Head

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Overall responsibility for the financial return of the School;
2. Work with Full Circle and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to create a matrix of strategies to attract students to the School, partnering with the Director of Marketing and Admissions towards this target;
3. Ensure that the ethos and values of the School are maintained and developed through positive leadership and adherence to the ‘guiding principles’;
4. Harmonise the work of the SLT to articulate and implement the aims and objectives of the School, as captured in the School Development Plan and provide strategic direction;
5. Lead the appropriate planning processes to enable the agreed vision to be realised, with appropriate targets in place against which delivery can be monitored;
6. Work with the Full Circle team to ensure implementation of the St Bees global vision;
7. Support actively the development of the twin campus concept with St Bees schools in China;
8. Work with the School Board and the Local Advisory Council to ensure commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare, health and safety of students and staff, and that appropriate policies and procedures are put in place;
9. Enhance the performance and reputation of the School, its students, and staff;
10. Attend marketing events – virtual or in person, as required, to represent the school to key stakeholders.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Ensure value for money in all aspects of the School’s financial dimension;
2. Set the parameters for defining the staffing structure needed to implement the School’s academic and pastoral aims;
3. Recruit and retain high-quality teachers and support staff;
4. Liaise with the Finance Director on budgeting and accounting matters, and commercial strategy;
5. Ensure a safe, productive, disciplined, and professional environment;
6. Implement training and professional development programmes for all staff, and create and manage an effective appraisal system;
7. Promote an internal organisation that permits effective communication;
8. Build and maintain organisational structures and systems which delegate responsibilities to enable the School to run efficiently and effectively on a day-to-day basis.

LEADING TEACHING & LEARNING

1. Recruit, lead, inspire and manage the staff members;
2. Determine and implement a curriculum best able to meet the needs of each student;
3. Oversee the monitoring of effective teaching and learning throughout the School and evaluate achievement in all academic areas and personal development;
4. Ensure that character development is integrated into all areas of school experience and maintain its high status;
5. Create and maintain an ethos of positive discipline, high standards, and good behaviour in which students’ individual needs are met;
6. Ensure the well-being of individual staff through maintenance and development of appropriate strategies offering training, support, and guidance.

MAXIMISING STUDENT POTENTIAL

1. Ensure that high academic attainment is maintained through enlightened learning and teaching strategies;
2. Oversee the development of the School’s progress tracking systems;
3. Oversee and maintain the effectiveness of the School’s tutoring and mentoring system, ensuring that the needs of individual students are well-met through appropriate academic and pastoral monitoring and measures;
4. Maximise the positive influence of the School’s House system;
5. Ensure that the extra-curricular/enrichment/GCAS programme is as full and varied as possible, nurturing the passions and interests of students across music, sport, drama, commerce and the development of an international profile;
6. Philosophy of IQ and EQ mix for the student development;
7. Build and maintain strong relations with all staff and students;
8. Ensure that all safeguarding policies and procedures are fully understood and implemented by all staff;
9. Maintain an appropriate system of pastoral care to ensure each student is supported in such a way as to achieve their full potential, recognising the needs of an international boarding environment.

RELATIONS WITH PARENTS

1. Maintain open and transparent relations with parents, ensuring they receive regular communication regarding their child and the School;
2. Ensure an environment of interaction with parents through parent consultations, key school events, and e-communication;
3. Play an active role in our Parent Support Group.

RELATIONS WITH OLD ST BEGHIANS

The Old St Beghian Society is a key stakeholder in the future well-being of the School. The Head will:

1. Spearhead relationships with the OSB Society and, where possible, attend Society events;
2. Work to establish an OSB Bursary and Sponsorship Fund;
3. Work with the Society to maintain and strengthen links with past students.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LOCAL, WIDER, AND GLOBAL COMMUNITIES

1. Contribute to the development of the educational system by collaborating with other schools to share expertise and bring positive innovations to the School;
2. Foster positive relationships with professional organisations and associations;
3. Work with the relevant agencies for the wellbeing and protection of students;
4. Understand the local community within which the School operates and ensure excellent community relations;
5. Recognise and understand the home culture and needs of international pupils.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

It is expected that the Head of St Bees School will demonstrate a wide range of qualities and skills. These will include:

LEADERSHIP

1. The ability to maintain a clear vision for the School and to inspire others to help create this vision;
2. Experience of successful delivery against an agreed strategic plan;
3. The ability to analyse and to think and plan strategically for the future of the School;
4. Knowledge and understanding of international education systems and markets;
5. Thorough understanding of current educational and legal issues;
6. Thorough understanding of current ‘best practice’ in education, both in the UK and internationally;
7. Excellent communication skills from the written word to public speaking;
8. Strong financial and business sense;
9. An understanding of Child Protection Procedures and a commitment to promoting and safeguarding pupils, particularly within a boarding environment.

PERSONAL SKILLS

1. Adaptability and successful management of change;
2. Organisational and time management skills;
3. An ability to engage with a wide variety of groups and stakeholders;
4. Flexible, open to new ideas, able to think outside the box;
5. Stamina, enthusiasm – and a healthy sense of humour!

QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Hold a good graduate qualification;
2. Be a Head or Deputy Head in a boarding school and/or international school;
3. Have Qualified Teacher Status;
4. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development;
5. Have a track record of significant success in the education sector;
6. High level of IT literacy.