At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a primary school to achieve educational excellence and support student success.
- Company: Join the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust, a family of 15 schools focused on improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, extensive CPD opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Commitment to staff well-being and sustainable practices for a brighter future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education and be part of a caring community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in primary education and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ 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.
The Role
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.
Head of School - Lead Primary Excellence & Innovation in Kidlington employer: Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
The Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust (ODBST) 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 learners. With a strong commitment to professional development, well-being, and community engagement, ODBST provides extensive opportunities for growth and innovation within its family of schools. Located in the picturesque Great Horwood, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also the chance to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to educational excellence.
Contact Details:
Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School - Lead Primary Excellence & Innovation in Kidlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Great Horwood C of E School or within the ODBST. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's recent OFSTED report and SIAMS inspection. Knowing their strengths and areas for improvement will help you showcase how you can lead them to even greater heights.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support staff while driving school improvement. Be ready to share these during your interview.
✨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 job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School - Lead Primary Excellence & Innovation 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 children and the school community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of ODBST. Highlight your experience and how it aligns with our commitment to school improvement and community engagement.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that communicate your ideas effectively without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
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 Trust's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the mission of the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust. Familiarise yourself with their focus on school improvement and how they empower schools to excel. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've made a positive impact on school improvement or student outcomes. The interviewers will want to see how your experience aligns with the expectations of the Head of School position.
✨Engage with Pedagogy and Research
Since the role requires a strong understanding of pedagogy, come ready to discuss recent educational research or innovative teaching practices you've implemented. This shows that you're not only experienced but also committed to continuous learning and improvement in education.
✨Emphasise Well-being and Culture
The Trust values a positive culture and well-being for both pupils and staff. Be sure to share your strategies for maintaining a supportive environment. Discuss how you plan to foster a sense of belonging within the school community, as this is crucial for the role.
