Clerk to the Governing Body
Blenheim High School
Surrey
- Expired
- Salary:
- £23, 809 - £28, 370 FTE
- Job type:
- Part Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- April 2018
- Apply by:
- 19 March 2018
Job overview
We are seeking to appoint an experienced Clerk to ensure high quality and fully compliant governance and administrative services to the Governing Body. Key responsibilities will include providing advice to the Governing Body on constitutional matters, duties and powers working within the broad current and changing legislative framework, whilst securing the continuity of the Governing Body business and observing confidentiality requirements.You will be able to demonstrate a proven track record in a similar role, ideally within an Academy and/or mainstream comprehensive setting and you will have and appreciation of the challenges facing the Governing Body of a stand alone Academy together with an understanding of the ethical and legal framework of public bodies .
Professionalism, objectivity, trust and flexibility are key personal attributes together with strong organisational and interpersonal skills. You will have the ability to work independently, manage a varied workload and meet deadlines. The Governing Body holds meetings at the school at varying times during the day and evening. While most meetings are scheduled well in advance, the ability to respond flexibly to the changing requirements of the job is essential. Many of our Governors work full-time and undertake their Governing Body activities in the evenings and at weekends, so responding to communications and requests for information in a timely and effective manner whilst managing Governors expectations regarding response times will be key.
It is expected to be able to perform the duties you will be required for an average of 15-20 hours a week during term time, although a degree of flexibility will be necessary. Whilst some home working may be possible, as the Clerk is the key interface between the Governing Body and the school, it is the Governors’ expectation that during the initial induction and probationary period the post will be largely school based in order that the new Clerk can learn about and understand the particular school environment, get to know staff, and develop strong positive working relationships with the Headteacher, members of the wider Leadership team, and other school staff with whom they will have contact in their role as Clerk.
Our school is committed to equal opportunities and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This is a term time only position covering 38 weeks of the academic year. Appointment to this post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. Closing date for the receipt of applications is Monday 19th March at 12 noon.
Attached documents
About Blenheim High School
Blenheim High School became Surrey’s most improved school for public examination outcomes in the 2018, was categorised by Ofsted as ‘Good’ in all areas in May 2019, has been oversubscribed since 2020 and achieved its best public examinations results in summer 2023. In March 2023, despite the consistently large increase in student recruitment, Blenheim secured the biggest increase in first preference Year 7 applications across Surrey.
Blenheim is a dynamic, exciting and supportive environment in which to work. The school opened in September 1997 with one year group and has grown to its current size of 1410 students on roll including over 200 in the Sixth Form. Blenheim is a mixed comprehensive and our reputation in the community is excellent. The intake comprises of students from all surrounding areas with ability levels being favourable; over 40% of all students have high prior attainment at the end of Key Stage 2. In recent years the school’s popularity has grown significantly and there is a waiting list in most year groups.
As a Single Academy Trust Blenheim’s features include:
· A 36-week academic year with a fortnight October half term break and a 7 week summer holiday.
· Formative assessment is embedded across the curriculum ensuring students have a clear understanding of their ‘next steps’.
· A significant financial reserve, which Blenheim has complete autonomy to invest.
· Modern buildings and infrastructure, that benefitted from £1.75million of investment in 2022/2023.
· A strategic goal prioritising staff well-being, led by the senior whole school well-being lead.
· A comprehensive co-curricular programme prioritising the development of the whole student.
· A Chelsea FC Blenheim Girls’ Football Academy that competes in the National Youth Football League.
· A ‘Blenheim Ambition’ Dance Academy and a Blenheim Golf Academy.
· A ‘High Performers’ programme to boost student aspirations, independence and career prospects.
· An extended day for Year 11 and Year 13 students until 5pm Monday – Thursday, with complimentary biscuits, squash and pizza.
In 2019, Blenheim was characterised as a ‘good’ school following a Section 5 Ofsted inspection. Please click here to read the Ofsted Report. Ofsted commented that the school had excellent capacity to continue improving. The Headteacher, Mr A A Bodell, has made a long term commitment to Blenheim.
Blenheim converted to Academy Status in March 2012 and has developed many community and primary school links. Blenheim is a well–resourced school and is fortunate to have outstanding facilities including modern buildings, large grounds, an AstroTurf pitch, bespoke sixth form facilities and grass football and rugby pitches. Together with a very supportive and well qualified governing body the school continues to prosper. Visitors often comment on the calm, purposeful learning environment that pervades.
Blenheim sets high standards in terms of uniform with several ‘non-negotiables’ and there are strict expectations regarding behaviour and conduct, both in and out of the classroom. Students can be given up to 1 hour detention on any given day without 24 hours’ notice. Ofsted described Blenheim as ‘calm, orderly and purposeful’ and our students as ‘respectful, kind and courteous’, which is what those of us who work at Blenheim see every day. The Headteacher has little sympathy for poor standards of student behaviour.
As Blenheim students prepare to take up their place in society they are actively encouraged to become independent learners. Part of this process involves the use of iPads across the curriculum; all teachers and 98% of students own one. Technological evolution is inevitable and this approach is key to ensuring that students develop attributes that will allow them to adapt in a rapidly changing world. The iPad complements daily teaching and allows students to easily access a multitude of interactive and innovative resources both in and away from school.
I hope Blenheim’s journey of continuous improvement and high standards encourages you to complete an application.
Mr A A Bodell
Headteacher
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