At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead development initiatives and support the school's strategic goals.
- Company: Gracemount High School, a vibrant community-focused secondary school in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and high-quality education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and contribute to a thriving educational community.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational development and a passion for student success.
The predicted salary is between 65214 - 65214 £ per year.
Fixed term until 26/06/2028
Salary: £65,214 - £65,214
Hours: 35 per week
The City of Edinburgh Council is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to preventing discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, race, colour, religion or belief, political opinion, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, age, trade union activity, caring responsibilities, or employment status. We welcome applications from student-centred professionals who demonstrate high expectations, strong commitment, and rigorous professional standards.
A willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school is a key quality shared by our motivated and dedicated staff team. Gracemount High School is a six-year non-denominational secondary school located in south-east Edinburgh, serving approximately 700 pupils. Established in 1959 as a junior secondary school, it became a fully comprehensive six-year high school in the late 1960s. The current school building, developed through the PPP programme, opened in 2003. Our associated primary schools are Gracemount Primary School and Frogston Primary School, with whom we maintain strong and effective partnerships.
The school employs approximately 55 FTE teaching staff, supported by a highly committed team of more than 20 support staff. Our Senior Leadership Team, led by Headteacher Ross Hunter, currently consists of three Depute Headteachers, a Senior Development Officer, and a Business Manager. Together, they lead on a range of strategic, curricular, and operational responsibilities that support high-quality learning, teaching, and pupil wellbeing.
The changing social demographics of our community present both opportunities and challenges in meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of our learners. Gracemount High School is an ambitious school, committed to delivering the highest quality educational experience and securing the best possible outcomes for every young person, regardless of background. Attainment levels continue to improve, and the proportion of pupils progressing to positive destinations remains consistently above expected levels.
Our curriculum is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed for future success. This includes SQA National Qualifications, alongside a range of wider accreditation opportunities such as NPAs and Foundation Apprenticeships. The school is firmly committed to raising attainment and promoting achievement. Our School Improvement Plan aligns with the priorities of the City of Edinburgh Council and national priorities, and is informed by How Good Is Our School? 4 (HGIOS4) and the National Improvement Framework.
Staff joining our dynamic and forward-looking school will benefit from a range of professional learning and development opportunities. The school recently reviewed its Vision and Values for 2026. We have a clear vision statement and set of values that are promoted throughout the school and wider community. We are committed to challenging all pupils to achieve their full potential academically, while also recognising and nurturing their wider talents and strengths. We aim to develop responsible, respectful young people who will make a positive contribution to their community. All staff are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to this shared vision.
We also place a strong emphasis on high-quality pastoral care and personal development. As a member of staff at Gracemount High School, you will be expected to uphold the school's ethos and values, promoting a caring environment, a strong sense of belonging, and a commitment to learning and achievement.
This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
Salaries will be in accordance with the Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for Teaching Staff in School Education. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Happy to talk flexible working.
Senior Development Officer - Gracemount High School - 14805_1780476697 employer: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
Gracemount High School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff are encouraged to contribute to the school's vision of academic excellence and personal development. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, our team benefits from ongoing learning opportunities and a collaborative culture that values diversity and commitment to student success. Located in the vibrant community of south-east Edinburgh, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Officer - Gracemount High School - 14805_1780476697
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Gracemount High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the school.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the school's ethos and values. Think about how your experiences align with their commitment to high-quality education and community involvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for student development! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' lives in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team at Gracemount High School.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Officer - Gracemount High School - 14805_1780476697
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and student development shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of young people at Gracemount High School.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Development Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our school’s vision and values. We love seeing candidates who do their homework!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
✨Know the School's Vision and Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Gracemount High School's vision and values. Understanding their commitment to raising attainment and promoting achievement will help you align your answers with their ethos, showing that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Given the school's focus on diversity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've supported diverse learners or fostered a sense of belonging in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Senior Development Officer, you'll need to demonstrate strong strategic thinking skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully led initiatives or projects in the past, particularly those that align with the school's improvement plan and national priorities. Use concrete examples to illustrate your impact.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is key in a school setting. Be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively with colleagues, parents, and the community in previous roles. Highlight any partnerships you've built and how they contributed to positive outcomes for students, as this will resonate well with the school's emphasis on teamwork.