Director of Science

The South Newcastle Federation will convert to academy status, within a MAT, on September 1st 2015. The Trust will consist of two academies, Newcastle Academy and Clayton Hall Academy, and will continue to promote high aspirations and excellence for all. Our aim is to develop a strong partnership between the academies, students, and the wider community to secure an outstanding learning experience for everyone.  We have high expectations and strive to create independent learners fit for the demands of the 21st Century. The post arises from the retirement of the current, highly successful Executive Headteacher, Mark Heuston, in December 2015. The successful applicant will be Executive Principal and Accounting Officer for the Multi Academy Trust.

We value individuals and individualism. Our community of schools is built upon sensitivity, tolerance and the appreciation of difference. At the heart of our work is the education of the young people in our care. We want to equip them for adult life in an increasingly diverse, fractured and technological world. All our students have an equal chance to make good use of the education that the federation offers in order to help them choose their future patterns of life and take full advantage of their opportunities in society. To do this they require personal confidence, sturdy independence, the ability to make and sustain fulfilling relationships, flexibility, as well as the skills for the world of work. Opportunities to contribute to decision-making, participate in school life and interact in the wider community are consistently developed. Our schools have a rich programme of productions, after school activities, exchange visits, sporting and training events which students enjoy and value – and which have a clear educational impact. We seek to ensure that all students have equality of access to the enriching experiences we offer. Teaching and non-teaching staff have a commitment to the education of children of all abilities and origins. Relationships are excellent, based upon affection and regard. We have developed a sophisticated understanding of the challenges young people face in adopting the responsibilities of adulthood. In their daily dealings we want each student to benefit from personal understanding and support from adults and peers. We foster commitment to our schools by staff, parents, students, Governors and others in the community so that they will work for their development.

Newcastle-under-Lyme is a thriving market town adjacent to Shropshire and the Staffordshire Moorlands, the Peak District and the Potteries Conurbation. The area provides a range of social, cultural, sporting and other facilities. Birmingham, Derby and Manchester are also within easy reach.

The local community takes pride, and is interested in, the achievements of our students. There is an emphasis on a caring, inclusive community of schools in which the staff are serious about their responsibility for the protection and safety of our students. We are an equal opportunities employer who aims to provide equality of opportunity and access to all.

The federation has a strong track record of collaborative work with our primary feeder schools, other institutions and groups of schools, which will continue to develop in the future. Parental support is excellent. Open Evenings, Consultation Evenings, Awards Presentations and performances are always well attended. The schools’ wider communities provide positive encouragement. Our Governing Body includes parents and members of the local business and industrial communities, all of whom devote a considerable amount of time to promoting the best interests of the schools..

Andrew White
Chair of Governors