Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 1 of 12

The whole school celebrates the

centenary of the end of World War

One, November 2018

Headteacher Information Pack

April 2021

High quality teaching and learning at

the heart of everything we do

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 2 of 12

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack: Contents Welcome from Tim Humphrey, Chair of Governors 3, 4 Job Advert and key dates 5 Sackville on a Page 6 Sackville Leadership Structure 7 Job Description 8, 9 Person Specification 10, 11

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 3 of 12

s

Dear Applicant

Thank-you very much for your interest in the post of Headteacher at our dynamic and high achieving 11-18 inclusive school

within the West Sussex local authority. This post was initially advertised before Christmas with a view to appointing in the

spring term. The further lockdown in January delayed this and we are now readvertising to appoint a headteacher from

January 2022. We already received a strong range of applications at the original stage and these will form part of the field

from which we will shortlist next month. The decision to readvertise reflects the gap in time triggered by lockdown and a

recognition that there may be further interest at this stage of the school year.

Sackville is at the heart of the community in East Grinstead, having opened on its present site nearly sixty years ago. We

are an exceptionally friendly and supportive community built on extraordinarily strong relationships which allow every

student to thrive. Under the leadership of our retiring Headteacher, Julian Grant, we have acquired a deserved reputation

for fighting for every child, no matter how challenging that sometimes is, without compromising the drive to encourage

every student to be the best they can be.

We now have the challenging task of appointing a successor to Julian and are looking for leaders who will live and breathe

our commitment to a community-based school built on inclusion, fairness, opportunity, the highest academic standards

and stretching expectations for all.

Our academic standards are indeed high. Our progress 8 score in 2019 was +0.30 and has been significantly above average

from 2015-2020. Our sixth form level 3 value-added figure has been significantly positive for eight of the last ten years.

We have received educational outcome awards from the SSAT for each of the last five years. This year four students

achieved Oxbridge places, one to medical school, one to veterinary school and many more to Russell Group universities.

The Guardian recently featured our drive to get more state school students to Oxbridge.

Our last full Ofsted inspection was in 2015 and our short inspection in 2019 confirmed we were a ‘Good’ school. 99% of

parents said they would recommend Sackville to others, and 100% stated the school was well led and managed.

We work hard to ensure the support of our parents and carers, holding half-termly parental focus groups (which have

recently been virtual). Parental support has been crucial in navigating the difficult months of remote learning and

reopening and has been enhanced by our response to the summer closure, where we delivered more than two thousand

live lessons, and delivered more than eighty laptops to students to support their home learning.

As befits our catchment, our students’ attitudes and behaviour are excellent; at the same time, in every school some

students require careful bespoke support. Our outstanding pastoral system supports everything we do. We work with

every child to ensure they succeed, and we have recently opened an alternative provision base for students who are

struggling to access the mainstream curriculum. We are immensely proud to have had no permanent exclusions for seven

years by working supportively and imaginatively instead to ensure that every student has left Sackville with qualifications,

whilst maintaining the highest standards of behaviour, learning and achievement throughout the school.

Already a ‘Leading Edge’ school, this year the SSAT also recognised us as ‘transforming’ (the highest category awarded) in

our work on professional learning and principled curriculum design. Improving our teaching and learning remains a focus,

and we have seven professional learning groups who meet half-termly to develop and share good practice in different

areas of pedagogy. In our professional journal, our teachers write about their own research. We are delighted to have

several of our former students working at the school in different roles and access to high quality CPD is the keystone of our

staff support structure.

Our curriculum was recognised for its SMSC provision, for the vocational options we offer at KS4 and 5 and for our

commitment to the arts. School performances at Sackville are something truly special, with our Winter Concert and

annual school musical theatre performances standing out, often being compared with West End productions.

Welcome from Tim Humphrey, Chair of Governors

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 4 of 12

Welcome from Tim Humphrey, continued

Sport is a part of the fabric of the school and we still offer two lessons each week in KS4 with participation rates close to

100%. Every evening in a normal year Sackville students are competing on playing fields all over Sussex. They cannot wait

to get out there again!

The current SLT (see page 6) comprises the Headteacher, two deputies, a raising standards leader, three assistant heads

and a support manager. We have an extended leadership team which meets half-termly and it includes our heads of

English, maths, science and technology, our senior year leader, our leader of vocational learning, our leader of KS5 and our

inclusion manager. Our Business Manager attends weekly SLT briefing meetings

We are blessed with a committed, stable, and resilient staff. Maintaining this is a priority.

I truly believe that Sackville is a special place and will be an amazing school to lead. The normal challenges of headship

will never be absent of course, but there is a real sense of positivity, commitment, and good cheer at the school.

I very much welcome your interest in the post. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with Headteacher’s PA Mrs Kate

Rowlingson (krowlingson@sackvilleschool.org.uk) if you require any further information, would like to talk to our

current Head or like to book a preliminary visit. Such a visit would be carefully managed within Covid guidelines. Details

of the application process are on page 5.

I would also direct you to our website and issues of Sackville News for more information and news about the school

Yours sincerely

Tim Humphrey

Chair of Governors

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 5 of 12

Advert

Sackville School is seeking to appoint a visionary and inspirational leader to

replace our outstanding retiring Headteacher, Julian Grant.

If you

are committed to supporting every student at Sackville to be the best they can be are dedicated to the principles of inclusion in a fully comprehensive setting have extensive experience of leading school improvement at a senior level have a deep understanding of and fidelity to our vision and values have a track record of leading and inspiring colleagues, students, and parents

then we would love to hear from you. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from

all sections of the community, and embrace people with disabilities.

Please complete the application form (MS Word), and write an accompanying letter of application addressed

to the Chair of Governors which addresses the question What are the principal challenges of headship? How

are you prepared for them?

Like all schools, we are committed to safeguarding the welfare of students and expect all staff and volunteers

to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Closing date for applications Wednesday May 12 2021, midday. All applications should be emailed to West

Sussex County Council Human Resources (hrschooladverts@westsussex.gov.uk) with a copy to Kate Rowlingson

at school (krowlingson@sackvilleschool.org.uk).

Salary range: L33-L39, Group 7

Job reference 16369

Action When

Advert re-released Friday April 23

Preliminary school visits by appointment Monday April 26 to Friday May 7, all at 10.00am

Closing date for applications Wednesday May 12, midday

Information gathering day/school activities Wednesday June 23

Interviews & Exercises 1st day Thursday June 24

Interviews & Exercises 2nd day Select candidate

Friday June 25

Governor ratification of candidate choice Friday June 25, late afternoon

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 6 of 12

HEADTEACHER (JGT) PA to HEADTEACHER (KRN)

DEPUTY HEAD 1ST DEPUTY (NFT)

RESPONSIBILITIES Teaching & Learning Monitoring and Development CPD/INSET Appraisal GAMA CTL leadership Subject monitoring Policies Staff wellbeing

LM Literacy Numeracy English Maths History Geography Sociology

BUSINESS MANAGER (NCN)

RESPONSIBILITIES Budget Premises Health and Safety Catering Data Protection

DEPUTY HEAD (PST)

RESPONSIBILITIES Student Provision Student support Pupil premium Curriculum offer Staffing provision Futures/careers Student and parent

voice Transition Behaviour for learning Attendance

LM SEND (SHN) Inclusion

(HNE) EWO/CPO

(ASR) Year leaders SMSC (AVE) Beliefs and

values Transition

(KBN) Futures (HSH)

RAISING STANDARDS LEADER (ADA)

RESPONSIBILITIES Analysis of internal and

external data Target setting KS3 and KS4 progress Laser intervention Oversight of KS5 including

progress Improvement planning

support Technology systems Sackville News/Website

LM HSC DT Computer

science Psychology

Sixth form (HVE/JWO)

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER (JKE)

RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership of data systems

and team Assessment and reporting KS3 assessment and progress Examinations support Vocational (BTEC) oversight Cover and supply support Census Trips and visits

LM MFL Music

SLT SUPPORT MANAGER (GBY)

RESPONSIBILITIES Cover and supply lead Examinations lead Timetable oversight (liaison with timetable lead

AHN) Processing of GCSE options Study supervisors Duty rotas Calendar planning Oversight of LRC Event management support Ongoing scheduling of provision/staffing

throughout year

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER (SBH)

RESPONSIBILITIES Leader of

professional learning Professional tutor Post-COVID

management Planning bespoke

CPD and INSET

LM Business, Law

and Economics Media Drama Vocational

learning (JFG)

SACKVILLE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE – 2020/21

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER (DHN)

RESPONSIBILITIES KS4 exam preparation T&L: pedagogical

development County vulnerable and

challenging panellist Safeguarding and Prevent

agenda Senior leadership of years 10

and 11 Planning and oversight of Y11

study programme

LM Science PE Art

ADA- Adrian de Souza ASR – Amy Steer

AVE – Alison Vance DHN – Dennis Hayden

HSH- Helen Smith GBY – Gill Beeney

HNE – Hannah Nibloe HVE – Helen Valentine

JFG – Julie Fleming

JGT – Julian Grant JKE – James Keeble JWN – Josh Watson KBN – Karen Brown

KRN – Kate Rowlingson NFT – Neil Feist

PST – Paul Street SBH – Steve Bush

SHN – Stephanie Hunt

CTL – Curriculum Team Leaders LM – Line Management

LRC- Learning Resource Centre

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 8 of 12

Job Description

1 Job Purpose The role of headteacher determines the success of the school. Accountable to the Governing Body, the

Headteacher provides leadership, direction, vision, and values for the whole school community. They ensure it

is managed and organised to meet its aims within the financial constraints it faces and are responsible for

evaluating the school’s performance and identifying priorities for improvement and standards that need

raising.

The Headteacher is responsible for ensuring the commitment of the wider community to the school by

communicating effectively with parents, carers, other schools and agencies for children.

The Headteacher is responsible for creating a productive environment in which everyone is inspired to be

curious and learn, students and staff alike.

2 Responsibilities

2.1 Vision and values Ensuring the vision for the school is clearly shared and understood by all stakeholders

Working within the school community to translate the vision into measurable objectives and plans which

will sustain improvement

Living the vision and values within the community 24/7

Leading innovation, creativity, and technology to drive standards upwards

2.2 Teaching and learning Ensuring a school-wide focus on student achievement, especially for disadvantaged students

Leading a culture of challenge and support to allow every student and member of staff to be the best they

can be

Demonstrating high expectations for the whole school community, including of themselves

Developing strategies that support the highest standards of engagement and attendance

Monitoring classroom practice and promoting improvement

Challenging under-performance and ensuring follow-up

Building strong partnerships with local businesses, to inspire our students to understand the skills and

experience, critical to future careers

2.3 Working with others Treating people fairly, with dignity and respect to maintain a positive school culture

Ensuring effective planning, delegation, and support of responsibilities

Celebrating the achievement of individuals and teams

Developing a culture of high expectations for all and taking action when performance does not live up to

these

Taking responsibility for own personal development

Safeguarding the work-life balance of all

2.4 Managing the school Leading a structure which supports the school’s values and targets

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 9 of 12

Job Description - continued Producing clear and evidence-based improvement plans

Managing the school’s financial and human resources effectively

Recruiting and retaining staff to ensure the vision and goals of the school are met

Implementing effecting performance management systems for all staff

Using a range of appropriate technologies to run the school

Placing safeguarding at the centre of the school operations, and ensuring all adults are aware of their

responsibilities for safeguarding and child protection

2.5 Accountability Reporting regularly to the Governing Body and working with it so that it can discharge its responsibilities

Ensuring individual staff responsibilities are clearly defined, monitored and reviewed

Presenting an account of the school’s performance to different audiences

Reflecting on personal contribution to school performance and accepting feedback from others

2.6 Community Creating positive strategies for dealing with discrimination and prejudice in the school community

Ensuring learning experiences reflect wider UK society

Collaborating with other agencies to deliver appropriate SMSC opportunities

Communicating clearly with parents and carers to engender a climate of mutual support

Working in collaboration with groups of schools to promote effective initiatives and share practice

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 10 of 12

Experience and qualifications

Qualified teacher status

A commitment to continuous personal CPD

Evidence of extensive leadership within a comprehensive school

Experience of leadership in a 11-18 school desirable

Track record of successful teaching of students of all abilities

Professional track record

Track record of improvement of teaching and learning across the school

Evidence of a commitment to achievement for all, especially disadvantaged students

Clear record of commitment to fully inclusive comprehensive education

Experience of leading whole-school improvement planning

Works successfully with all stakeholders to maintain strong community relationships

Setting of the highest expectations for self and others

Ensures equality of opportunity for staff and students

Placing of child protection at the heart of practice

Attention to budgetary detail, even in complex financial matters

Leading & Managing the Organisation

Leads from the front by example

Experience of managing change

Creative and innovative

Has courage and flexibility to identify and implement change effectively

Has sound strategic financial planning and budget management skills

Actively practices performance management of self and staff

Plans, prioritises, organises and delegates

Has strong analytical skills

Ensures school complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements

Lead Learning & Teaching

Excellent understanding of what makes effective teaching and learning

Detailed experience of curriculum design

Creates a personalised learning culture within school

Researches, develops and implements models for learning and teaching

Monitors and evaluates performance, celebrates excellence and challenges poor performance

Person Specification

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 11 of 12

Person Specification

Undertakes school evaluation

Implements diversity, inclusion and access strategies

Shaping the Future

Drives the definition and implementation of the school’s vision, ethos, and strategic direction

Inspires, challenges, motivates and empowers others to develop a shared vison

Leads with vision and clarity creativity

Drives change

Has sound strategic planning skills

Knows about the use and impact of new technologies

Development of Self & Empowerment of Others

Appreciates the impact of change on the school and individuals

Challenges, influences and motivates others

Nurtures professional interpersonal relationships with staff and pupils

Develops individuals’ capabilities

Empowers and sustains effective teams

External Relationships

Ambassador for the school and plays an active role in the wider community

Represents the school at a variety of external events

Supports other schools in the surrounding areas

Pragmatic working relationship with local authorities

Personal qualities

A love of leading learning in a comprehensive setting and a passion to show its relevance in future careers and industry

Boundless energy and resilience to allow challenges to be viewed as opportunities

Dealing with every situation calmly

Strong commitment to seeing and bringing out the best in all

A desire for fairness, dignity, and respect in every interaction

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent self and time-management skills

The highest level of personal integrity

Person Specification - continued

Sackville School Headteacher Information Pack, page 12 of 12

Senior student Alex helping in a year 7 classroom