Deputy Head

The post of Deputy Head has become vacant following a retirement after significant and sterling service and loyalty to the life of King Edward’s.

Governors invite applications from those who consider themselves to have the necessary skill, set and experience to work at this level: no specific subject is required.  Applications are particularly welcome from those in similar or existing positions working at Assistant Head or Deputy Head level already, and who would be comfortable working in any of the potential Deputy Head areas. Prior experience leading a large faculty or key stage would be useful. Presently the school is reviewing the responsibilities of the Deputies in the light of the retirement.  The current proposals are for a Deputy Head - Pastoral [SENDCO + DSL], Deputy Head Academic [Digital Development + Learning] and Deputy Head - Operations and Logistics. 

Candidates covering letter should explain how their past experience has prepared them for a role as Deputy Head and should indicate which area or areas they would feel most suited to, and why. 

The School

King Edward’s is a selective Grammar School which has an interesting history going back over four hundred and fifty years.  The school’s more recent history has seen it move from being a 14-18 boarding and day School in the 1970’s and 1980’s to becoming a fully-fledged 11-18 day selective Grammar School in the 1990’s, a Grant Maintained school and a selective Academy.    

Today King Edward’s is a five-form entry day school with approximately 950 pupils at 11-18: this includes a Sixth Form of around 200.  The school has approximately 120 teaching and support staff of which the vast majority live within a five-mile radius of the school. The school is exceptionally fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who make a massive commitment to the life of the school.  We run a huge range of additional trips and activities from DofE, CCF, Drama, Music, Debating, Sport, Creative writing, overseas trips etc.   It is this commitment to the wider life of the School that means that relationships with pupils tend to be natural and not forced.  

Louth and Lincolnshire

The School is set in Louth the capital of the Lincolnshire Wolds and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) similar in many respects to the Cotswolds, Chilterns and other AONB.   Rick Stein rated Louth as one of the best Market Towns in the Country and in a recent national survey Lincolnshire was picked out as Britain’s favourite food spot. 

The Leadership Team and the Deputy Head Role

The Leadership Team consists of the Headmaster, Finance Director and three Deputy Heads each responsible for leading on a designated area.  

 The Headmaster is in charge of the strategic leadership and development of the School whilst the Leadership Team are in charge of the operational life of the School. The team meets weekly to discuss operational matters in detail and fortnightly to discuss single item strategy matters; there is also a briefing each morning to discuss the day’s events, any issues or simply to enjoy each other’s company before the day begins: a good sense of humour will be crucial.   

Each member of the Leadership Team is responsible for line managing a number of departments and is expected to attend various functions and evening events as necessary.  Each member of the Leadership Team also has an input into the strategic management of the School via the fortnightly strategy meetings, and attendance at Governing Body sub-committee/committee meetings.

All members of the team are expected to Lead in their areas as well as manage. The emphasis and expectation is very much on giving members ample authority to act decisively in their role. Each member of the team meets the Headmaster on a fortnightly/weekly basis to discuss matters relating to their role.

Preparation for Headship

The post aims offers the opportunity for those candidates seeking promotion to Headship in the future or another wider leadership role. The School aims to achieve this in the following ways:

1. Providing support for candidates through the NPQH  

2. By ensuring that the role enables the candidate to give the candidate support, training and opportunities for personal development in the following areas:

 i. Creating a whole school vision and ethos

ii. Leadership and Management opportunities 

iii. Monitoring of Teaching and Learning 

iv. Marketing and Public Relations

v. Knowledge and experience of financial and curriculum planning

vi. Exposure to whole school strategic decision making via the Leadership Team and Governing Body

3. Mentoring and networking opportunities provided by the Headmaster. 

The Application and Interview Process

All candidates must:

- Complete the Application and Equal Ops Forms

- Submit a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4 that explains how your prior experience makes you suitable for the role.

- Submit a Curriculum Vitae with the details of two referees.

Deadlines:

- Applications close at midnight on Friday 20th May.

- Applications may be sent by e mail to recruitment@kevigs.lincs.sch.uk

- Successful candidates will be called for a two day interview w/c 23rd May 2022:  further details of the days will be sent out by e mail to short listed candidates.