At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant school community to achieve educational excellence.
- Company: Join the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust, a family of 15 ambitious schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, extensive CPD opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a Trust committed to sustainability and staff well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and foster a culture of belonging.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in primary education and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
The Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust (ODBST) is an ambitious and aspirational family of 15 schools united by a clear focus on school improvement. Our mission is to empower our unique schools to excel, enabling our children and young people to "experience life in all its fullness." We are proud to serve communities of all faiths and none, with our schools existing to provide exceptional education and care to their local communities. We foster a deep sense of belonging across our Trust, where pupils, parents, staff, and the wider community feel proud to be part of our family.
We have an exciting opportunity to join Great Horwood C of E School as a Head of School, working alongside a strong and confident ODBST Executive Headteacher and a supportive local governing body. The ODBST has a strong school improvement team who work alongside leaders to inspire and promote great practice, working collaboratively to enable everyone to be the best that they can be. Great Horwood C of E School has recently been inspected by OFSTED, March 26, and has secured at least expected in all aspects, with areas of real strength identified. The last SIAMS inspection was very strong and the school is in the right place for fresh and exciting leadership direction. Great Horwood C of E School is a wonderful place to live and learn and our school community is waiting for the right leader to come and join us.
The Head of School will promote and support the vision and direction of Great Horwood C of E School by providing the day-to-day leadership and support for the school that will enable it to build success and provide high quality education for its pupils. The Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust is seeking to appoint a committed leader who can build on the good reputation and high standards in our school and wider MAT. Our new Head of School should be able to provide clear direction and demonstrate experience and impact of leadership at primary level. The Head of School will report directly to the Executive Headteacher to secure school improvement and best practice for the benefit of all pupils. You will demonstrate resilience and commitment in securing positive outcomes for all pupils and possess excellent inter-personal skills, communicating effectively at all levels. Furthermore, you will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding and awareness of pedagogy and research to improve outcomes for pupils of all abilities and learning needs. It will be essential to maintain a positive culture with high regard for pupil and staff well-being.
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to make a significant impact across a growing family of schools
- A collaborative, supportive team committed to educational excellence
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- The chance to work with passionate educators dedicated to transforming young lives
- Being part of a Trust, makes you part of the family and this comes with many opportunities from CPD training and networking to in-house support and career development. We want everyone to be able to thrive!
We are committed to our staff and offer benefits which include:
- Employee Assistance Programme with Schools Advisory Service - through this programme, staff can access a wide range of support including a GP service, menopause support, counselling and mindfulness, chronic illness support, physiotherapy, fitness services and so much more!
- Free flu vaccination vouchers
- Free eye test for computer users
- Cycle 2 Work Scheme
- Access to the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS)
- Extensive CPD opportunities including (not-exclusively) Trust wide subject leadership groups, mentoring including safeguarding supervision, networking opportunities and apprenticeships
- Full commitment to sustainable ways of working, green energy and reducing our Trust emissions to reach net zero by 2035.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check. The ODBST is an Equal Opportunities employer. This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 because it is a post which involves working directly with children or young people and the applicant is required to declare any criminal convictions (or cautions or bind-overs) including those which are “spent”. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020) 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: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Head of School, Great Horwood C of E School in Kidlington employer: Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
The Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment where educators can thrive and make a significant impact on the lives of young people. With a strong commitment to professional development, well-being, and community engagement, staff are empowered to excel in their roles while enjoying a competitive benefits package and a culture that values every member of the school family. Located in Great Horwood, this role provides the opportunity to lead a school with a good reputation and strong foundations, making it an ideal place for passionate leaders to grow and inspire.
Contact Details:
Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School, Great Horwood C of E School in Kidlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Great Horwood C of E School and the ODBST. Ask them about their experiences and insights. This can give you a real feel for the school culture and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's recent OFSTED and SIAMS reports. Highlight how your leadership style aligns with their strengths and areas for improvement. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your vision to the table! Think about how you can enhance the school's mission of providing exceptional education. Be ready to share specific ideas on how you’ll support both pupils and staff well-being.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School, Great Horwood C of E School in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how excited you are about making a difference in the lives of pupils and the community at Great Horwood C of E School.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in primary education and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their impact and how they’ve successfully led teams or initiatives in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Great Horwood C of E School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the vision and mission of Great Horwood C of E School. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to providing exceptional education and care, and think about how your leadership style aligns with their goals. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and the impact you've made in those positions. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive school improvement and foster a positive culture. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your resilience and commitment to achieving positive outcomes for pupils.
✨Engage with Pedagogy and Research
Since the role requires a strong understanding of pedagogy, come ready to discuss current educational research and how it can be applied to improve outcomes for all students. Share your thoughts on effective teaching strategies and how you would implement them at Great Horwood C of E School. This will show that you’re not only knowledgeable but also passionate about enhancing the learning experience.
✨Emphasise Well-being and Community
Highlight your commitment to staff and pupil well-being during the interview. Discuss how you plan to maintain a positive culture within the school and support the mental health of both students and staff. Mention any initiatives you’ve led in the past that focused on well-being, as this aligns perfectly with the Trust’s values and will resonate with the interviewers.
