Head - St Christophers School

HEAD ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL CANDIDATE PACK

ABOUT US

St Christopher’s School is a flourishing independent day school in Stanmore for pupils aged 2 to 11 years old. Founded in 1928, St Christopher’s has a unique and charming atmosphere, where academic attainment sits comfortably alongside the development of pupils’ social skills and values. The teaching staff are totally committed to providing the very best learning opportunities for each child. With a desire to keep class sizes, the pupils have benefited greatly from specialist teaching which has resulted in the students making rapid progress and regularly performing in advance of their age-related expectations. The school belongs to the ISA with regular ISI Inspections, the last being in May 2019 where the School achieved excellent and outstanding in all areas of the School.

The staff have successfully embedded a culture of high expectations across the school. The desire of pupils to produce the highest quality work has seen excellent outcomes at 11+ with pupils winning places to some of the leading independent and grammar schools in the area such as Aldenham School, Haberdashers Aske’s Boys’ School, Haberdashers Aske’s Girls’ School, North London Collegiate School, Notting Hill and Ealing High School and Merchant Taylor’s School. Offering a broad and balanced curriculum to its pupil roll of 120, there is an overriding sense of ‘inclusion’ at the school with every child actively encouraged to find their ‘place in the spotlight’ whether this be in the classroom, performing in a choir or on the sports pitch. “The quality of pupils’ personal development throughout the school is excellent.” ISI Inspection 2019

ACADEMIC

In the Foundation Stage, St Christopher’s follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) and supports their children to become independent and collaborative learners by providing a range of activities and experiences. Children in the EYFS make excellent progress from their starting points and leave the Reception year having fulfilled at least age-related expectations with many exceeding these due to the effective teaching they receive. Moving into Key Stage 1 and 2, the school employs experienced and highly motivated, qualified teachers as well as a complement of excellent subject specialist teachers. With an average class size of 14, progress is easily tracked through termly tests which generate standardised scores and age-related grades. The teaching in English and Maths is heavily influenced by the Independent Schools Examining Board curriculum with learning condensed via regular exam practice. The curriculum is supported by an exceptional ICT provision. All children in the school are taught using iPads and Apple interactive TVs as well as standard computers. Lessons begin from Reception where the children learn iPad control, mouse control and basic key board skills. As they progress through the school, they learn how to use a variety of apps and software packages to further develop their skills.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

There is a broad range of extra-curricular activities on offer at the school with clubs including:

» Cookery » French Sewing » Gardening » Book club » Choir » Recorders » School Council » School Orchestra » Film club » Computing

A ‘Booster club’ is also held for children in Year 5, which provides extra help to pupils with their numeracy and literacy skills in preparation for the forthcoming entrance exams. In addition, there are a number of sporting activities on offer, which change with the seasons. Music and performance are very strong at the school with all children from Reception to Year 6 taking part in Christmas and Summer concerts. The Summer Production is usually staged at Wembley Stadium Learning Zone and in the past has included outstanding productions of ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’, ‘Oliver!’, ‘Wind in the Willows’ and ‘Christingle Rock’.

Governance and Leadership

St Christopher’s School is part of the Inspired Learning Group (‘ILG’) of independent schools and nurseries. Founded by Amit Mehta in 2014, The Inspired Learning Group (ILG) currently owns and operates 16 schools and nurseries across Greater London. Employing more than 330 staff to look after their 1,300+ pupils, they are one of the largest independent school groups in the UK. ILG is very much an extended family; allowing their educational establishments to share best practice and innovation in order to raise standards of teaching and learning for all students. Each location has its own history and is encouraged to shape its own culture so that new ideas can grow naturally with the best ideas then implemented right across the group. The Head will, therefore, report directly to the Proprietor of ILG who is supported by a governing board. The board will provide support and assistance to the Head on many aspects of the role including strategy, marketing, education standards, HR and finance. The Head will lead the Executive Leadership Team of the school, which currently comprises of a Deputy and the Head of Early Years. This team has sole responsibility for the day to day operations of the school.

St Christopher’s choir is also one of the best in London and has performed at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall.

OUR SCHOOLS & NURSERIES

ILG believes, first and foremost, in putting children at the heart of everything they do. They endeavour to provide educational excellence within a culture of care to nurture each pupil the best they can. ILG always looks to offer a wide range of opportunities, both academic and extra-curricular, so that all their children are endowed with the spirit to aspire and become twenty first century citizens.

The following establishments make up The Inspired Learning Group:

THE ROLE

Purpose of the job

The Proprietor is keen to build on the school’s success and appoint a dedicated educationalist with a proven track record in delivering successful and innovative outcomes. This is an exciting leadership position for someone to take on the day-to-day management and leadership of an excellent School and Nursery and shape future growth. The successful candidate should be passionate about children and their learning and an inspiring leader for all members of the school community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To lead, motivate and develop the school the Head is responsible, directly and by delegation, for:

• Planning and implementing an effective curriculum, timetabling and the academic organisation of the school, and reviewing these as appropriate; • Monitoring pupils’ progress and ensuring that parents are provided with regular and appropriate feedback; • Creating the appropriate balance between all areas of school life and activity, including those not leading to formal examinations such as art, drama, music, sport and community involvement; • Establishing and maintaining good relationships and regular contact with senior schools, and advising parents on suitable choices for their children; • Maintaining good communications and relationships within the school and with key stakeholders including neighbours, local schools, the local community, professional bodies and former pupils; • Developing good professional relationships with the parents of pupils.

• The leadership and management of the school; • The care and development of each pupil and for maintaining excellent academic standards within the school; • The pastoral care and welfare of all pupils and staff; • Meeting the financial contribution figure as delegated; • Leading, managing and motivating the Executive Leadership Team, and, with them and through them, all academic and support staff;

• The appointment of all staff;

• The assessment, appraisal, guidance, support and professional development of all teaching staff; • Recruiting a full complement of pupils, and overseeing admission and entrance procedures;

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head is responsible, directly and by delegation, for:

• Ensuring that the school meets all its legal obligations including compliance with Child Protection and Health and Safety regulations; • Implementing policies agreed by the ILG Governing Board and contributing to the vision for the future of the school through strategic planning; • Submitting policy proposals for the approval of the ILG Governing Board or assisting the Board in the development of tactical and strategic policies and implementing and monitoring these policies; • Reporting regularly to the ILG Governing Board on progress towards the strategic priorities and the achievement of policies; • Ensuring that the Board receives sufficient and timely information and advice in order to make informed decisions;

• Implementing Board suggestions;

• Preparing and updating the School Development Plan.

ABOUT YOU

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Qualified Teacher Status and evidence of continuing professional development;

• Enthusiasm, vision, drive, adaptability and resilience

• High personal standards

• Confident, positive and approachable

• Culturally sensitive and adaptable to living and working in an international school

• Flexible and maintain a sound sense of humour

• Commitment to continued personal and professional development

• Advocate a sound educational philosophy, with the ability to translate into practice • Ability to create an excellent learning culture which is recognised by staff, parents and pupils

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should consist of a CV and covering statement outlining key matching experience and rationale for applying for the post. Applications should be sent to our recruitment advisors; The Management Recruitment Group. Closing date for applications is Friday 18th December 2020. Candidates should complete their application form electronically and email them to the relevant consultant together with a short covering letter which explains their motivations for applying.

Please email these two documents as PDFs.

Adam Spencer E: adam.spencer@mrgpeople.co.uk

T: 020 3962 9900 M: 07989 435 960

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