Thank you for your interest in South Bromsgrove High. Locally known as “South”, we are an over-subscribed 13-18 Academy Trust where students achieve results significantly above county and national averages. The school has a long tradition of success and was completely re-built in an attractive setting on the same campus in 2007. Additional sporting facilities including the area’s only full size, 3G pitch, were added to our site in 2015. We believe in high standards in all areas of our work with young people. Students, staff, parents and governors are rightly proud of the school’s heritage and its academic, sporting and cultural achievements. In October 2012 the school was designated as outstanding in all areas following inspection by Ofsted.

If you wish to join our team and think you have the skills and experience commensurate with any of the posts advertised, and the enthusiasm and energy to work with highly motivated students, then we look forward to hearing from you. We take the professional development and well-being of our people very seriously. Nearly a third of our staff have been promoted internally to leadership and management posts. This is alongside the appointment of colleagues to the role of Specialist Leader of Education (SLE). The school has a comprehensive induction programme for new colleagues and delivers programmes to develop ECTs (Early Career Teachers) and RQTs (Recently Qualified Teachers). As a strategic partner of a local Teaching School Hub, we lead provision of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for serving and aspiring school leaders (NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture, NPQ Leading Teaching, NPQ Leading Teacher Development, NPQ Senior Leader and NPQ Headteacher) giving us access to these nationally accredited programme.

As a School Direct Lead School, we have a thriving School Direct Initial Teacher Training programme across both Primary and Secondary sectors. Professional Development of teachers from Initial Teacher Training, through to Early Career Teachers and School Leaders is an important aspect of our work and we maintain excellent working relationships with ITT providers (HEIs and SCITTs), Teaching School Hubs and local schools. We are committed to offering high quality CPD to teachers at all levels and we ensure that our bespoke provision supports all teachers to move to the next stages of their career. For further information about the school, please click the links above or follow the link to our own website. You might consider joining our talent pool if you would like to register your interest in working at South in the future. 

Our standards trends are very positive and in 2019, 50% of students gained 5+ grades in English and Mathematics. At A level, outcomes are equally impressive and, with around 360 students in the Sixth Form, we are able to offer an excellent range of courses. As a School Direct Lead School, we have a thriving School Direct Initial Teacher Training programme across both Primary and Secondary sectors. The school has an academic organisation based on five faculties complemented by a Special Needs area, providing bespoke support for students with learning difficulties or who have additional needs. Specialist programmes in movement, listening and writing are available for some of our students.

The school has been commended for its care of all children and acknowledged for its fully inclusive principles. Our curriculum is organised to allow students access to a broad and balanced course of study through to the end of Year 11. In Year 9 almost all students experience a full curriculum which includes English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Religious Education, a Modern Language, Science, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Computing and PSD/Citizenship. In Years 10 and 11 all students follow a core curriculum with GCSE pathways which accommodate particular needs. Vocational qualifications form part of this provision, and a very small number of students also access college provision. In Sixth Form, entry is open to students on achieving the appropriate grades from their Key Stage 4 qualifications. The school offers a very broad range of courses to meet the interests and abilities of those wishing to continue their education. Although the courses offered are mainly GCE Advanced Level, there is an increasing provision of BTEC level 3 programmes and enrichment courses. Around 20 students in the Sixth Form join us from other schools. There are many opportunities for students to enhance their learning out of the classroom. The school excels in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and is the largest school-based centre in the country, with around 500 students in all years accessing Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards each year. Most of our staff lead or support the Award in some way – and we always welcome newcomers! We operate a Year system with students belonging to a mixed-ability tutor group under the care of a Form Tutor. Our Form Tutors, with guidance from the Heads of Year, develop and deliver a pastoral programme aimed at furthering students’ emotional and social development and are key players in helping students realise their academic potential. All tutor groups are assigned to one of three ‘Houses’ and are representatives of that House throughout their time at South.

The House system is a vibrant and energising feature of school life and students are famously protective and proud of their House allegiance. One of the main inter-house competitions is our annual Eisteddfod in which students celebrate performance in Art, Dance, Music and Sport. Students in Years 9-11 wear our school uniform with an expectation that they will look smart. In the Sixth Form students are required to wear business dress and are expected to maintain a high standard of personal appearance and set an excellent example to younger students. What students say to us really matters and student voice is a powerful dimension in school. Our Year Group Student Councils help us with school improvement plans, in the evaluation of the quality of learning and with policy and protocols. The Director of Sixth Form has responsibility for the Head Student Team comprised of Sixth Form students whose duties include hosting, planning and management of Sixth Form social events, charity fundraising, and Sixth Form issues. Sixth Form students are also elected as House Captains and play an important role in organising inter-house activities.

Firstly – thank you for your interest in South Bromsgrove High. This is my fifth year as Headteacher having previously been Head of School, and recruitment of the best people to leadership, teaching and support staff positions continues to be one of my most important priorities. I joined the school as an NQT in September 1998, and although I have not taught in another school, I know from talking to colleagues that South is a special place to learn and teach. It’s hard to put into words what gives the school its distinction. We certainly have excellent teachers, superb support staff, wonderful students and supportive Trustees – and visitors frequently comment on the friendly and business-like atmosphere in our building. Relationships between students, and between students and adults are widely recognised to be excellent and attitudes to learning are very positive indeed. We take professional development very seriously and are absolutely committed to developing teachers and nurturing leadership talent. Support networks for newly qualified and recently appointed teachers are robust and highly regarded. All staff have the opportunity to be involved in a Leadership Enhancement Programme where they are coached and mentored by a senior colleague and we actively track and audit the skills of our staff, nurturing their talents and guiding them to promoted posts. We are not complacent about our success and all staff are working collectively on our whole-school aim which is:

• To develop polite, well-rounded and resilient young people who, through hard work and determination, make excellent progress.

If you are looking to work in a forward-thinking school and you are committed to securing the best outcomes for students – then we look forward to your application.

Chris Smith - Headteacher

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