Assistant Headteacher/Designated Safeguarding Lead

Sponne is a remarkable school. It has a long history since its inception in 1430. It is the oldest secondary school in Northamptonshire and one of the oldest in the country. It is a very successful, hugely over-subscribed community comprehensive school with 1490 students aged 11-18 on roll with 170 staff. The school serves the local community of Towcester which is a market town south of Northampton and northwest of Milton Keynes. Many students come from the surrounding villages. The school has many strengths including its exceptionally strong provision in music and science. The commitment to students’ personal development is palpable.

As Ofsted found, we have a vibrant learning environment that challenges all of our students to make outstanding progress and a range of specialist staff to support the personalisation of the experience we offer. Our motto is for everyone to have Dreams, to Believe in themselves and to Achieve their aspirations.

Students are encouraged to work hard at their studies and to join in with the large range of extra-curricular opportunities provided by our dedicated staff. We know that any student’s ‘best’ can be shown in many ways – academic work and examination results, or activities such as concerts, plays, team sports and community service. Student achievement, in all areas, is outstanding and regularly celebrated; we are proud of the extremely high standards attained and the significant contributions our students make to both their school and wider communities. Our students matter to us as individuals and we are certain that achievement is most successfully inspired by a school community that is caring and friendly, yet firm and clear in its expectations and standards.

All new staff are made very welcome and given every assistance to settle in at this exciting and vibrant school.   Sponne School is part of the Tove Learning Trust and the SWAN Training School Alliance. These give all staff access to local curriculum networks and to a wide range of opportunities for continued professional development at all levels. Many of our current staff are involved in the delivery of courses such as the ITP, OTP and NPQ’s  and there is considerable collaboration with other local secondary schools through the training school, both in terms of CPD and through the GUTP (Grand Union Training Partnership), a well-established and respected ITT provider.

We are very well blessed with excellent Faculty Learning Leaders (Heads of Faculty) and Progress Learning Leaders (Heads of Year). These colleagues provide outstanding professional support for staff throughout the school. The senior team consists of Dr Jamie Clarke, our Chief Executive Officer, myself, one Deputy Head, four Assistant Headteachers, four Associate Assistant Headteachers and the School Business Manager. Governors are keen, challenging and very supportive. Our  dedicated and experienced support staff  provide a very effective centralised service to both students and staff.

The school is part of Tove Learning Trust, comprising fourteen schools.It promotes excellent professional development across the multi-academy Trust  and strives to lead and inspire a high expectation culture where all staff and students are valued and they are equipped to meet the challenges associated with high quality teaching and learning. Trustees are committed to maintaining the unique nature and character of each school and academy within the Trust whilst embracing the shared values in all we do.

Thank you for your interest in a post at Sponne School. If you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Iain Massey

Headteacher