Application Pack for :

Executive Principal of Hardwicke Parochial and Clearwater C of E Primary Academies

Thank you for your interest in the post of Executive Principal; I am sure that you will find we have much to offer you. Originally established in 2012 as one of the first Diocesan Multi-Academy Trusts, The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT) is now recognised as a successful and growing MAT. There are currently ten schools within the Trust, including nine church schools and one community school; we anticipate this number will to rise to thirteen by September. Nine of the ten schools within the Trust have now been rated as at least ‘good’ by Ofsted.

Our family of schools work in close collaboration with each other to share good practice and develop innovative approaches to teaching and curriculum development. Whilst close working has led to Trust academies undertaking Achievement for All accreditation and adopting enquiry-based approaches to learning, each academy retains its distinctive characteristics, driven by the needs of the local community it serves. Whilst some of our academies are developing an international curriculum, others focus on the outdoor environment or approaches to formative assessment; it is the breadth and diversity of our schools, and the willingness to share learning, which is a unique feature of the Trust.

This post offers an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding school leader to work across two Trust academies: one a long-established and oversubscribed church school in the village of Hardwicke and the other a brand new school, scheduled to open in September 2017, serving the community in Quedgeley. When the new buildings are complete, the two schools will be less than two miles apart. In the first instance, all pupils will be educated on the Hardwicke site, providing an exciting opportunity from the outset to explore a shared vision for educational excellence within the locality.

The new Executive Principal will be an inspiring school leader who can build on existing good practice, command the confidence and trust of families enrolling in the new school and move both academies forward in further championing the mission of the Trust: to ensure that every pupil enjoys human flourishing.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Chief Executive

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

THE VISION OF THE DIOCESE OF GLOUCESTER ACADEMIES TRUST

“[Primrose Hill] has received effective support from the academy trust, particularly for leadership and teaching. Senior and middle leaders commented that developing relationships with other schools through the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust has helped them to improve teaching and raise expectations.”

OFSTED REPORT FOR PRIMROSE HILL CHURCH

OF ENGLAND PRIMARY ACADEMY, OCTOBER 2016

The vision of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT) is to

provide children of all faiths and none, with excellent educational provision

which transforms lives within a caring and supportive Christian ethos.

In all our academies we seek to provide a complete and fully-inclusive education which:

* enables human flourishing by encouraging pupils’ and adults’ gifts and talents;

* nurtures the social, moral, spiritual and cultural development of the academy community, as well as maximising the progress, achievement and attainment of every child;

* celebrates the intrinsic value of every person, made in the image of God.

The Christian ethos of the Trust underpins all that we do. In order to deliver our vision we endeavour to ensure:

* high expectations and a shared vision of excellence which is acted upon by all

* at least good or outstanding teaching across the Trust

* an inclusive culture in which all pupils can achieve, relative to their ability

* a collaborative culture of shared accountability

* staff are empowered to make significant contributions to their academy and the wider Trust

* robust self-evaluation drives policy and priorities

* effective partnerships with parents and carers, and the wider community within and beyond Gloucestershire

* effective stewardship of resource.

BENEFITS OF LEADING A DGAT ACADEMY

“The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust provide an Academy Development Partner who gives good support to the academy. There has been some effective support, specifically in identifying underachievement of pupils and identifying area for school development.” (OFSTED REPORT FOR DURSLEY CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY ACADEMY, MARCH 2015

* No school is an island

* Good practice is shared

* Opportunities to lead Trust-wide initiatives

* Professional support and challenge from an academy development partner

* Regular facilitated discussion and dialogue with other academy leaders

* Trust-wide professional development opportunities, driven by the needs of schools

* Comprehensive support for all business, finance and estate management functions

Trust academies work together to build capacity, support the professional development of staff and ensure that each academy remains a vibrant and dynamic place where everyone can flourish. We want our academies to remain places of learning, not just for pupils, but for staff and governors too.

In adopting a collaborative approach, we have developed flexible models of working which fully utilise the expertise which exists within our schools. All DGAT academies play an active role in sharing best practice and learning from one another. Currently, we run three forums, meeting up to six times a year: the Principals’ Forum, the Chairs of Local Governing Body Forum and the Business Managers’ Forum.

In addition, teachers and senior leaders have participated in a range of peer reviews to share best practice, ensuring there is mutual accountability across the Trust. To date, staff and governors have worked together to review the leadership of maths, the use of funding to support pupil premium, effective governance, safeguarding procedures and

the use of Teaching Assistants to support learning. Several Trust academies have also shared their good practice with a wider audience. For example, Minchinhampton C of E Primary Academy has also led a one year long research project which looks at how formative assessment can support children’s learning.

With high expectations the norm, we have facilitated a number of professional development opportunities for staff based on the collective needs of academies. This has included a six day ‘good to outstanding’ teaching programme, training and support for teaching assistants and an annual conference for all academies.

Each academy receives at least three visits per year from an academy development partner to monitor performance and engage in professional dialogue and challenge.

In order to ensure that each academy remains free to focus on what schools do best, the education of children, we undertake a range of financial and business activities for our academies, from compilation of statutory accounts, to VAT and pension returns. In 2016, we secured a total of £612,043 of funding from central government to improve the conditions of our buildings at five academies, including Hardwicke.

THE LOCALITY OF HARDWICKE AND QUEDGELEYHardwicke lies on the A38, 4 miles south-west of Gloucester City, close to the River Severn and within close proximity to Junction 12 of the M5 motorway. The village serves a community of approximately 4,000 people and is located in the Benefice of Hardwicke, Elmore and Longney. Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy is one of two DGAT academies in the Benefice, the other being a 100 pupil primary academy in the village of Longney. Hardwicke is served by St Nicholas’ Church. Despite its proximity to Gloucester, Hardwicke is actually located within Stroud District Council.

Since the 1970s, suburban developments to the North East side of Hardwicke Parish have led to the establishment of Quedgeley, which serves a growing population of more than 17,000 people. The civil parish of Quedgeley was transferred to Gloucester district in 1991 and is the only civil parish within the city. The day to day amenities in Quedgeley and neighbouring Kingsway have grown over the years and are served by two main shopping centres. The Severn Vale shopping centre is home to a large Tesco supermarket and a variety of adjoining stores, including a post office and library.

Quedgeley has five schools, of which one, Fieldcourt C of E Infant Academy, is a member of the Trust. All local schools have been judged as at least ‘good’ by Ofsted. There is one main feeder secondary school: Severn Vale School (an academy). The new Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy is located in the parish of Quedgeley and Kingsway and is served by St James’ Church.

Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy

Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy

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CLEARWATER CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY ACADEMY: A BRAND NEW OPPORTUNITYWhy a new Free-School in Quedgeley? The bid for a new free school has been approved because of an increase in basic need for school provision alongside the development of new housing in the area. With neighbouring schools performing well, the need for the new school is based on a marked rise in demand in the area, as opposed to concerns over the standard and quality of provision locally. Gloucestershire County Council has reviewed and analysed pupil numbers and projections for the Quedgeley area. Between August 2013 - 2015 there have been an additional 330 primary aged children living in the planning area and it is estimated that this figure will more than double again by 2019. The Local Authority and local schools have been fully supportive of the need for a new academy.

Transitional Arrangements for Clearwater Church of England Academy The new academy is a 4 - 11 co-educational Church of England academy accommodating 420 pupils when full. In the first year of opening, the new academy will admit pupils to the Reception Class and Year 1. We anticipate that the academy will be at full capacity within six years. The academy will include on-site nursery provision for children from the age of two. The neighbouring DGAT academy runs an ‘outstanding ‘nursery (as judged by Ofsted) and the provision of additional places at the new academy will complement this provision.

Subject to final agreement from the Secretary of State for Education, the new academy will open in September 2017 in temporary buildings located on the Hardwicke site.

We have secured budget approval for the new-build academy and for the temporary accommodation at Hardwicke. The permanent site has been secured from Gloucestershire County Council. Current projections suggest that the Trust will be able to take occupancy of the building by the summer of 2019.

A Vision for Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy

With a vision to serve the new and emerging community, the free school will be fully inclusive, extending hospitality and welcome to all, by encouraging opportunities for family engagement through parent partnerships and using the academy site as a focus for community activities. The local plan for Quedgeley identifies the lack in public open spaces, play areas and sports pitches as a cause for concern. Our vision is therefore to support families by using the school grounds to promote exercise and healthy lifestyles in order to build a resilient academy community. Alongside this, the development of outstanding pastoral care will ensure that the well-being of the whole child remains a central focus of the academy and barriers to learning are removed.

The free school will adopt some distinct pedagogical practice, for example, through the delivery of Philosophy for Children and the Forest Schools programme. The free school will, therefore, offer an enquiry-based approach to developing outstanding teaching and the use of additional curricular and extra-curricular activities will re-invigorate creativity and provide an exciting range of additional learning experiences. A range of activities across Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy and the three neighbouring DGAT academies will also offer an extended menu of additional opportunities for family learning and engagement.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HARDWICKE PAROCHIAL PRIMARY ACADEMY

We care, learn and achieve…together

Core Values

Friendship: We achieve more if we support

and help each other

Aspiration: Aim high and achieve success

Respect: Everyone has a voice and deserves

to be heard

Responsibility: Our purpose is to make the

world a better place

Hardwicke is a larger than average primary school, with a PAN of 420 pupils. At the time of its last Ofsted inspection (before conversion to academy status in November 2015), it was judged to be a ‘good’ school. In 2016, the Trust was approached by the Local Authority to admit an additional 30 pupils, because of the pressure for places in the locality. Additional funding, totalling £420,000, was also secured through the Local Authority to temporarily expand Hardwicke and build two new classrooms.

With regard to pupil profile, most pupils at Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy are of White British heritage. The number of pupils in receipt of special educational needs support is slightly higher than the national average, currently 17.7%, but the number of pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan remain in line with national average. In total, 15.7% of pupils are known to be eligible for pupil premium funding.

Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy offers pupils a rich variety of extra-curricular activities and clubs. Activities include: nature and gardening clubs; cross-country running; girls’ football; food technology and book club, to name but a few. The academy is located on an extensive site and there is plenty of scope for the further development of outdoor learning and Forest Schools.

The academy enjoys good links with the local church community and ‘Lighting the Candle’ supports the development of young worship leaders in the academy. The celebration of the major Christian Festivals is a focus of community activity for the school. The academy regularly participates in a range of charitable fundraising activities, raising money and donating gifts to Children in Need, The Shoe Box Appeal and Macmillan Nurses.

‘Love your neighbour as yourself’

MATTHEW, 19-19

Academic Performance of Pupils in 2016

Early Years Foundation Stage: Performance of pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage is good, with 85% of pupils meeting or exceeding good levels of development (compared to the National Average of 66%).

Phonics: In total, 89% of pupils passed their phonics screening in the first year. This figure rose to 90% for those pupils retaking in the second year.

Key Stage 1: Historically, results at Key Stage 1 have been in line with national averages, but in 2016 there was a significant dip in attainment of year 2 pupils. In total, 65% of pupils met age related expectations in reading (compared to a national average of 74%), 48% in writing (compared to a national average of 65%) and 43% in maths (compared to a national average of 73%). Improving key stage 1 performance in 2017 is a focus for the academy.

Key Stage 2: Attainment at Key Stage 2 remains a particular strength of the academy. Hardwicke remains amongst the highest performing schools in the South West. On average, 90% of pupils achieved expected levels in reading, writing, English, grammar, punctuation and spelling (EGPS) and maths. The percentage of pupils achieving expected levels in reading, writing and maths combined was 79%, compared with a national average of 53%. Average scaled scores for reading, EGPS and maths were 106, 107.5 and 105.3 respectively.

SEEKING AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER…Following the announcement of the retirement of the previous Principal, Mr Martin Bragg, from Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy in Spring 2015, we were very pleased that the Principal of one of our other very successful academies, Winchcombe Abbey Church of England Primary School, assumed the Executive Principal role for one year, whilst we awaited the outcome of the free school bid. Following the success of the free school application, we now seek to offer a permanent post to an outstanding leader who has the requisite skills to not only lead an established academy, but also has the vision and energy to help shape the educational provision within a brand new school.

We are delighted to be able to advertise for the post of Executive Principal. This role provides an exciting opportunity for an inspirational Executive Principal to lead Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy, a successful and oversubscribed 2FE academy, alongside opening Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy, a brand new neighbouring free school and nursery in new purpose-built facilities.

We are looking to appoint an outstanding leader who naturally inspires others and is passionate about teaching and learning. The successful candidate will be a highly effective and knowledgeable primary practitioner with a proven track record in leading teaching and learning and securing excellent outcomes for pupils. Applicants should be driven by a commitment to create the best possible educational opportunities for pupils across the two academies and wider Trust.

Academic Performance of Pupils in 2016

* can clearly articulate a compelling vision of educational excellence across the two communities

* is passionately committed to developing the distinctive Church of England ethos of both academies

* inspires, leads and motivates all staff and pupils to give of their best

* is committed to the Trust’s vision of inclusive education

* can build excellent relationships with all stakeholders

* is committed to leading the development of collaboration between the two schools and wider Trust academies.

We can offer you:

* the opportunity to be part of an extended leadership team across the Academy Trust

* CPD, professional support and career development in a highly successful and growing organisation

* an existing ‘Good’ School (as judged by Ofsted) with a motivated and ambitious governing body and Key Stage 2 results amongst the highest in the South West

* the opportunity to lead and shape the development of a brand new school, in purpose-built accommodation.

EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL: JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONSalary: Leadership Spine - Group 5: L18-31, a seven point range within (negotiable dependant on experience)

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer, Directors of the Trust and the Local Governing Body.

Job Purpose: The Executive Principal will work across Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy and Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy to promote educational excellence, within a caring and supportive Christian ethos.

KEY PRIORITIESWith high expectations of all, and excellent outcomes as a given, the Executive Principal’s first role will be to work closely with the Directors of DGAT and the Local Governing Body to develop the Christian ethos and culture of both academies, and establish excellent progress and outcomes for all pupils. Specifically for Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy, this will include effectively managing the opening of the new school and ensuring positive engagement with all potential stakeholders.

Shaping the Future – Strategic Direction and Accountability

* Ensure the strategic vision and Christian ethos of both academies are clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all.

* Work with the Directors of DGAT and the Local Governing Body to ensure educational excellence within both academies.

* Translate the vision into agreed evidence-based objectives and operational plans which will promote sustained academy improvement.

* Present a coherent, understandable and accurate account of both academies’ performance to a range of audiences including the Trust, governors and parents/carers.

* Lead and inspire all stakeholders by motivating, challenging and empowering others to create a shared culture where ambitious outcomes are the norm.

* Ensure robust systems of self-evaluation drive academies’ policies and priorities as well as the academies’ development plans, and, in consultation with the Local Governing Body, take action, as required.

* Secure the commitment of parents and the wider community to the vision and direction of both academies.

* Ensure both academies play a significant part in contributing to and shaping the vision, policies and procedures for the Trust.

* Keep abreast of educational developments and anticipate the consequences of future trends and initiatives and articulate these to the key stakeholders in the school and the wider community.

Teaching and Learning

* Maximise the opportunities for all pupils through a continuous academy-wide focus on pupils’ achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every child’s learning.

* Ensure high quality teaching is at the heart of strategic planning and resource management.

* Establish creative, responsive and effective approaches to teaching and learning.

* Work closely with the Trust and other Principals to promote educational excellence across the family of Trust schools.

* Contribute to the development of a collaborate approach and mutual accountability across the Trust.

Leading and managing staff

* Create an organisational structure that reflects both academies’ values, and enable the management systems, structures and processes to work effectively.

* Recruit and develop an expanding team of staff for the new academy.

* Inspire staff and support the development of distributed leadership throughout both academies, ensuring clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities.

* Ensure creative, responsive and effective subject leadership in all curriculum areas.

* Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote improvement strategies.

* Develop and maintain effective strategies and procedures for staff induction, professional development and performance management.

* Recruit, retain and deploy staff appropriately and manage their workload to achieve the vision and goals for both academies.

* Develop and maintain a culture of high expectation for self and for others, celebrate achievements and take appropriate action when performance is unsatisfactory.

* Maintain an ‘open-door’ and ‘listening’ culture.

Raising achievement and attainment through teaching and learning

* Ensure that learning is at the centre of strategic planning and resource management.

* Ensure a consistent and continuous academy-wide focus on pupils’ achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every child’s learning and target intervention where necessary.

* Ensure a culture and ethos of challenge, support and high expectations where all pupils can achieve success, are set stretching targets and are engaged in their learning.

* Ensure effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the quality of learning and teaching, including quickly establishing evidence of the new school’s performance.

* Determine, organise and implement a flexible curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.

* Establish a flourishing enrichment programme particularly in the areas of music, drama, sport and enterprise and support the development of a lifelong love of learning for its own sake.

Ethos, culture and partnerships

* Lead the marketing of the new free school to prospective parents and pupils and secure sufficient admissions until the school reaches full capacity.

* Ensure that distinctive Christian values permeate all elements of both academies’ practice and are robustly monitored against the SIAMS framework.

* Develop exemplary pastoral care and an inclusive and supportive approach so that both academies are places where all children and families feel welcome and children flourish academically, morally, culturally, socially and spiritually.

* Develop close partnerships with local churches, parents and other agencies to ensure that pupils respect diversity (including British values) and feel safe.

* Contribute to the development of the educational excellence within the Trust by sharing effective practice and promoting innovative approaches to learning.

Managing Resources

* Manage both academies’ financial resources effectively and efficiently to achieve the academies’ educational goals, ensuring compliance with the Trusts finance policies and procedures.

* Effectively deploy the required level of both teaching and support staff to realise the vision for both academies.

* Ensure that the range, quality and use of all available resources is monitored, evaluated and reviewed to improve the quality of education for all pupils and provide value for money.

* Manage and organise the academy environments efficiently and effectively to ensure that the academies are well maintained and facilities are fully utilised to meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations.

* Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and requirements.

OTHERThe current main duties and responsibilities of this post are outlined in this job description. The list is not intended to be exhaustive. The need for flexibility, shared accountability and team working is required. The post-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities, commensurate with the post’s banding and whenever reasonably instructed.

It is the practice of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust to review job descriptions annually to ensure that they relate to the role as then being performed or to incorporate whatever reasonable changes that have occurred over time or are being proposed. This review will be carried out by the Trust in consultation with the post-holder before any changes are implemented. The post-holder is expected to participate fully in such discussions and implementation.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONEssential Desirable

Personal Values

Practicing Christian *Committed to actively promoting the Christian ethos and values of the academy *Committed to the Trust’s vision of inclusive education *Qualifications

Qualified teacher status *NPQH or higher level educational/leadership or management qualification *A record of recent and relevant continuing professional development *Leadership & ManagementAbility to successfully inspire, lead and manage others, through a clear vision of what constitutes educational excellence in a Church of England Academy *Significant experience of leading an organisation *Inspirational/transformational leadership experience in relation to school improvement *A proven ability to developing middle leadership *Understanding of managing organisational culture/change management *Ability to establish collaborative work with all stakeholders and the wider community *A track record of leading effective INSET within a school *Successful management of accurate and incisive school self-evaluation *Ability to strategically plan based on use of data, targets and benchmarking *Ability to accurately self-evaluate against the Ofsted requirements *Ability to accurately self-evaluate against Section 48 requirements *Experience of balancing strategic and operational dimensions of the role *Proven track record of improving outcomes for children *Managing ResourcesA successful track record of human and financial resources leadership *Success in effectively managing finance and resources against school priorities *Experience of setting school budgets *

Essential DesirableTeaching & Learning

Ability to communicate a vision of outstanding teaching and learning *Ability to lead with creativity and inventiveness, in relation to the curriculum *Experience, knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning pedagogy *Experience of using the latest technologies to support learning *Other

Experience of working in a Church School context *Up to date knowledge of legislation/guidance in relation to safeguarding *Understanding of statutory educational frameworks *Personal Qualities

Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills *Intellectual versatility and emotional intelligence *Reliability and integrity *Ability to respond positively to pressure, whilst maintaining accessibility and consistency *Decisiveness, incisiveness and authority *Energy, dynamism, courage and resilience *Enthusiasm and passion *The ability to learn from one’s mistakes – to be reflective, self-critical and honest *The ability to develop a high profile and be strong visible presence *Additional Requirements An enhanced criminal record disclosure/DBS will be required prior to appointment *Excellent and unequivocal references *

The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust, 4 College Green· Gloucester· GL1 2LRTel: 01452 835597 www.dgat.org.uk Registered Office: 4 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR. Registered in England, Company Number 08149299.

For an application pack or to register interest in the Trust, please contact Ellie Hully at: EHully@glosdioc.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 3 March 2017

Interviews: 23-24 March 2017