Head of Prep

The Post

Rye St Antony is a school with a proud tradition of educating and forming young people, from their earliest education.  An integral part of the whole school, the Prep is based in Langley Lodge (one of the original Victorian houses) and the adjacent King House, and has use of the many whole-school teaching areas and facilities as well as the beautiful gardens and woodland.  

The Head of the Prep will not only lead their own team but will have an active role in the leadership of the whole School, and in the development of the community. They should be a well-qualified teacher with energy, enthusiasm, commitment and vision, strong organisational and team skills, integrity and discretion.  The Head of Prep will work closely with and be accountable to the Headmistress and will be a member of the whole school Senior Leadership Team.

Whilst this job description covers the key responsibilities of the role there is scope for the new Head of Prep to bring their own ideas and expertise, and work with the Headmistress and SLT to develop the Prep School experience at Rye.

Key responsibilities:  

• Ensure that the Prep School experience at Rye St Antony:

       -  fully promotes the Catholic ethos of the school, allowing our pupils
            to grow  academically, personally, morally and spiritually

      -  provides a stimulating learning experience, giving a solid academic
           and personal grounding to pupils, promoting a love of learning and
           an understanding of its  importance

      -  delivers excellent pastoral care and opportunities for the growth
           and personal development of each pupil

      -  prepares each pupil for the opportunities and challenges of Senior
           School, with a strong sense of her/his responsibilities and roles
           within the communities of which he/she is part

• Work as a key member of the SLT giving leadership and developing strategy for the whole School.
• Take on the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the School, and maintain training at Level 3 and take a lead, including undertaking specialist training, for EYFS safeguarding.

Please see the job description for full details of the responsibilities of the post.

Person specification

Essential 

• understanding of and support for the Catholic ethos of the School
• excellent academic credentials 
• a highly successful teacher with extensive experience 
• academic and/or pastoral management experience
• strong interpersonal skills  
• diplomatic and patient 
• well organised, efficient and able to manage competing priorities  
• collaborative, reliable and resilient 
• strategic thinker, with an ability to see the wider needs of the School community 
• highly effective communication skills, in person and in writing 
• integrity and discretion 
• inspiring confidence in others 

Desirable 

• experience within the Independent sector 
• a practising Catholic

Pay and benefits

Salary will be on the Rye Leadership Scale, according to experience.

All teachers are invited to join the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

All salaried staff, full or part-time, are entitled to a fee remission, 50% for full-time staff and pro rata for part-time staff. 

At specified times, staff may use the school’s Fitness Suite, and during Trinity Term staff may use the swimming pool at the advertised times.  Lunch is provided in the school dining room, and refreshments are provided in the Staff Room at morning break and teatime.  There is car parking on site, and the School is easily accessible by bus.

How to apply

Applications (application form, accompanying letter and full curriculum vitae with contact details for two referees) should be addressed to the Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Ryan, and sent by email to the Human Resources Manager, Ms Ellen Phelips (ephelips@ryestantony.co.uk ; 01865 229227) or a hard copy can be posted to her at Rye St Antony, Pullen’s Lane, Oxford OX3 0BY.

For an application form, please contact Ellen Phelips (ephelips@ryestantony.co.uk) or visit the Staff Vacancies page on the school website.  Applications will be accepted only from candidates who have completed the application form in full. 

The closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Monday 4 February 2019. Long list interviews will be held on Tuesday 12 February and final interviews will be held on Wednesday 13 February.

Safeguarding

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Candidates must be willing to undergo Child Protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.