HEAD Candidate information brochure - RSAcademics
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HEAD Candidate information brochure
Introduction The Downs Preparatory School is a leading independent, co-educational preparatory school and nursery for children aged between six months and 13. It is a place of happiness and joy; a place of opportunity and diversity; a place of endeavour and aspiration. A close community, children are fully known as individuals and the school can identify the spark that lights their passion for learning. The Downs Preparatory School was founded in 1894 in a house overlooking the extensive parklands of Bristol, known as The Downs. In 1927 it was relocated, according to Mr Wilfred Harrison, the Headmaster of the time, to get away from the ‘incessant roar of traffic’ and the ‘nerve-racking turmoil of the city’. It was moved across the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Charlton House on the Tyntesfield Estate. In the autumn of 2002, the school and parklands were bought from the estate of Lord Wraxall by the charity that owns and operates the school. Today, at the end of a meandering drive, distanced from the turmoil of urban life, approximately 280 children thrive in the beautiful 60-acre estate of The Downs Preparatory School (The Downs). The school is centred around an imposing Victorian House. In recent years there has been extensive investment in the built environment and the school now enjoys extensive, well- maintained facilities. The Downs children are challenged but nurtured in all aspects of their busy school life. The school’s primary aim is to encourage each Charltonian (current pupil) to be a confident, well-rounded individual who will unreservedly embrace qualities such as respect, kindness and courage.
Appointment Aims & Ethos
Context The Downs children enjoy a vibrant education
that is stimulating and challenging. Academic
study is important and all pupils are expected
After 18 years of dedicated service as
to adopt a healthy work ethic and achieve
Headmaster, Marcus Gunn is retiring. Much
high standards, but the school believes in
has been achieved under his leadership and
celebrating the creative, the physical and
he and his wife Valerie are leaving a happy
the spiritual as much as the intellectual.
school with a well-deserved reputation for
Experience shows that those who derive
being one of the top independent prep schools
pleasure from activities outside the classroom
in the country.
go on to perform exceptionally well in
The new Head must be able to lead, challenge academic work.
and inspire both staff and children whilst
The school states, ‘We want our pupils to
building unshakeable confidence with parents.
enjoy their childhood in a safe and beautiful
They will need to have vision, warmth and
environment, away from the pressures
charisma. They will embrace a child-centred
of modern youth. We expect them to
approach to every decision and appreciate
demonstrate consideration, humility and good
the privilege it is to be entrusted with the
grace. While our children may perceive they
responsibility of making every day for the
have options, in reality they are obliged to
children memorable and enjoyable. It is
engage wholeheartedly in the multitude of
important that the new Head works closely
opportunities presented.’
with the staff, embracing collaboration and
collegiality. One of the key priorities is to Character at The Downs is shaped over
ensure the provision of exceptional teaching time by strong traditional values. By
and academic excellence whilst maintaining consistent repetition of these expectations,
the all-round ethos of the school. happy, accomplished, civilised young adults
are nurtured.
The Downs is unique at least in the locality.
To state the obvious, it is an independent prep Childhood is cherished. Children are
school, it has no strings; the pupils go on to encouraged to be imaginative in their learning
many different senior schools. The Downs and playing and to make the most of the
community is also very close and very happy wonderful park and woodland. They wear
and there is huge respect for all members of wellies, climb trees and make dens. They
the community. The children are constantly make elaborate daisy-chains, delight in playing
challenged and encouraged to reach their conkers and relish bush-craft cooking. The
individual potential but in the knowledge that sophisticated world of mobile devices and
they have considerable support. The new adolescence remains at the front entrance for
Head must therefore be sympathetic to this later life.
context. Outstanding interpersonal skills will The aims of the school go on to state, ‘Within
be essential. this wholesome environment we seek to
A wonderful opportunity exists for the next nurture unaffected good manners, and we
Head of The Downs. This is a thoroughly applaud the qualities of friendship, gentleness
ambitious and forward-thinking school but, and tolerance. We have high regard for
above all, it is a school in which the child individuality, we endorse aspiration and we
remains very much the central focus. celebrate success. Quality of character is
considered as important as achievement.’
A highly competitive remuneration package,
including exceptional on-site family
accommodation, will be offered.
The Estate Unusually within the school, Coachman’s
Cottage serves as a café for parents,
something much appreciated by many. The
It is difficult to believe that the bustling, attractive dining room stands at the centre of
cultured city of Bristol is only five miles away the school and indeed the excellent food is fit
from the tranquil grounds of The Downs. for any army. This summer the kitchen is to be
At the end of the long drive, ignorant of the refurbished and plans exist to also improve the
distractions of the inner city and within a dining furniture.
mobile-free zone, children are able to safely
Excitingly there has been considerable
enjoy their childhood within a stunning
investment in The Downs over the last decade.
park and woodland setting. The views are
Most recently the new nursery, Bertie’s, was
awe-inspiring and the fresh air fresh! It is a
opened, but there remains appetite to
wonderful landscape within which to educate
continue developing the school, not least
children, the key being to use it to the
because standing still in a competitive market
children’s best advantage. In this regard the
is not an option.
beautiful Tree House – an outdoor classroom
– Pets Corner and the allotments are integral
aspects of the school’s educational provision,
the extensive, well-resourced playing areas
being to the delight of the children.
All sports are provided for on-site, although
the pool being outdoors requires the younger
children to swim at a local pool in the winter.
The Sports Hall is expansive, the two astro
pitches ideal sizes for prep school children
and the games fields large enough to
accommodate large tournaments, be they
cricket or rugby, which are done regularly.
The performing and creative arts are also
extremely well catered for. Modern Music
Pods are used for teaching but in fact music is
taught and heard throughout the school. The
200-seater theatre is always in use, but the
Drama Studio and
the Dance Studio provide room for further
teaching. The Art Department is extensive
– two large teaching rooms and a ceramics
room. It affords opportunity of all genres.
The classrooms are large, light, airy and
resourced with the latest teaching and learning
technology. One traditional IT Suite remains;
the other now takes the shape of a Learning
Lab that nicely facilitates independent learning.
The two Science Labs are well equipped, the
elegant library is well resourced, and the Staff
Common Room is unusually comfortable.
Children who benefit from Learning Support
attend a smart department, the staff highly
qualified in various aspects of support.
School Structure Pre-Prep
Children join the Pre-Prep at the age of four.
There are approximately 280 children at The They spend four years in this particularly
Downs and 72 younger children at Bertie’s. happy and caring setting, being encouraged
Children are admitted to The Downs on the to learn in a safe and secure atmosphere. The
strength of interview and discreet evaluation. unique rural environment affords imaginative
The school is non-selective academically but and purposeful play, where children can have
there are basic academic requirements for direct access to the large and varied school
entry to ensure that new children are capable grounds. The school’s nurturing style ensures
of meeting ongoing academic standards and that each individual is taken forward from their
that the school has suitable structures to starting point, challenged and excited in their
cater for them educationally. The Pre-Prep learning journey. The enriching curriculum
Department is largely independent of the Prep provides children with a strong social and
School, although the young children benefit academic foundation from which they gain
from all the school’s extensive facilities. As confidence and self-esteem, the essential
the children move to The Downs there are two building blocks for their future education.
forms in each year group, with a maximum of
eighteen in each class.
Prep School
Bertie’s The Prep School expands on the excellent
grounding of the Pre-Prep. It offers a broad,
Bertie’s, named after the Headmaster’s dog, diverse curriculum that seeks to develop
is the school’s nursery that stands on the drive each child’s strengths and interests while
800 metres from the school. It is a beautiful simultaneously preparing them for senior
facility set within its own considerable grounds, school entry. The Common Entrance Syllabus
across from the farm on the opposite side enables the pupils to approach 13+ senior
of the drive. Children aged six months to school entry exams with confidence, be they
four attend and demand is great; it opened scholarship, Common Entrance or Bristol
in January 2018 and already 75 families schools. Many also take scholarships in
attend. There is an active, direct link between drama, art, music and sport. The preparation
Bertie’s and The Downs and its introduction for 13+ exams begins in Year 6 but Years 7
has certainly enhanced recruitment into the and 8 are in many ways the essence of an
Reception Year at the Prep School. education at The Downs. At this point the
pupils begin to reach the ‘top of a small pile’,
an experience that comes much later in most
schools. The benefit of greater independence,
responsibility and according privilege at this
vital stage is immeasurable and the resulting
confidence is tangible.
Results There is continual communication between
each of these teams and the Headmaster, as
well as amongst the teams themselves. The
& Destination teams provide excellent support and counsel
to the Headmaster; indeed, there are three ISI
inspectors at The Downs.
Pupils move on from The Downs at thirteen to
a variety of prestigious senior schools. Much
time is taken with parents to carefully identify the
schools most suitable for their children, advice
being entirely impartial given the independent
status of The Downs. The process is evidently
successful given that, almost without exception,
pupils successfully pass into the school of
their first choice. Most recently these have
included local schools such as Clifton College,
Badminton, QEH and BGS. More widely, pupils
have moved onto Winchester, Eton, Cheltenham
Ladies’ College and Sherborne. The school
takes pride that many of the Year 8 leavers
are awarded scholarships; however, such
accolades are not purposefully sought as they
do not ‘hot house’ for results. It is nevertheless
gratifying that, over the last decade, 50% have
been moved on with an award, indeed on a
number of occasions a full house has been
achieved: academic, music, art, drama and sport
scholarships. There can be little more a school
can do to provide evidence of genuine breadth.
Structure
& Organisation
The Leadership Team consists of the
Headmaster, the Bursar, the Head of the Pre-
Prep and Bertie’s, and two Assistant Heads. The
team meets formally each week and informally
almost daily. The excellent Curriculum Group
includes four experienced senior members of
staff, each taking a responsibility for an aspect of
the curriculum such as reporting, recording and
curriculum planning. The Pastoral Care Group is
a more recent and highly valued addition to the
team. One of the Assistant Heads chairs each
of these groups. At Bertie’s, two Deputy Heads
assist the Head of the Pre-Prep and Bertie’s. The
Bursar also leads an Estates Team that includes
the Facilities Manager.
Learning to Learn Carefully chosen, differentiated activities
rapidly develop their varied abilities. As they
approach Year 1 more formality is introduced
All the children at The Downs are expected to into their learning, ready for the challenge of
achieve high academic standards. They are the later Pre-Prep years. Teaching in Years 1
encouraged to be aspirational and they are to 3 is largely class-based although French,
coaxed to develop impressive work ethics that Music, Dance, PE and Information Technology
serve them well for future years. are taught by specialists. The transition to
Learning is extremely well resourced. The Year 4, or the Prep School, is seamless, as
balance between the use of modern technology class-based teaching continues. As children
and more traditional methods is carefully and enter Year 5, however, a senior school model is
constantly evaluated to ensure learning is introduced and children move round the school
as effective and engaging as possible. For to the various subject departments. All the
the younger children the immediate outdoor Prep School teachers are subject specialists,
environment is a unique, invaluable resource most having taught GCSE and A level in the
to extend learning out of the classroom and independent sector.
beyond the syllabus. The Pre-Prep children
make the most of the sites in the cultured city
of Bristol; music groups and sports teams enjoy
short tours all over the country while the older
Confidence
pupils develop their cultural appreciation and
linguistic skills during annual trips to France
and Spain.
through Diversity
Children find recognition in a host of ways.
Pursuing an interest offers satisfaction in itself
Teaching but, by pushing for the highest standards,
children find fulfilment and confidence.
Although attention is focused on realising the
The Downs is committed to high-quality intellectual potential of each child, the school
teaching. Teachers are deeply enthusiastic believes this is best achieved by embracing
about their subject areas and they provide a the benefits brought by enriching experiences.
rich learning experience for the children. They
value traditional teaching methods, which they The youngest children are cheerfully
employ with skill and enthusiasm, but they also cajoled into making the most of the diverse
embrace new technologies wisely. Nothing is opportunities provided by the school. They
too much for them; careful consideration is are guarded against becoming specialist
made to provide for the full range of abilities, sportsmen, musicians or lead characters;
some children being helped in their work by rather, rugby players are encouraged to
the Learning Support Department. sing with distinction in the Chamber Choir,
saxophonists to act with conviction in the
The academic curriculum is exciting and numerous school productions and leading
reflects the independent nature of the school. characters to create brilliant works of art.
It broadens the children’s knowledge and
encourages higher-order thinking skills of Within this environment, children become
assessment, evaluation and creative thinking. rounded individuals who value the difference of
It prepares pupils extremely well for 13+ senior others. They learn to conduct themselves with
school exams. confidence in contrast to arrogance. Above all,
they develop a sense of integrity so that they
Children entering the Reception Year are can identify right from wrong and stand up for
expertly introduced to learning through the values they have grown to embrace.
play-based activities.
Energy & Enrichment Sport is an integral part of each child’s development at The Downs. The school understands the enormous benefit of sporting involvement; the willingness to commit wholeheartedly to a contest, the challenge of handling victory and defeat, the disciplines of training and the opportunities to represent others. Sport is not just about physical aptitude; it develops the whole person. Sport is genuinely ‘for all’ at The Downs, where they seek to inspire the elite and the apprentice. The school wants all its pupils to enjoy physical exertion and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Theirs is a philosophy of inclusion; there is a team for everyone, all of the children represent The Downs Preparatory School. They are nevertheless proud to be renowned for excellence on the sports fields. Teams play in the ‘premier league’ and the impressive results of all the teams speak for themselves. They have regularly won the national rugby sevens title but, importantly, teams in various other sports - hockey, netball, riding - regularly compete at a similar level. Matches are enthusiastically attended by numerous supporters. They take place most Wednesdays and some Saturdays. For those children who genuinely do not like games, the Downs Award scheme provides a popular alternative of activities such as caving, climbing and bush-craft.
Nurturing Music at The Downs is for all – whether they
are expert or not – and is deeply embedded
in the heart of the school. The large majority
Creativity of the pupils study a musical instrument
and there exist numerous opportunities to
play regularly with a variety of ensembles or
The performing and creative arts are central
bands. The school encourages and caters for
to the school’s rich culture; every pupil is
all styles of music and constantly provides
involved in the imaginative and dynamic arts
performance opportunities, be they informal at
programme. Many opportunities are provided,
such school events as the Battle of the Bands
both formal and informal, for children to
or formal at such venues as St George’s
perform and regularly showcase their learning
Chapel, Windsor and Bristol Cathedral. The
and talents in drama, music, art and dance.
quality of musicianship is high, but the singing
The standards are very high, and this has
is outstanding. There are seven choirs, it being
necessitated the development of excellent
compulsory in the Prep School. The wonderful
facilities: an impressive theatre, new Music
Chamber Choir has for several years been in
School and Dance Studio.
the final of the Choir of the Year Competition.
The expansive Art Department is a wonderful The unusually high level of participation
space in which children cannot help but be has made it necessary over recent years to
inspired. Their work on display around the steadily increase facilities.
school is extremely impressive. The emphasis
Speech and Drama is very popular at
is on the teaching and acquisition of the
The Downs. Over half the children attend
fundamental skills of drawing and painting, but
peripatetic lessons and enter formal exams
these are complemented by opportunities to
and local art festivals with great success.
learn pottery, ceramics, print making, sculpture
While these lessons take place in the drama
and textiles. Excellent instruction in traditional
studio, the theatre is the home of drama at
woodwork is also given by a cabinet maker.
The Downs. This excellent venue provides the
Visits are made to the studios of local artists
space for all children to be involved in at least
and pupils are introduced to the works of the
one production each year and for older pupils
‘masters’ each week, both modern and old.
to develop their interest in theatre technology.
Recent productions have included ‘Macbeth’,
‘Archie’s War’ and ‘Bugsy Malone’. The level
of performance is unusually convincing, some
pupils also regularly taking part in professional
productions and attending local theatre group
companies such as The Old Vic, Bristol.
Indeed, the school is about to develop a direct
link with the Old Vic that will mean the children
experience the best coaching possible.
Dance has featured at The Downs for many
years but recently there has been a significant
increase in the range and ambition of dance
activities. A new studio has helped to facilitate
and develop this interest and teachers are
pleased to provide lessons in such styles as
ballet, hip-hop, street dance and jazz for
the more ambitious. Exam results are
impressive and public performance
opportunities are regular.
Care & Support Further afield, active and constructive
relations are enjoyed with international schools
and charities.
To nurture a child’s full potential, it is necessary
The values at the heart of the school are
to know and understand them as individuals. For
Christian principles. This spirituality provides the
this reason, each child at The Downs is placed
backbone of the community, but the school is
in the midst of a network of exceptional pastoral
nevertheless very pleased to embrace children
care. An unusual amount of time is spent
from other denominations.
getting to know the children and their families
even before they join the school. Once they are
members of the community, the school seeks a
close partnership with parents, based on shared
values and expectations in the development of
each child.
Younger children develop under the close
attention of their class teachers. The older
children benefit additionally from having Tutors
with whom they meet at least once a week. The
Matrons are also vital members of this strong
pastoral network, more often acting as friend and
supporter than medic. A counsellor also visits the
school each week to provide Myspace, a drop in
service, or specific guidance.
The Pastoral Care Group coordinates all the
pastoral care processes and policies in order
that there is excellent communication within the
community. Within this caring network each child
is assured of generous care and support as they
negotiate the inevitable social, emotional and
academic challenges associated with school life.
Community
The warmth of community is a distinguishing
feature of The Downs. It is a happy place; a
wonderful, close, supportive community, full of
goodwill. It is the school’s duty to know each
child very well and to embrace parents in
partnership to educate their children.
As such, the school is mindful of its good fortune;
service to others has always been important.
They work particularly closely with and for their
neighbours, the Children’s Hospice South West,
and support other local charities.Inspection Governance
The School underwent an Educational Quality The new Head will be supported by an
and Focused Compliance Inspection in outstanding Board of Governors who all take
September 2017. A copy of the report can be a strong interest in the school and who are
found here. all immensely committed to its success. The
Governors have a wide range of experiences
and skills; indeed they have exceptional insight
into the independent sector. Simultaneously they
have an excellent understanding of the day-to-
day working of the school.
A number of committees meet termly and report
into the main Board Meetings. These include the
Bursary Finance, Risk and Regulation, Health
and Safety, Strategy, Nursery and Remuneration
Committees. Papers for the Board are well
prepared and distributed in a timely fashion by
the Bursar. Meetings are focused and open and
minutes ensure clarity on decisions
and responsibilities.
Reporting directly to the Chair of Governors,
the new Head will ensure that the school
successfully fulfils its aims whilst running
smoothly, efficiently and compliantly. They will
also work closely with the Strategy Committee to
realise the collaborative vision of the school.
Finances
The Chairman of Governors summarises the
school’s financial situation as follows:
Finances have been managed prudently and
robustly with continuous attention to cost control.
The tight financial control has allowed the school
to confidently keep fee increases below the
national average over the last decade, whilst
the Finance Committee has regularly reviewed
the sustainability of the fee structure. The school
has a history of generating healthy surpluses
and has access to sufficient cash and funding
to allow the continuation of a number of existing
and the consideration of other new initiatives.
This said, the current financial, economic and
political context of the sector will require prudent
financial management over the next few years.Job Description Strategy • Demonstrate appropriate levels of
self-confidence whilst inspiring confidence
• Provide and articulate, in conjunction with the in others.
The Head is accountable for the leadership and Governors, a compelling vision and viable, • Provide transparency, integrity and fairness to
management of the Preparatory, Pre-Preparatory medium to long-term strategic Development deal sensitively with conflict.
and the recently launched Nursery called Bertie’s Plan, comprising the key aspects of education, • Continue to drive, motivate and instil
(the school). In close collaboration with the finance and development of the school. energy, innovation and enthusiasm throughout
Governors and Senior Leadership Team, the the school.
• Provide collaborative leadership in discussions
HM will drive the ambition, future vision and
with the teachers and staff, Strategy • Drive progressively higher levels of
strategic direction of the school in an educational
Committee and Governors on matters relating performance of the staff by ensuring that
environment going through significant change.
to strategy. there is a clear understanding of the school’s
Benefitting from its 125-year history and very • Predict, react and adapt to changes in the expectations whilst monitoring, measuring
strong links with the Bristol and South West of educational, financial, economic and political and providing feedback, training, personal
England community, the Head will leverage the landscape to ensure the future wellbeing of and professional development or corrective
successes and learnings of the past and forge a the pupils of today and of the future. measures where necessary.
way forward to ensure that the school continues • Ensure the Development Plan is under
to lead by example and continues to provide a
pre-eminent learning environment for its students
regular review with the Governors and ensure Quality of Education
that a programme for the monitoring and
across a wide variety of subjects and activities. review of all school policies and practices is & Environment
Critical to the success of the role will be: strategy, kept up-to-date.
leadership & people management, quality • Ensure that the ethos, environment and culture
of education & environment, recruitment &
retention, regulatory compliance, finance, estate
Leadership & People of the school is supported by the necessary
resources and expertise to enable pupils to
management, marketing and communications. Management realise their ambitions across a broad
spectrum of academic, musical, theatrical and
The role of the Downs School Head is itemised sporting activities.
• Provide strong and inspiring leadership to
in more detail below: • Provide the quality, content and timely delivery
both staff and pupils to achieve the highest
standards in all aspects of the education of the very best curriculum that takes into
Role title: Head provided in and out of the classroom. consideration the latest educational initiatives
• Demonstrate the attributes and characteristics and innovations in order to best prepare
of an individual who, through leading by individual pupils for their respective secondary
Line Manager: Board of Governors example and setting the standards, can school futures.
command respect. • Monitor and evaluate pupils’ progress
Line Management: • Develop and maintain strong and positive not least through assessment data and
relationships with the Governors and implement adjustments to improve their
Directly (currently): Bursar, Head of Senior Management Team by effectively academic performance.
Pre-Prep and Bertie’s, Assistant Head (Prep communicating with and responding to them, • Safeguard and promote the welfare of the
and Pastoral Care), Assistant Head (Pre-Prep highlighting the needs and challenges whilst staff and pupils.
and Curriculum) and the Marketing Officer providing ways and means to meet and • Demonstrate a passionate commitment to the
exceed them. academic, personal and social development
Committee Membership: • Achieve a strong and effective working of the pupils based on a thorough
relationship with all stakeholders by understanding of and empathy with their
Bursary, Education, Finance, Health deploying an open, participative, collegiate needs and concerns.
& Safety, Nursery, Remuneration, Risk style with an inclusive and empowering • Ensure that the school listens, learns and
& Regulatory, Strategy approach to management. adapts to changes in pupil needs, parental
• Build trust and foster team spirit in order to input, staff feedback, Governor advice and
unlock the true potential of the staff and external information sources specifically in
pupils alike. areas such as Safeguarding, Wellbeing and
secondary school consideration.• Ensure that civility, confidence, curiosity • Provide knowledgeable leadership to ensure • Ensure that the school listens, learns and
and good manners form the cornerstone of the that the school is entirely compliant. This adapts to changes in pupil needs, parental
school’s pursuit of excellence amongst the will necessitate a strong understanding of input, staff feedback, Governor advice and
pupil population. Ofsted and ISI regulatory compliance. external information sources specifically in
• Provide leadership in discussions with • Mindful that the school aims to achieve areas such as facilities and resources.
staff, the Education Committee and way beyond compliance, regularly highlight • Provide leadership in discussions with the
Governors on matters relating to education tasks to senior members of staff that need staff, Finance, Strategy, Risk & Regulatory
and best practice. to be achieved in order to at least comply Committee and Governors on matters
• Retain the Christian values at the heart of with regulation. relating to Estate Management.
the school whilst embracing children from • Lead a range of administrative staff in order
other denominations. to ensure that all school polices are up to
date and regularly reviewed.
Marketing &
Recruitment & • Thoroughly monitor and evaluate the entire Communications
process of compliance.
Retention • Provide leadership in discussions with
• Position the school effectively, utilise
multi-media channels and drive positive
staff, the Risk & Regulatory Committee and
• Ensure that the process of marketing word of mouth recommendations and
Governors on matters relating to regulation
and sales is as efficient and successful family referrals.
and compliance.
as possible. This will include generating • Continually monitor market trends and
creative marketing strategies based on an
awareness of the activities of other schools, Finance parent, staff and Governor feedback to
ensure the school’s brand and proposition is
guiding staff as to exceptional customer care accurate and compelling.
• Work closely with the Bursar to ensure that
and perceptively looking after the needs of • Communicate and network regularly
the school has accurate forecasting and
prospective parents over a lengthy period and effectively with all sections of the
that budgets are met, funds are expended
of time. school community, especially pupils,
wisely and productively and that the school’s
• Ensure that the school attracts, recruits, parents, Governors, other schools and the
finances remain in good order.
retains and develops the appropriate local community.
• Collaborate closely with the Bursar to
number of pupils from a wide diversity of • Demonstrate excellent interpersonal
ensure accurate and timely monthly
backgrounds to fulfil its ambitions within the and communication skills through the
management accounts and achievement of
limitations of the facilities, resources and written word, one-to-one/group
year end accounting and audits.
budgets available. conversations, public speaking and social/
• Through the Bursar and Finance committee,
• Recruit, retain and develop high-quality networking events.
ensure that there is close scrutiny on cash
teaching and operational/administrative staff • Uphold the reputation for strong customer
management and capital expenditure.
members to ensure the school is able to care by being an appropriately available and
deliver on its ambitious plans. • Provide leadership in discussions with the
omnipotent ambassador and representative
Bursar and Governors on matters relating to
• Provide leadership in discussions with the of the school.
public benefit and the provision of bursaries.
staff, Development, Finance, Strategy, • Develop parents and colleagues into
Bursary, Risk & Regulatory Committee and advocates and drive the promotion and
Governors on matters relating to recruitment Estate Management selling of the school to prospective parents.
and retention of pupils and staff. • Provide leadership in discussions with the
• Propose and drive forward the programme
staff and all of the committees on matters
Regulatory of capital development and material
improvements as discussed with the
relating to marketing and communication.
Compliance Strategy Committee and agreed by the
Finance Committee.
• Thoroughly prepare and guide the school • Ensure the school’s infrastructure is
through ISI and Ofsted Inspections. maintained adequately, fit for purpose and in
line with Health and Safety standards.Person Experience Desirable: The skills that would enable
the applicant to perform effectively in the role:
Specification Essential: The categories of work or
organisations, types of achievements and
• Proficiency and enthusiasm to contribute
towards games coaching
activities that would be likely to predict • Proficiency and willingness to
The school is committed to safeguarding and success in the role. contribute towards the Creative Arts - music,
promoting the welfare of children and young
• Previous experience of being a Headmaster art, drama
people and expects all staff and volunteers to
share this commitment. of a preparatory school
• Previous experience of being a Deputy Method of Assessment
Essential: These are qualities Head of a preparatory or secondary school • Contents of the application form
without which the applicant could not • Previous experience of being a Head of • Interview
be appointed. House at a larger preparatory or • Professional references
secondary school
Desirable: These are extra Desirable: The categories of work or Knowledge
qualities which can be used to choose
organisations, types of achievements and
between applicants who meet all of the
essential criteria.
activities that would be likely to contribute to Essential: The knowledge required by the
success in the role. applicant to perform effectively in the role:
• Proven success at organising a major event
Qualifications • Proven success at dealing with people
• Knowledge of traditional values
• Knowledge of high expectations in a
prep school
Essential: The professional, technical Method of assessment • Knowledge of parent expectations
or academic qualifications that the applicant • Knowledge, understanding and appreciation
must have to undertake the role or the training • Contents of the application form
of superior customer care
that they must have received: • Interview
• Professional references
• A good teaching qualification – Bachelor of Desirable: The knowledge that would
Education or PGCE. enable the applicant to perform effectively in
Skills the role:
Desirable: The professional, technical • Knowledge of PIPs, INCas and MIDyis -
or academic qualifications that the applicant Essential: The skills required by the standardised assessment tools
would ideally have to undertake the role or the applicant to perform effectively in the role.
• Knowledge and understanding of Key
training that they should ideally have received.
• Proven track record of excellent teaching Stages 1 & 2
• A Master’s degree • Strong commercial understanding of the • Knowledge and understanding of Common
• A graduate degree in a subject that can be mechanics of an educational establishment Entrance and Scholarship
used constructively in teaching and learning • Proven track record of promoting,
• A degree that pertains to management positioning and selling a school’s proposition Method of Assessment
• Secondary qualified to a broad cross-section of the community
• Contents of the application form
• A First Aid qualification • Ability to attain and maintain high standards
of discipline • Interview
• A Life Guard qualification • Professional references
• Any sports coaching qualifications • Computer literacy - be able to use the
school MIS that is Sims
• Mini Driving Test
• Collaborative leadership skills
Method of Assessment • Proven customer service skills
Production of the applicant’s certificatesPersonal Competencies
& Qualities
Essential: The personal qualities that
the applicant requires to perform effectively in
the role.
• Passion for The Downs
• Honesty, reliability and transparency
• Loyalty, integrity
• High personal standards of appearance,
behaviour and punctuality
• An ability to embrace and drive change
• Positive attitude to use of authority and
maintaining discipline
• A willingness to reflect on personal practice
• The ability to work effectively within a team
Desirable: The personal qualities
that would assist the applicant to perform
effectively in the role.
• A good sense of humour and a
cheerful disposition - create a little fun
and weirdness!
• A positive outlook - a view of optimism
• Enthusiasm and commitment
• Tolerance and patience
• Perseverance and determination
• Humility
• Kindness, sensitivity and caring
Method of Assessment
• Contents of the application form
• Interview
• Professional references
Safeguarding
& Welfare
Essential: Ability to form and maintain
appropriate relationships and personal
boundaries with children and young peopleTerms & General notes:
Conditions
• A highly competitive remuneration package
is available, with a salary commensurate with
the seniority of the post and the experience
The Governors are prepared to offer an of the successful candidate. The Governors
attractive and competitive salary to secure the review the salary annually, effective from
best candidate. 1st September
• Family accommodation is available on-site
A formal contract, detailing terms and conditions,
will be drawn up on appointment. The following • There is a generous discount on fees for the
notes provide guidance, without prejudice, on the Head’s children as pupils at the school, which
likely main provisions. is currently not a taxable benefit
• The school is currently part of the
Government’s Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• The Head’s performance will be subject to a
regular review
• The school will be supportive, whenever
possible, of external professional activities
such as examining, committee membership
and professional body activities, as agreed
with the Governors. The school is a member
of the ISBA and AGBIS and the current Head
is a member of the IAPS
• Applicants must be willing to undergo child
protection screening appropriate to the post,
including checks with past employers and the
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Full
details are given on the application form
• Longlisted candidates will be asked to
undertake identity and qualification checks
which conform to the school’s safeguarding
policy. They must also agree to references
being taken up at that stage and checks
made with past employers
• The successful applicant will be
required to complete a self-disclosure
Medical Questionnaire
• The appointment is subject to satisfactory
references, clearance from the DBS,
proof of identity and qualifications and a
medical reportApplication Process Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics, by email or telephone, to arrange a confidential discussion with Angela Short who is leading the search or Charlotte Faber, the Senior Advisor handling this appointment: Angela Short 07786 13419 angelashort@rsacademics.com Charlotte Faber 07769 740479 charlottefaber@rsacademics.com The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Tuesday 4th June 2019. Candidates should complete their application form electronically and email it to RSAcademics Ltd, together with a covering letter addressed to the Chairman of Governors, Mr Mark Burchfield, which explains their reasons for applying. There is no need to submit a separate CV. Please email your completed application form and covering letter (both as PDF files please) to our Project Coordinator, Jonathan Barnes, at: applications@rsacademics.com Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on 01858 467449. The process is as follows: • All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact our Head Office by telephone. • Selected candidates will be invited to a preliminary interview with Charlotte Faber Founded in 2002 by Russell Speirs, RSAcademics and Angela Short of RSAcademics Ltd in specialises in schools, in the UK and central London on either Wednesday 12th internationally, advising on marketing strategy or Thursday 13th June. and research, leadership consultancy and the • Longlist interviews with members of the search and selection of Heads and senior staff. Governors’ selection panel will take place at Comprising a team of the best schools’ marketing the school on Thursday 20th and Friday professionals and respected former school 21st June. leaders, RSAcademics provides a high-quality • Final round interviews will take place at service to schools with rigour, experience and the school on Monday 24th and Tuesday warmth. Please visit www.rsacademics.com for 25th June. more information.
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