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APPOINTMENT OF HEADSEPTEMBER 2021

CANDIDATE BRIEF

IAPS coeducational day and boarding prep school set in 54 acres of woodland for children aged 3-13 years

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CONTENTS

THE SCHOOLBackground 3History and School Grounds 4Vision and Values 5Governance, Strategic Development Plan, School Finances 6Leadership and staff 7Structure of the School 8Senior Schools Results and Scholarships 10Co-Curricular Activities 11Extra-Curricular Opportunities 13The Great Outdoors 14Pastoral Care, Boarding 15The School Community 16

THE ROLE OF THE NEW HEADKey Responsibilities 17Key Accountabilities 18

THE PERSONQualifications and Experience 20Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 20Personal Attributes 21

ADDITIONAL CANDIDATE INFORMATIONTerms and Conditions 22Spouse/Partner 22 Application Process 23

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THE SCHOOL

BackgroundThe current Head of St Andrew’s, Jon Bartlett, has made an enormous and important impact on the continuous development of the School, and it is with much regret that he has announced his intention to move for family reasons to a new post in the United States in September 2021.

Consequently the Governors are seeking to appoint a charismatic, strategically minded, and inspirational leader for the School.

St Andrew’s is a leading IAPS co-educational school with around 280 pupils aged 3 to 13. It is principally a day school (Monday to Friday) that has retained a boarding ethos with weekly and occasional boarders. The School is set in 54 acres of magnificent playing fields and woodland three miles from Pangbourne in the Berkshire countryside.

St Andrew’s combines the highest standards of a traditional prep school with forward-thinking plans and aspirations. In recent years there has been substantial investment in both the fabric of the school and the curriculum, with further developments planned. The environment is purposeful and happy, with a strong sense of the unique St Andrew’s identity. With a commitment to academic rigour and pastoral care, developing intellectual character and independent thinking are at the forefront of all that the School provides.

The next Head will be responsible for ensuring that St Andrew’s remains highly successful and ambitious academically, that it offers a thriving sports and diverse outdoor programme, a range of cultural and recreational opportunities, and is a happy, inclusive and collaborative community of pupils, staff and parents. The new Head will work with his or her Senior Leadership Team and Governors to deliver the school’s strategic objectives and the School Development Plan.

The next Head will need to be dynamic, decisive and bring the personal attributes and skills required in order to inspire confidence throughout the school community. The Governors are looking for an exceptional individual who recognises and supports the School’s ethos, values and qualities that make it the special place it is today whilst also bringing the ambition, tenacity and resilience required to ensure the School continues to thrive in a market environment that presents a range of challenges as well as opportunities.

The successful candidate should be determined to leave the School even stronger than when he or she arrived.

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History and School GroundsSt Andrew’s was founded in 1934 with just two staff and eight boys, RW Robertson Glasgow and W Ward Clarke were joint Headmasters when the School opened its doors for the first time. Since then St Andrew’s has steadily grown to its present size of just under 300 boys and girls.

The original Victorian Gothic building was Buckhold, an 1885 house designed by Alfred Waterhouse, which still forms the core of the School today. Over the years it has been converted and significantly extended. Additions include a modern Pre-Prep, Nursery, Music Centre, Art and Design Facilities, Drama Studio, teaching block including science laboratories, and a new Sports Centre with indoor swimming pool, climbing wall and drama and dance studio.

“The school occupies a rather delicious gothic revival pile designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Lawns roll down to meadows and woodland, in total 54 acres of greenest Berkshire” Good Schools Guide

School GroundsThe approach to the School is a half mile driveway through a 54 acre site, surrounded by horses and woodland, from which can be seen the School pitches, astro-turf, the Chapel, music rooms and Sports Centre. Behind the main buildings is the South Lawn, with zip wire, climbing wall and adventure play area and the many woodland copses, loved by pupils for years and home to innumerable dens. The modern buildings blend seamlessly with the old, on a beautifully maintained campus, and pupils enjoy the great outdoors as red kites fly overhead and pheasants stroll along the paths.

The School is 3 miles from Pangbourne in the depths of the Berkshire countryside, 15 minutes from both Reading (with imminent Crossrail) and Newbury. It is well-placed to attract pupils from a wide catchment area and the increasing number of families relocating from London.

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Vision and ValuesThe vision and aims of St Andrew’s are to provide an all-round and forward-thinking education which cherishes each child’s individuality whilst nurturing their happiness, confidence and passion; preparing children to be positive contributors in life. Pupils are actively encouraged to strive in all areas of their learning and to uphold the School motto, ‘Altiora Petimus’ (‘to seek higher things’).

Six core values are promoted in everything the School does:

Compassion - kindness, respect, empathy, mannersCollaboration - teamwork, flexibility, communicationCommitment - resilience, perseverance, motivation, determinationCourage - honesty, confidence, initiative, leadershipCuriosity - enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, interestCreativity - originality, reflectiveness, risk taking, observation

To achieve this, the School aims to:• Give all pupils, whatever their ability, the opportunity to flourish

academically.• Teach the children to be independent learners with enquiring minds; to

create a joyful learning environment where pupils can engage fully in all aspects of discussion and take pride in their work.

• Provide a breadth of opportunity including innovative sports provision, outstanding creative, music and performing arts opportunities and a full programme of fun and challenging activities.

• Have a high emphasis on pastoral care, social skills and developing good manners. The School’s codes of conduct permeate daily life and children develop the skills to become positive members of society.

• Create an environment where boys and girls discover their passion and leave filled with a zest for learning.

• Build a supportive, cohesive and open-minded environment of pupils, parents, staff, alumni and community.

• Prepare pupils to be well-rounded individuals and move on to the senior school of their choice.

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GovernanceSt Andrew’s benefits from a Board of 11 Governors with a wide range of experience and expertise in education, finance, legal/HR, medical, marketing, buildings, ICT and business. The relationship between the Governors and the Head, Bursar and staff is warm and supportive.

There are two main Governors’ committees which meet each term - Finance (attended by the Head and Bursar) and Education & Welfare (attended by the Head and senior members of staff as required). They report and make recommendations to the termly meetings of the Governing Body, which also holds an annual Strategy Meeting. The Committees are further divided as required into Property, ICT, Bursaries and Governance (which includes Nominations), and in addition individual governors have responsibility for safeguarding and Health & Safety. The Bursar is Clerk to the Governors and acts as Secretary.

Strategic Development PlanDuring the last five years there have been developments in the Academic curriculum, dramatic improvements in Information Technology, increased environmental awareness, and major improvements to communications. The most significant facilities developments have been a refurbished boarding house, new surgery and sickbay, a full-sized astro turf, a seminar room for small class teaching and meetings,

refurbishment of Year 3 and 4 classrooms and the building of the new Sports Centre including an indoor pool and dance/multi-purpose studio.

Current development plans include extending the outdoor learning opportunities for all age groups and introducing ICT both within the curriculum and the School operation; increasing the range of parents’ workshops; an increased emphasis on the environment; the creation of a mountain bike course and the development of a Performing Arts Centre.

The Strategic Development Plan is updated annually.

School FinancesFinancial management is strong, with the healthy balance sheet and pupil numbers enabling the School to build the new £4m Sports Centre. Fee income balances expenditure and has provided a surplus adequate for loan servicing and future development.

The School has emerged well from the effects of Covid-19 so far but nevertheless sensible steps are being taken to protect the financial position of the School, and capital projects are likely to be delayed.

The School is a registered charity that is committed to providing public benefit.

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Leadership and StaffSenior Leadership Team (SLT)The Senior Leadership Team is responsible for the day to day running and strategic development of the School. It consists of the Headmaster, Deputy Head (Academic), Deputy Head (Pastoral), Head of Pre-Prep and Bursar

Senior Management Team (SMT)The main focus of the Senior Management Team (SLT plus 7 or 8 senior staff) is the week to week operations and planning of the School.

Committees and MeetingsThere are two principal committees, Teaching & Learning and Pastoral & Welfare. The Heads of Department and the Communication, Marketing and Admissions team both meet regularly.

StaffThe Head leads a committed and dedicated staffroom of 43, including some part time, and in addition 18 teaching assistants many of them part time. They are a strength of the School, an exciting blend of the experienced with the newly qualified. In addition, there are 15 visiting music specialists teaching instrumental music. The Head is supported by a P.A. who is also the Registrar. Two teachers are OSAs (former pupils), as are gap students and many current parents. 12 members of staff are currently resident on site, including the Headmaster and his family.

The Head is supported by a strong administrative team led by the Bursar. The Bursar is responsible for the management of the Finance, Catering and Domestic, Estates, ICT, Administration and HR functions and also has primary responsibility for Health & Safety and compliance, excluding safeguarding; this amounts to 20 support staff, in addition to the outsourced catering function with 8 staff.

With the support of the staff the School withdrew from the Teachers Pension Scheme in May 2020 and all staff were enrolled in the flexible alternative pension scheme for teachers in Independent Schools (APTIS).

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Structure of the SchoolFrom Nursery to Year 8 there is an emphasis on academic enquiry to keep the inquisitive mind busy and develop independent learning. The School provides stimulating, challenging lessons delivered by inspiring teachers.

Teaching and Learning is at the forefront of life at St Andrew’s, and the Enrichment programme is designed to add to the breadth of the curriculum with a carousel of Co-Curricular Activities. Individualised one-to-one teaching is offered by teachers who are qualified in Specific Learning Difficulties. The School is organised in two sections, Pre-Prep and Prep. Pre-Prep is further organised into two stages of Early Years (Nursery and Reception) and Years 1& 2, and Prep into two stages, Juniors (Years 3 to 5) and Seniors (Years 6 to 8). Pupils move seamlessly from one stage to the next.

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Pre-PrepThe Pre-Prep occupies its own purpose-built buildings, with the addition of safe and secure gardens, adventure playground, bicycle play area and giant sand pit, as well as the School woods. A good start is key and Pre-Prep provides a strong foundation for pupils to achieve academically.

Early Years: In the Nursery children are given unpressurised time to develop as individuals, form relationships, and develop their innate creativity and love of learning. In Reception the growth of social skills and empathy towards others is actively encouraged, in addition to a strong sense of self-belief and independence. Solid foundations are laid for the pupils’ future at St Andrew’s and for a smooth transition into Year 1.

Years 1 and 2: In Years 1 and 2, life becomes a little more formal, though the emphasis is still on learning through investigation. Some areas of the curriculum are taken by subject teachers. This, together with the increasing use of Prep School facilities, helps to ensure a smooth transition into Year 3.

Prep - Years 3 to 8As a pupil moves up the School there are significant changes in the tenor and pace of lessons to ensure that intellectual growth and challenge are maintained. The curriculum covers a wide range of academic subjects as well as an enrichment programme. There are classes for potential scholarship pupils as well as Learning Skills lessons for those who need a helping hand.

Juniors: From Year 5, pupils are introduced to prep (homework) to learn the important skill of independent study. Pupils are also helped along the way by a series of study-skills lessons and to introduce them to revision techniques.

Seniors: The majority of children stay at the School for Years 7 and 8 where they take on positions of leadership within the School and where the School is currently exploring an alternative curriculum in response to the changing approach to Common Entrance. Senior school assessment classes begin in Year 6.

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Senior Schools Results and ScholarshipsWhilst entry to the School is non-selective, pupils invariably move on to a wide range of leading senior schools. The staff are extremely skilled in preparing pupils for the 13+ Common Entrance, pre-tests and other entrance tests or assessments to ensure a smooth transition to senior school.

There is also an outstanding record of scholarship success. A significant number of pupils have been awarded scholarships each year; including academic, music, drama, sport, art and all-rounder.

In 2019 and 2020, all leavers achieved a place at their school of choice.

Recent destinations included:• Abingdon• Bradfield College• Canford• Downe House• Eton• Magdalen College School• Marlborough College• Pangbourne College• Queen Anne’s School• Radley• Shiplake College• St Edward’s Oxford• St Helen and St Katharine• The Oratory• Wellington

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Co-Curricular ActivitiesThe balanced timetable combines academic lessons with daily co-curricular activities.

Music‘Music for All’ is a fundamental principle at St Andrew’s. Two hundred individual lessons are timetabled each week, with fifteen visiting music teachers. The School Orchestra and 8 bands and instrumental groups offer opportunities for pupils to perform in a wide variety of styles. The Senior and Junior Chapel Choirs maintain the School’s strong choral tradition, and there is also a Pre-Prep Choir, Year 3 Choir and the St Andrew’s Singers (which focuses on non-liturgical repertoire).

Performance opportunities abound with formal and informal concerts each term and the annual Section Music Competition. The Senior Choir sings Evensong at a cathedral each year.

SportSport is a vital part of the pupils’ lives. They play hard with healthy competition encouraged, but being gracious in defeat is just as important as winning. The combination of wonderful grounds and committed staff enthuses the pupils to strive for their best, but most of all to enjoy their sport each and every day.

St Andrew’s punches above its sporting weight. Both boys’ and girls’ teams have consistently achieved county, regional and national success in a variety of sports, and the newly built Sports Centre is inspiring the pupils to yet dizzier heights.

The ‘Sport for All’ mantra gives each of the pupils the opportunity to flourish and live a healthy and active life, not only at St Andrew’s but at their chosen senior schools.

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OrienteeringThis is a tradition of St Andrew’s, and all children learn the basic skills during a weekly Enrichment activity in Year 3. Every year the School takes part in the British Schools’ Orienteering Championships, and for seven of the last eight years has been British Middle/Prep School Champions.

The School was one of hosts for the first ever World Orienteering Day in 2016, when the world record for the number of children and young people worldwide taking part in an orienteering event on the same day was well and truly broken.

Performing ArtsThe School has its own purpose built drama studio and is planning to develop a Performing Arts Centre. Drama is in the timetable/curriculum for all age groups, and pupils have opportunities to perform in Poetry Competitions, Public Speaking Competitions and Balloon debates.

There is a play or performance for every year group each year, culminating in the Year 8 musical, and Drama Clubs for all age groups.

In addition to performing, there are also opportunities to learn about stage management and operating the School’s professional sound and light equipment.

“Pupils’ excellent achievements are firmly supported by a diverse range of co-curricular activities that enable them to develop exciting new skills.”

ISI Report 2017

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Extra-Curricular OpportunitiesThe pupils’ love of life and zest for learning is supported by providing them with opportunities outside the curriculum that create lifelong, happy memories. They are given the freedom to play or explore the woods during their breaks, often spending their time climbing trees and making dens.

The range of activities includes Enrichment, Clubs, Educational Visits, Residential Trips, Theme Days and other Events.

School clubs include gymnastics, ballet, chess, choir, dance, drama, golf, handwriting, horseriding, orienteering, taekwondo, tennis, typing and first aid.

SectionsWhen a child starts at St Andrew’s, they will be placed in one of four Sections (Houses). They have regular Section meetings and compete against each other in a variety of competitions throughout the year, Each Section is associated with a different colour.

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The Great OutdoorsValuing the outdoors and experiencing it whatever the weather is the fundamental essence of St Andrew’s.

Pre-Prep pupils learn outside on part of every day, with Forest School each week.

Further up the School pupils have numerous opportunities to experience the great outdoors. The new Outdoor Learning Area - tucked away in the far corner of the woods - supports the Forest School activities and the PE and Games curriculum for ages 3 to 13. It is also used for extra-curricular activities and for holiday camps.

Crucial life skills of communication, collaboration, problem-solving and developing initiative and leadership are fostered in this exciting new facility. The woods already have their own canopied area and fixed campfires, but this area will be further developed and will include a mountain bike track and an activity trail of problem-solving activities.

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Pastoral CareSt Andrew’s is renowned for providing the very highest level of pastoral care from Nursery through to Year 8. The availability of flexi-boarding means all children benefit from access to matrons and staff on-site at all times. In the most recent ISI report pastoral care was deemed to be of the very highest calibre with pupils’ moral development described as outstanding.

With a breakfast club, early morning drop-off, a late club and the availability of supper, as well as flexi-boarding, the School supports working families as much as it can.

St Andrew’s believes wholeheartedly in the academic, social and developmental benefits of co-education. with girls and boys taught together throughout the School.

There are four School Councils which give the pupils a chance to discuss any ideas for improvement.

BoardingSt Andrew’s offers flexi-boarding, with separate boarding wings for boys and girls and a total of 25 beds organised into 4 dormitories. The ethos of boarding is one of extending the family atmosphere of the School with an emphasis on activities, including camp-fires, cycling, climbing, bake-off cookery sessions, crafts, trampolining, sports tournaments and playing hide-and-seek around the School and grounds.

The boarding offered by the School is an ideal introduction to living with others away from home and an excellent preparation for senior school. The boarding ethos is valued by all, including parents of day pupils. There is an opportunity to expand this aspect of the School. (It has been suspended during the Coronavirus pandemic.)

“Boarders love the experience – hot chocolate and toast in the common room, summer evenings playing tennis, swimming or ‘just lying on the grass talking”

Good Schools Guide

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The School Community FOSA: All parents, staff and governors are members of FOSA (Friends of St Andrew’s), which fosters the School’s strong community spirit with a programme of social events, parents’ fitness classes and the immensely popular coffee shop. It provides an opportunity for parents and children to mix whilst raising money for non-essential items, most recently an entire outdoor classroom situated in the woods.

Wider Local Community and Community Outreach: St Andrew’s shares resources and facilities with local primary schools and local sports clubs.

Global Community: The School has long-standing relationships with two partner schools, The Grace School in South Africa and St Peter’s in Uganda, with groups of pupils from St Andrew’s visiting both in recent years.

Charities: The pupils are impressively committed to fundraising for charity, supporting a variety of local, national and international causes.

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THE ROLE OF THE NEW HEAD

Key ResponsibilitiesTo lead, inspire and enhance the School so that it fulfils the academic, pastoral and social needs of pupils, meets the high expectations of parents and staff and maintains and further reinforces the School as a happy place.More specifically the key roles are to:

• Fill the school with pupils through the recruitment of whole families.• Ensure that all pupils achieve levels of attainment that maximise their

abilities, and progress to the school of their choice.• Protect the School family culture, in particular the pastoral support for

which the School is well-known.• Recruit exceptional teaching staff and lead them with vision and

motivation, ensuring that they receive professional development and career-enhancing opportunities.

• Communicate regularly, and be available to meet with parents wherever necessary.

• Work with the Governors and the Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver the School’s Strategic Development Plan.

• Act as an energetic ambassador for the School, working both locally and nationally with the wider community and consolidating a reputation of a school of national repute.

Key AccountabilitiesThe Head is responsible directly and by delegation for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the School, through the use of plans and structures which have been appropriately researched and developed. He or she must:

• Ensure the core values of the School continue to underpin its ethos and inform its policies and culture.

• Plan and implement an effective curriculum, timetabling and the academic organisation of the School, and review these regularly as appropriate.

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• Create the appropriate balance between all areas of school life and activity, including those areas such as art, drama, music and sport not leading to formal examinations.

Pupils• Ensure every child can develop his or her unique talents. • Oversee the care and development of each pupil, maintaining excellent

academic standards within the School.• Monitor pupils’ progress and ensure parents are provided with regular

and appropriate feedback. • Provide appropriate pastoral care and welfare for all pupils.

Parents• Develop excellent professional relationships with the parents of pupils.• Promote the School through events and other forms of effective

communications, including personal networking, in order to establish positive relations with prospective and current parents.

• Establish and maintain good relationships through regular contact with senior and secondary schools, and advise parents on suitable choices for their children.

Staff• Ensure that the School is staffed by high calibre professionals who are

well trained, motivated, engaged and retained to deliver the School’s objectives.

• Lead, manage and motivate the Senior Leadership Team, and with them all other staff.

• Oversee the appointment of all teaching and some support staff • Encourage the continuing professional development of staff through

regular appraisal and inset.• Ensure that a well-developed performance management system is

implemented within the School in order to monitor performance and support the development of all staff.

• Build on and protect the staff wellbeing programme.

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Management• Provide operational leadership that inspires confidence across the

School.• Set an example of continuous personal development, participating in

appropriate training in order to maintain an up-to-date professional expertise.

• Monitor the overall financial performance of the School and take ultimate responsibility for meeting the annual budget agreed by the Governors, in both of which the Head will be assisted by the Bursar.

• Ensure that the School enjoys productive relationships with regulatory authorities and external accrediting bodies. Undertaking ongoing evaluation and implementation of systems and practices to ensure that the School receives successful inspection outcomes.

• Develop an admissions and marketing strategy which is based on a realistic appraisal of the local market and the changing needs of families.

• Recruit and retain pupils, in line with agreed targets, and oversee admission and entrance procedures.

Governors• Work with the Chair to enable the Board of Governors to fulfil its

duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the School and to ensure the Board receives timely advice and appropriate information on all relevant matters.

• Ensure that the School meets all its legal obligations including compliance with Safeguarding and Health and Safety regulations and other legislation as appropriate.

• Submit policy proposals for the approval of the Board; assisting the Board in the development of tactical and strategic policies, and implementing and monitoring these policies.

• Report regularly to the Board of Governors on progress towards the strategic priorities and implementation of Board policies, and of the achievements, events, strengths, weaknesses and KPIs of the School.

• Ensure, in partnership with the Chair, that the Board receives sufficient and timely information and advice in order to make informed decisions.

• To attend (with the Bursar) meetings of the Board of Governors and its committees.

• Undertake other duties appropriate to the general purpose of the post which may from time to time be reasonably assigned by the Chair of the Board.

Development and Ambassadorial• Be aware of trends in education, the requirements of the senior

and secondary schools and of the National Curriculum and, where appropriate, recommend changes to policy and practice.

• Be a member of the IAPS and BSA and will represent the School on other bodies which the Board deems suitable.

• Maintain good relationships and communications within the School and with key stakeholders outside the School, including local schools, the local community, professional bodies and former pupils.

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THE PERSON The successful candidate will be an inspirational leader capable of taking the School forward with clear vision, compassion and determination. The successful candidate will understand, value and nurture the School’s ethos and values whilst building on its many achievements to date. It is likely that the successful candidate will have the following key skills, experience and attributes:

Qualifications and Experience • A University degree, with any management and leadership qualification

an advantage.• A proven track record of successful whole school leadership and

management experience and developing an open, inclusive and collaborative working environment, probably gained in a leading independent preparatory or senior school.

• An in-depth understanding of the coeducational school environment and of education for the 3-13 age group, and current opportunities and challenges in the independent prep school sector.

• A love of teaching and substantial experience in curriculum development and innovation.

• An understanding of the particular features and pressures of the School’s catchment where both maintained and independent options offer strong alternatives to St Andrew’s.

• Demonstrable experience of engaging and building relationships with the whole school community, both internally and externally.

• Experience of developing, implementing and monitoring strategic plans in support of the aims, mission and values of a school.

• Experience of, or the potential capacity to supervise, the full range of staff management processes e.g. recruitment, development, retention and performance management.

• Experience of, or the potential capacity to supervise, resource management (financial, human and physical).

• Detailed knowledge of the most recent safeguarding legislation and an understanding of whole school safeguarding policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities• Clarity of vision with an ability to articulate such vision and translate it

into meaningful specific plans and objectives, gaining commitment from staff, parents, pupils and Governors.

• Ability and willingness to delegate and devolve responsibility to staff. • A strong work ethic and commitment to all areas of school life. • Excellent communication and presentation skills (both written and

verbal) to engage in private or public with several different audiences including children, parents, staff, peers and members of the wider school community.

• Excellent decision-making and problem solving abilities including evidence of having dealt successfully with a range of challenges both strategic and operational.

• Good financial and resource planning skills. • Proficient ICT skills with an understanding of and genuine commitment

to the role digital technology can play in education. • Ability to work with conflicting demands and timescales. • Excellent up to date knowledge of, and ability to manage, risk and

regulatory issues including inspection, legal compliance, child protection, safer recruitment and health & safety.

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Personal Attributes• Inspirational, determined and enthusiastic leader with a sense of gravitas

and ability to motivate others.• Strategic and forward-looking with the ability to design and

communicate effectively a clear and compelling vision.• A strong commitment to the academic, personal and social development

of pupils, understanding the needs and concerns of their age group and having a natural empathy with them. A proven track record in developing pastoral excellence.

• Open, participative, and collegiate by nature, receptive to new ideas and thoughts, with an ability to listen, consult, discuss and then act.

• An excellent communicator able to establish good relationships with staff, pupils, Governors and parents, including prospective parents.

• Be personable, professional, tenacious and reasonable, able to conduct themselves with a positive, optimistic outlook and a good sense of humour.

• Create a safe and happy environment within which the School community can work and learn. Put the welfare and best interests of the pupils at the forefront of all that they do.

• An inclusive and empowering approach to management, building trust, inspiring confidence and fostering team spirit. Excellent judgement and integrity and sense of fairness.

• Hold themselves and those under their leadership to the highest work ethic and standards of achievement and conduct.

• Able to act as a visible and accessible ambassador and professional advocate for the School, with strong personal credibility.

• Calm and collected under pressure. Demonstrate patience, resilience, energy, enthusiasm, creativity, resourcefulness, reliability and integrity. Approach problems thoughtfully and consultatively before reaching a measured conclusion and course of action.

• Embrace respectful challenge from the Governing Board and work co-operatively with them in a transparent, purposeful and strategic manner.

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Terms and Conditions• Appointment to this post will be subject to

receipt of three suitable written references (including one from the candidate’s current employer).

• The Governors of St Andrew’s School are seeking someone of exceptional ability and will remunerate the successful candidate accordingly.

• Medical insurance for the Head and his/her dependents is available as part of a flexible benefits package under the APTIS pension scheme.

• For the better performance of the Head’s duties it is a requirement to live on-site in the rent-free seven-bedroomed family house.

• There is a generous fee remission for the Head’s children (if applicable).

• The post will be offered subject to the necessary pre-employment checks, including medical fitness and enhanced DBS check.

Spouse/PartnerIf a candidate has a spouse or partner who is keen to play a role within the School, we would welcome details. Although this is by no means essential there may be an opportunity for him/her, dependent on qualifications and experience and on the School’s needs, and this will be suitably remunerated.

If appropriate, candidates should refer in their covering letter to this aspect. Their spouse/ partner would also be interviewed at the final stage, and would be subject to DBS and other regulatory checks. He/she should complete a separate Application Form (suitably amended to show that the application is being made as the spouse/partner of an applicant for the Headship) and would need to provide the details of at least two referees in their own right. These may be the same as those for the candidate for Headship.

ADDITIONAL CANDIDATE INFORMATION

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The Application ProcessThe recruitment and search process is being managed by the Governors’ selection panel, which consists of five governors and an external adviser, Mr Andrew Nott.

Confidential DiscussionIf they wish, interested candidates are invited to contact Andrew Nott for a confidential discussion prior to making an application (andrew@aneconsultancy.com; 07799 411406).

Application DocumentsCandidates should send a completed application form (available here) together with a CV and a covering letter (maximum 750 words) addressed to Mrs F M Rutland, Chair of Governors, explaining their reasons for applying and addressing the key attributes required.

These documents should be emailed as PDF files to the recruitment panel at headapplications@standrewspangbourne.co.uk.

Closing Date: 5.00pm, Monday 19 October 2020.

All applications will be treated in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

All visits to the School and interviews will comply with Covid-19 social distancing regulations, and it may be necessary for the interviews to be held elsewhere. Candidates will be informed of the current requirements in advance of a visit.

The Process• All applications will be acknowledged

by email. If you have not received an acknowledgement within two working days of sending it please contact the Head’s PA, Mrs Carolyn Reeves (0118974 4276; registrar@standrewspangbourne.co.uk).

• Candidates selected for the long list will be contacted by 27 October or shortly afterwards and invited, if they wish, to make a confidential appointment to visit the School with Mrs Reeves.

• Long list interviews with members of the Governors’ selection panel will take place at St Andrew’s (if possible) in the week beginning 2 November, and subsequently there may also be a virtual interview with members of the selection panel.

• Final round (short list) candidates will be contacted by 9 November and interviews with the Governing body will take place at St Andrew’s (if possible) on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November.

• In the week prior to the final interviews there will be an opportunity for the candidates and their spouse/partner (if applicable) to meet the Headmaster and his wife, to visit the Headmaster’s house, and to meet members of the SLT/SMT.

• During that week members of the selection committee would like to visit candidates at their current school (subject to agreement).

• Final round candidates will be given details of the interview process, to include a presentation to Governors, on 11 November.

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St Andrew’s School, Pangbourne, Berkshire RG8 8QAadmin@standrewspangbourne.co.uk • 01189744276

www.standrewspangbourne.co.uk

St Andrew’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must share

this commitment and be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past

employers and subject to a successful enhanced DBS.St Andrew’s is an equal opportunities employer.