Deputy Head

DEPUTY HEAD POSITION

After the Head, the Deputy Head position is the most senior leader in the Castle Court Community and acts as ‘the final stop’ before the Head on all matters relating to the educational provision at Castle Court. The role has many facets including leadership, safeguarding, pastoral, academic, operational and strategic. The Deputy Head should be a visible presence around the school for both staff and pupils, as well as being outwardly parent facing.

The Deputy Head is responsible for all areas of school life, specifically the Co-curricular programme and is supported and line managed by the Head. The Bursar, Head of Admissions and Marketing, Assistant Head Operations and the Assistant Head Pastoral also work closely with the Deputy Head in the Leadership Team.

The Assistant Head Pastoral is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the school and the Deputy Head will be the DDSL along with others. This will ensure that the staff remain committed to safeguarding and protecting the children in our care as a matter of priority.

The Deputy Head position at Castle Court is one where you will be given the trust, freedom, and opportunity to play a pivotal role in setting the agenda and shaping the culture of the school. It is expected that the Deputy Head will be fully immersed into the life of the school, including the extracurricular life and trips.

You will be the Co-Curricular Lead in the school:

• To lead and develop a vision for the co-curricular life of the school, in liaison with the Assistant Head Operations and the Head of Character and Values Education.
• To ensure a balanced and wide range of co-curricular opportuni..es are available to all pupils.
• To ensure that there is a planned programme for Activities Week which builds progression throughout the different year groups and develops pupils’ character and skills.
• To oversee the co-curriculum timetable, in liaison with the Assistant Head Operations, balancing the competing demands for time from different areas of the co-curriculum.
• To work with the Head of Character and Values Education to ensure that the co-curricular programme provides opportuni..es for pupils to develop self-care, people-care and earth-care.
• To monitor pupil participation and achievement within the co-curriculum.
• To ensure that all colleagues receive appropriate training to enable them to deliver an outstanding co-curricular provision.
• To oversee the after-school activities programme, in liaison with the Assistant Head Operations, ensuring that there is a wide range of activities available for all pupils.
• To implement a coherent and coordinated programme for outdoor learning throughout the school.
• To liaise with the Head of Character and Values Education, the PSB lead and the Senior Section Leader to ensure that there is a clear leadership programme for senior pupils.
• To act as the school’s Educational Visits Coordinator and ensure that risk assessments are received in a timely manner.
• To work closely with the Head of Marke..ng and Admissions to promote Castle Court’s co-curricular provision.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The role of Deputy Head is a permanent contract with two terms notice. Start date: September 2024 (January 2024 if necessary)

Salary: Competitive leadership pay scale.

DISCUSSION

We will not offer tours of the school prior to the interview process, however an informal discussion with Katie Johnson can be arranged should you wish. Feel free to contact her directly: head@castlecourt.com

For more information about the school please visit www.castlecourt.com

Personal data In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and/or biometric data) in your application documentation. Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your application documentation will be understood by us as your expressed consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.

APPLICATION

If you wish to apply, please send a covering letter of application (not more than two pages), and the completed application form, to the Head via email: hmsec@castlecourt.com with the subject line: Deputy Head 2024

Candidates are asked not to send CVs.

Please be aware that references and relevant safeguarding checks will be taken up ahead of interviews if you are shortlisted.

The school will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Closing date: Monday 6th May 2024

Interview date round one (online): Wednesday 15th May 2024

Interview date round two: Tuesday 21st May 2024