Headteacher

Overview

Can you set an aspirational vision for the school? Can you build a strong cohesive team to deliver it? Do you have SEND experience to share in strengthening a whole school approach?

Grendon Underwood Combined School is looking for a dynamic leader who will raise expectations across the school for staff and pupils. They will build a cohesive team alongside strong and productive partnerships with key stakeholders across the wider community. They will bring their SEN experience to enhance our successes and ensure all children can reach their full potential.    

About Us

Grendon Underwood Combined School is a single form entry combined school in Grendon Underwood for pupils aged 4-11 which includes an onsite nursery. In our successful Ofsted inspection in June 2018, Ofsted described the school as a happy, caring place where children feel safe. We want to continue to build on our strengths and work towards recognition as an outstanding school.

Our vision is to provide a welcoming, nurturing and stimulating learning environment underpinned by our values of Courage, Kindness and Responsibility. Our motto is “Grow Flourish Care Aspire” and we achieve this by using a Growth Mindset approach.

We are located in the middle of a small village with strong links to the local community as well as ample space for outdoor learning, including an onsite forest school area and outdoor classroom. To support our SEND pupils, we are developing a neurodiverse approach to classroom layout to benefit all pupils. We are actively looking to improve training for all staff in SEND practice. We also benefit from our partnership with the Roald Dahl museum.

Please see our website for more information about our school https://gucs.org.uk

About the Role

You will report directly to the governing body to ensure the school moves forward whilst building on what is already working well.

You will work with a Deputy Headteacher and Senior Leadership team to lead the direction for the school whilst engaging productively with stakeholders across the wider community.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference to the culture of the school by bringing in innovative practice based on your outstanding knowledge of teaching and learning.

Although we are a successful school, we have some challenges and require someone who can make tough decisions and manage potential conflict on the journey to becoming outstanding.

In return we offer:

• Opportunities for professional development
• Strong team of supportive governors
• A welcoming and supportive staff team
• Enthusiastic and responsive children
• Attractive and spacious school site with recent investment in outdoor learning environment
• An active and successful parent fundraising association
• Supportive and engaged parents and carers

About You

You will be a strong and dynamic leader who is inspirational to all stakeholders.

You will set high expectations for all staff to which they will be held accountable through effective performance management.

You will have SEND experience and will be able to develop our existing provision in collaboration with our SENDCo.

You will have experience of building a cohesive and motivated team that works enthusiastically to deliver outstanding results for all pupils. 

You will be responsible for creating and delivering an aspirational vision that will enable all pupils to reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.

You will be an excellent communicator who is able to build productive relationships with children, parents and carers, staff, governors and the wider community.

We welcome applications both from existing headteachers and from aspiring and experienced deputy heads who are looking for their first appointment in a well-supported Headship.

Next Steps

Applicants are warmly encouraged to visit our school. To arrange a visit, please contact Sarah Harris, Chair of Governors, at sharris@gucs.org.uk or on 07966 392780

Closing date for applications is 1pm Monday 17th May 2021. Completed application forms should be sent to sharris@gucs.org.uk

Shortlisting will take place on Tuesday 18th May 2021 with candidates informed the same day.

Interviews will take place on Monday 24th May /Tuesday 25th May 2021. References will be obtained prior to interview and one reference must be from the Governor/Headteacher of your current school.

Grendon Underwood Combined School is committed to inclusivity for all and as such welcome applications from all backgrounds. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with safer recruitment, an enhanced DBS check and reference checks will be required for the successful candidate.