Dear prospective applicant,
Thank you for expressing an interest in this key vacancy at our college. This post has arisen due to the promotion of the current post-holder to Vice-Principal and this role will be integral in supporting our college move from good to great.
The last few years have been amazing for our college community, as we have started to gain external recognition for the way we are doing things; from being shortlisted twice for the TES well-being school of the year in 2022 and 2023, to being one of five schools to win the Silver Award for the Pearson's secondary school of the year.
Our aim has always been to make this school one of the best schools to attend as a child and to work in as a member of staff. That mission is extremely rare and we urge you to come and see us in action, speak to the staff and speak to the students. Every decision that we take is done with a lot of thought and consideration.
Therefore, we are not a college that is driven by OFSTED and whether we are GOOD or OUTSTANDING but we do things because they are at the very essence of helping our children and school community to be the best that they can be.
Our approach is underpinned by leaders understanding their responsibility and fulfilling it, not by wielding their power or authority and we welcome and appreciate challenge if we do not live up to the standards that are expected of us.
Therefore, how we lead, is as important as the direction we are taking staff in. You need to have the emotional intelligence to deal with sensitive matters with clarity as well as trusting those around you to deliver and, when needed, have tough love conversations to improve delivery. We have nearly 200 staff and 1500 students, so your ability to work with different groups of people in a dynamic environment is paramount, and a key part of the role.
As Principal, it has always been my philosophy to grow and nurture new talent so that we create the next generation of leaders, it is something that I have done throughout my career, and this role will support the successful individual on their journey. I have personally led on leadership programmes over the last decade with the DFE and supported over 120 leaders to be successful in their next step. I am now looking for someone to coach and support more directly, to headship, if need be.
We are well oversubscribed, even though we have increased our PAN from 240 to 300 pupils, we have more applicants than we have spaces. Our P8 score has also increased year on year. We are particularly proud that our PP pupils achieved a score of +0.17 in 2023.
Our behaviour policy is clear and simple, “First Time Every Time,” no quibbles, no arguments just do as we expect. Teachers no longer have to do detentions, chase up absence, attendance or punctuality.
Curriculum is obviously now at the forefront of what we do and is the progression model. Teachers are at the centre of delivery, they hold the knowledge and it is their expertise that is used to impart the key knowledge to students, we call it a knowledge-first approach and not a discovery model of delivery. We will talk more about this at the information evening but you can also find information on our website.
We are looking for somebody who is smart, hungry and humble as a leader and willing to do what it takes to improve the lives of children. The role is very much focused on data and assessment, we have some work to do with KS3 assessment. If you would like an informal chat about the role please do not hesitate to contact me directly (number in attached pack)
If you have high aspirations for children from deprived backgrounds and experience of delivering educational excellence by improving pupil outcomes, then we would love to hear from you.
I would urge you to look at our well-being charter that provides you with clarity about how you will be supported in your role as a leader at the college and what the expectations are that we have of you as a leader at CHCC.
We have arranged a compulsory information evening preferably in person or over Teams as this process is very much two-way and you need to be sure that this is a school you want to work in. The Information Evening will take place on Monday 8th April at 5.30pm, please let Sumaya Seedat know by email if you wish to attend, email in attached pack.
Please read the attached job description and person specification. If you are interested in applying, please fill in the application form available on our website, please include e-mail addresses of all referees, and email it together with a letter of application (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining your experience relevant to this post to Sumaya (Email in attached pack) by Monday 15th April 9am.
Information Evening – 5.30pm Monday 8th April @ CHCC and preferably not online
Deadline – Monday 15th April 9am
Interviews – W/C 22nd April 2024
Start Date: August 2024
I look forward to meeting you and hopefully reading your application!
Mr F Adam
(Principal)
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment checks, such as an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.