Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher - Standards and Culture

Didcot Girls’ School

Role commences: 1st September 2019 Remuneration: L18-22

Thank you for your interest in this exciting post. Application forms, other recruitment material and a copy of the school’s prospectus are available on the school website under the ‘Join Us’ tab. 

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In December 2015, the school was judged to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff: ‘Staff have exceptional opportunities for professional development. Staff feel valued and really like working in the school. Morale is very high.'(Ofsted). 

The school is part of Ridgeway Education Trust, a growing multi-academy trust, alongside St Birinus Secondary School and Sutton Courtenay Church of England Primary School. Increasingly close working across the Trust is creating exciting opportunities for collaboration and the establishment of an exceptional 4-19 education for the young people in the area.   

Accredited as a national Teaching School in 2017, we offer excellent opportunities for staff development and progression. The Teaching School provides experienced staff with the opportunity to become a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) and thereby engage in school-to-school support and CPD both across Ridgeway Education Trust and beyond. 

 We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning, excellent standards of conduct and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration. 

This summer’s GCSE results were superb with 80% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 65% doing the same at 5+. Our Attainment 8 figure was significantly above national average at 55.8 and our Progress 8 of +0.69 places us the top 3% of schools nationally. Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong.

The Post

This is a key post in a dynamic and strong team. We are looking for someone with a genuine and infectious passion for young people and for school leadership, with a restless drive to improve in every area and high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment.

Our senior leadership team provide highly visible and dynamic leadership for Didcot Girls’ School, ensuring outstanding standards and promoting our aspirational and inclusive ethos. The team are integral to establishing and driving the culture and values of the school, leading by example as well as providing both vision and strategic direction. 

The post holder will be required to be an outstanding role-model for staff and students. They will be expected to model the school’s values and culture at all times, in particular in public-facing duties and when deputising for the Headteacher. 

Distributed leadership is strong in the school and the post holder will be expected to develop, support and empower leaders at all levels in order to maintain and improve standards across a range of important areas. This aspect of the role will be focused on (but not limited to) the wider pastoral team, comprised of the following:

- Assistant Headteacher (Standards and Culture)

- Five Heads of Year and one Deputy Head of Year

- 4 Student Managers

- Safeguarding Lead

- An alternative provision lead

- School Counsellor

- School Health Nurse

- Young Carer Lead

Student ethos, conduct and values are a cornerstone of the school’s successful culture and the post holder will have a key role in maintaining and raising standards in this vital aspect of the school’s work. 

Please see the separate job description for a detailed summary of key roles and responsibilities.

For further information or to arrange a tour of the school in advance of an application, please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk 

Application Process

Please download and complete an application form from the school website (under ‘Join us’) and send it with a response to the following task to Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk: 

• A response of no more than 2 sides of A4 (11 point) explaining what outstanding pastoral leadership looks and feels like for staff and students.

The deadline for applications is as soon as possible and 9am on Monday 20th May 2019 latest, with final interviews on Wednesday 22nd May. However, candidates are urged to apply as soon as possible as we will interview on receipt of applications

Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and your DBS or CRB certificate, if applicable, to your interview.  

I thank you for your interest in this exciting post and wish you well with your application.  

Tom Goodenough

Headteacher

Didcot Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.