Assistant Head Academic (Assessment and Operations)

Pembridge Hall is undergoing a dynamic period of development in which innovative thinking is encouraged and every teacher’s contribution is valued. 

Pembridge Hall is an independent girls’ preparatory school (ages 4 – 11) of 460 girls set in a tranquil residential square in Notting Hill. Pembridge prepares its pupils for many of the top day and boarding senior schools in the country and therefore works at a level significantly above National Curriculum expectations. It is part of the Alpha Plus Group of Schools. 

Inspired and Pembridge Hall are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff within Inspired schools and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation. All members of staff must have an enhanced DBS and prohibition order clearance and pre-appointment safeguarding checks will be undertaken before any candidate is confirmed in post. Staff will be aware of and follow the safeguarding, Prevent Duty, anti-bullying and behaviour and discipline policies of the school, and partake in training on safeguarding, prevent duty and personal welfare. 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Head Academic (Assessment & Operations) are to collaborate with senior and middle leaders in establishing a strategy to ensure that Pembridge Hall provides an outstanding education for the girls in all aspects of school life. Furthermore, as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, she/he is expected to facilitate the implementation of strategy and to ensure that targets are reviewed and assessed appropriately, as well as encourage a positive working culture throughout the school in all aspects of her/his remit, leading by example. The post holder will also oversee the day-to-day running of school operations, the clubs programme and compilation of the school events calendar, to ensure consistency and progression across the school.  

Attitudes 

• To be professional at all times and to set an outstanding example to all members of staff in creating a positive working culture, conducive to providing the best education possible. 
• To convey a sense of unity of senior leadership vision to the staff at all times. 
• In all areas of the remit, to strive for excellence in fulfilling the school’s vision and aims. 

Safeguarding & Pastoral Care  

• Take responsibility for, and promote, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all pupils.  
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. 

Academic Provision 

• To create and deliver strategy which tracks the academic progress of every child in the school. 
• To link all aspects of academic assessment to the curriculum and quality of learning by working collaboratively with the Assistant Head Academic (Curriculum and Learning). 
• To be responsible for the whole school’s overall achievements, progress and standards in learning. 
• To implement mechanisms for determining success e.g. formative assessment techniques (Responsive Teaching), marking, verbal feedback, questioning in class, tests etc.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Qualifications 

Essential:   

• Honours degree in a relevant subject 
• Teaching qualification together with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) 

Experience 

Essential:    

• Experience of leadership at either a middle or senior level within a prep or primary setting 
• Experience of mentoring or supporting colleagues 
• Experience of observing and evaluating the quality of assessment, learning and teaching 

Skills 

Essential:  

• Sophisticated abilities in gathering, understanding, analysing and making excellent use of data in relation to the science of learning (cognitive science) 
• Ability to use and analyse standardised and summative data to raise attainment and drive progress for all learners 
• A highly effective oral communicator, both one-to-one and to large audiences 
• Strong organisational and management skills 
• An ability to contribute both strategically as well as tactically in a school setting 
• An excellent classroom practitioner able to lead by example