Headteacher Somerset

Headteacher at Whitstone School

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership that upholds the school’s vision, aligning it with philosophy, aims, and targets, fostering high standards of behaviour, academic achievement, and positive social development.
• Create and develop the Strategic School Improvement Plan, underpinned by sound financial planning and management, identifying priorities and targets to raise achievement.
• Develop and ensure an ethos that supports effective teaching, learning, and achievement, with a focus on a broad and balanced curriculum and extracurricular activities.
• Build strong partnerships with parents/carers, schools, and the local community, ensuring engagement and commitment to the school’s aims.
• Consult, develop, implement, monitor, review, and evaluate policies for overall aims and objectives, considering national trends, local and school data, and inspection/research findings.
• Serve as a professional advisor to the Governing Body, providing information for strategic leadership, offering support and challenge, and preparing evaluation documents and improvement plans.
• Maximise progress throughout KS3 & KS4 by setting high expectations for both staff and students.
• Determine, organise, and implement a diverse, flexible, and appropriate curriculum and assessment framework.
• Create and maintain a positive learning environment promoting high standards, effective learning, and mutual respect.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring professional standards and addressing any underperformance.
• Assess, monitor, and evaluate the curriculum, identifying improvement areas and cultivating a personalised learning culture.
• Produce and revise a School Improvement Plan relevant to student needs and school potential.
• Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning, including SEND provision, using data to promote inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.
• Foster partnerships with parents, carers, the community, other schools, and businesses/industry/post-16 providers to enrich student experiences and development.
• Participate in teaching, including cover for absent teachers (as appropriate and in consultation with the Governing Body).
• Take the lead in recruiting and selecting teaching and support staff, ensuring appointment of the best candidates while upholding Equal Opportunities.
• Promote a culture of fairness, respect, and equity, fostering a positive work environment.
• Oversee the effective allocation of work and supervision for all teaching and support staff.
• Implement and maintain robust systems for managing and inducting staff performance.
• Lead by example in promoting professional development for all staff.
• Lead the Senior Leadership Team with a collaborative approach.
• Ensure the fulfilment of professional duties and employment conditions.
• Develop and maintain a decision-making structure that encourages staff participation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with organisations representing teachers and support staff.
• Promote a school culture where safeguarding is a priority.
• Act as the Accounting Officer, meeting Academy Financial Handbook requirements.
• Establish clear priorities for expenditure, allocate funds strategically, and manage all resources.
• Collaborate with the Business Manager, Trustees, and Academy accountants to prepare the annual budget.
• Monitor and review the budget to ensure financial stability and alignment with school priorities.
• Ensure the security and effective management of school buildings, grounds, and contents.
• Oversee the management, monitoring, and evaluation of resources to improve education quality.
• Strengthen relationships with parents, carers, and the local community.
• Promote the school’s reputation and engage prospective families.
• Foster positive relationships with external agencies.
• Work collaboratively with the Governing Body, providing updates and insights.
• Ensure Trustees are well-informed about school performance, priorities, and progress.

Skills and Expertise

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and leadership experience at a senior level.
• Evidence of recent, relevant professional development in leadership and management.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a secondary school community to achieve excellence.
• Deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment practices, and effective teaching strategies.
• Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Integrity, resilience, and the ability to inspire trust and respect.
• Passion for education and unwavering commitment to student success.
• Reflective and open to feedback, with a focus on continuous personal and professional growth.

Job Facilities/Benefits

• Ongoing opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD), inset days, and leadership progression programs
• Wellbeing Week for all staff
• CareFirst Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive, collaborative work environment valuing diversity