonstrate a commitment to the future development and integration of computing. n To performance manage, support and professional development of all teaching staff. n To consider the pastoral care and welfare of all pupils and staff. n To monitor pupils’ measurable performance, ensuring parents are provided with regular and appropriate feedback. Marketing n n Developing good professional relationships with the parents of pupils and ensuring accessibility and good communication with them. n To recruit a full complement of pupils, in line with agreed strategic aims. n To promote KHPS, including the development of a public relations profile, and the establishment of positive relations with current and prospective parents. n To ensure the continuing high standing of the school’s reputation. n To maintain good communications and relationships with the local community. Strategic Planning n To develop and communicate a clear vision and strategy for the School. n To be aware of all relevant educational and related external developments or opportunities which might inform the overall strategy. General n Is accountable to the Chair of the Coventry School Foundation to ensure policies and actions are in line with the overall strategic aims of the Foundation. n To develop educational standards and provide opportunities for the advancement of the school consistent with declared strategic objectives. n n To develop and manage the budgets in conjunction with the Finance and General Purposes Committee. To liaise with, maintain existing and develop relationships with the Old Coventrian’s Association. n To be a member of IAPS and to represent the School on other appropriate bodies. n To work with the Foundation’s relevant You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as the Foundation requires from time to time. The Headteacher will undergo regular performance management and appraisal, during which the job description for the post will be reviewed. In addition, it may be reviewed at other times should circumstances prove this necessary. 15 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L person specification Key n Essential Qualifications n Good Honours degree. n n Teaching qualification n Record of continuing professional development. n Post graduate studies in education n Application, assessment and certificates Desirable These are extra qualities which can be used to choose between applicants who meet all of the essential criteria. n 16 Qualities of the applicant These are qualities without which the Applicant could not be appointed. Method of assessment Experience n Relevant leadership and management experience as Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher of a school with a proven track record of success. n Track record as an excellent teacher. n An understanding of marketing and communication to ensure that KHPS remains sufficiently attractive to recruit pupils of high academic promise and talent in a very competitive market and to nurture and sustain pupils’ development to their full potential in a pastorally supportive environment. n Experience in the delivery of effective performance management. n Evidence of the delivery of a significant curriculum development. n Through prior experience be able to lead on matters relating to Safeguarding issues. n Application, assessment and interview. K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L Skills Personal competencies and qualities n Proven administrative skills. n n Computer literate, and a confident user of IT for communications and management purposes. Demonstrate personal strength of character through transparency, integrity and fairness. n Display a commitment to co-educational education in a multi-cultural city. n Have an open, participative, collegiate style, with an inclusive and empowering approach to management, with an ability to build trust and foster team spirit, and an ability to achieve appropriate delegation. n Develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with the Governors, the Senior Management Team and other colleagues. n Be a confident, effective communicator at all levels within the School community; especially in relation to Governors, staff, pupils, parents, former pupils, other schools, both independent and maintained, and the local community. n Display energy and imagination, have a vision for what KHPS should achieve in the future, with the courage to innovate, and an unwavering commitment to the continued development of the whole School. n Have a passionate commitment to the academic, personal and social development of the pupils. n Have a genuine interest in striving for excellence in everything KHPS does for it’s pupils. n Application, assessment and interview. n Demonstrate a good track record of effectively delivering change. n Application, assessment and interview. Knowledge n n n n Have sound management experience coupled with the knowledge of how to establish clear standards and expectations, know how to manage and evaluate. Have a clear understanding of a school’s financial environment. To be able to work with the Bursar and the Foundation Committees to ensure that financial strategy and development plans are set and reviewed and that the funds are expended wisely and productively. Proven judgement in the appointment and development of teaching staff, and in the support and encouragement of nonteaching staff. To be able to recognise dedicated staff of outstanding quality and, with personal knowledge, be able to assist them in developing their professional skills and ambitions. Knowledge of and interest in education at a national level to inform the vision and strategy of the School, and a thorough understanding of current best practice in education. n To lead, motivate and inspire KHPS, and to demonstrate natural authority, leading by example, and commanding the respect of pupils, staff and parents. Evidence of welldeveloped influencing skills. n Have appropriate self-confidence, and inspire confidence in others, while remaining considerate of the needs of others, with an ability to deal sensitively with conflict. n Have up-to-date knowledge of all matters relating to education inspection and legal compliance. n Application, assessment and interview. 17 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L application form CONFIDENTIAL WHEN COMPLETED Application form for an advertised post KHVIII Preparatory School Head 1. Person details Title: Surname: Forenames: Date of birth: DfE Ref No: Home address: (if not resident at this address for 5 years, please provide previous addresses) Previous address (if applicable) Post code: Post code: Home tel: Mobile tel: Email: National Insurance number: Qualified Teacher Status: q Yes q No 2. Present teaching/employment post Present post (Title): Date appointed: Number on Roll/Employees: Name and address of School/Organisation: Type of School/Employer: Single Sex/Mixed: 18 Age range: Grade/scale: Current salary: K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L 3. Professional references (One referee should be your present or most recent employer; relatives and friends should not be used as referees. NB if you are not currently working with children but have done so in the past it is important that you give details of the employer you worked for when you last worked with children). Home address: Home address: Post code: Post code: Telephone: Telephone: Email: Email: Position held: Position held: 4. Education Secondary education Date from To Qualifications 16+ Grade Date Higher education (where applicable) Date from To Subject(s): Institution: Degree: Class: PGCE 19 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L Further post-graduate study: Dates from: To: 5. Previous teaching/employment posts held Please use a continuation sheet if necessary 20 Name of employer Type of school Boys, girls, mixed Age range Reason for leaving Post held Date from Date to Name of employer Type of school Boys, girls, mixed Age range Reason for leaving Post held Date from Date to Name of employer Type of school Boys, girls, mixed Age range Reason for leaving Post held Date from Date to Name of employer Type of school Boys, girls, mixed Age range Reason for leaving Post held Date from Date to K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L 6. Relevant training Courses attended within the last three years: Title Organising body Date Length 7. Specific requirements of the job description I understand that if successful in this application appointment will be subject to a Pre-employment Health Questionnaire, and know of no reasons on the grounds of mental or physical health why I should not be able to discharge the responsibilities of the post in question. Signature.................................................................................................................. 8. Do you have the right to work in the UK? Signature.................................................................................................................. Date .......................................................................... q Yes q No Date .......................................................................... 21 C A N D I D AT E B R I E F - H E A D T E A C H E R O F P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L 9. Contacts at school Please indicate if you know any existing employees or governors at the school, and if so how you know them. 10. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 The post applied for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as spent, must be declared. Accordingly, the following declarations are required: n I am/am not* included on the ISA Children’s List; n I am/am not* disqualified from work with children, or subject to sanctions imposed by a regulatory body; and, n Do you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Yes/No* I understand that if successful in this application, 1 will be required to obtain a Disclosure at the Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service and that appointment will be subject to the DBS report. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website. Signature.................................................................................................................. Date............................................................................ Where did you see this vacancy? q School website q TES website q TES paper q Other .................................................................................................... FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Reference verified by: ....................................................................................................................................................................... On (date): ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 K I N G H E N R Y V I I I P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L 23 t:024 7630 6638 n www.createonsight.co.uk n Designed and produced by Create Onsight Mr M Shaw, Bursar & Clerk to the Governors Coventry School Foundation Queens House, Queens Road, Coventry, CV1 3EG t: 024 7627 1301 n e: [email protected] n w: khps.co.uk
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