Executive Headteacher
Kennet School
Thatcham, Berkshire
- Expired
- Salary:
- Competitive salary to attract the best
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 24 January 2018
Job overview
Executive Headteacher
Kennet School, Kennet School Academies Trust (KSAT) “Where better never stops”
Competitive salary to attract the best
Following the retirement of our Executive Headteacher, we need a new leader. Someone passionate, inspirational, and visionary to lead education and continue to make a sustained difference at our school, across our emerging Multi Academy Trust (Kennet School Academies Trust) and in the region.
Our Trust currently comprises Kennet School, an outstanding 11-18 academy and Whitelands Primary, a school judged good, under the leadership of the Trust, in 2016. We are hungry for further success, innovation, and development. Poised for growth, we are seeking a leader who can respond to the challenges of the sector, both now and in the future. As new Executive Headteacher you will lead this development in partnership with Trustees and stakeholders, positioning both school and Trust as the provider of choice in the local area.
Kennet School is a large, popular, 11 – 18 school in Thatcham. With over 1700 students on roll we are one of the most over-subscribed schools in the local area. We are well-respected locally and regionally, having increased our PAN to 300 in September this year. Our practice is strong and positive at all levels. Our curriculum challenges and inspires staff and students alike. Recent outcomes in the sixth form are the best in the school’s history and our Key Stage 4 progress is above average. In addition, we offer specialist resourced provision for physically disabled and hearing-impaired students across the county and beyond. How can you help us achieve even more in this already exciting environment?
We are seeking a leader who can take these firm foundations and grow even more success at school and Trust levels. As our next Executive Headteacher, you will be a visible and visionary leader, with the gravitas and credibility to motivate and inspire all those involved in our work. You’ll bring a proven track record, with the drive to ensure sustained success of the school, Trust, and positive outcomes for our students.
For an informal (and confidential) discussion, or to arrange a visit, please contact Jo Fish or Rachel Singer, our recruitment partners at Navigate, on 0203 637 5007. To find out more and for information on how to apply, visit www.leadkennetschool.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is midday Wednesday 24th January 2018;
Shortlisting will take place week commencing Monday 29th January 2018;
Final interviews will take place on Tuesday 6th (day one) and Wednesday 7th (day two) February 2018.
Kennet School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to the equality of opportunity and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.
Attached documents
About Kennet School
Welcome to Kennet School’s Career Site
Excellence Through Endeavour - Build your Career with Us
Discover what makes Kennet School a unique and rewarding place to build your career. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about our vision, culture, and current vacancies.
Our Vision & Beliefs
At Kennet School, learning is at the heart of everything we do. While many schools make this claim, for us it is a defining principle that shapes our daily practice.
Kennet is a vibrant, purposeful, and supportive place to work, offering diverse opportunities across a wide range of roles. Our staff are forward-thinking, creative and passionate about their subjects.
Our motto "Excellence through Endeavour" guides not only our pupils but also our entire community.
We foster a welcoming and rewarding environment, reflected in the number of colleagues who progress into leadership roles or return to Kennet after gaining experience elsewhere. Staff at Kennet embrace Dylan Wiliam’s mantra:
“If we create a culture where every teacher believes they need to improve, not because they aren’t good enough but because they could be even better, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”Our Story
Founded in 1957, Kennet School has grown into a thriving 11–18 comprehensive with over 1,800 pupils and a successful Sixth Form of around 350 pupils.
We are proud of our commitment to excellence, recognised through multiple awards and accreditations, including:
- Artsmark
- Secondary Geography Quality Mark
- Eco School
- Exceptional Schools Award
- Music Mark School
- Quality in Careers Standard
- Sandwell Well-Being Charter Mark (recognising our focus on mental health and well-being)
- Shakespeare Gold School.
Professional Growth at Kennet
At Kennet, we invest heavily in staff development, well above the national average. Whether through NPQs, Leadership Apprenticeships or MA programmes, we are committed to helping every colleague reach their potential.
For new staff and Early Career Teachers (ECTs), we provide tailored programmes that include:
- Dedicated mentorship and shadowing opportunities
- Weekly mentor meetings
- At least three professional development sessions per half term
- Extensive support through our role as local cluster lead for ECT training with UCL.
Staff Benefits
- High-quality professional growth programmes and clear progression pathways
- Supportive culture with lesson observation and coaching
- Tailored career support at all levels
- State-of-the-art facilities and resources
- Staff discount at our on-site Leisure Centre
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free access to Office 365 & Adobe Creative Cloud
- Free IT training courses
- Discounted vehicle breakdown cover
- Childcare support.
But don't just take our word for it... hear from our staff in the quotes below and watch Kennet School's video.
Recruitment Process
- We usually interview within one week of the closing date
- Shortlisted candidates will receive full details in advance
- All interviews include a tour of the tour and the chance to meet key staff.
Considering Kennet?
We'd love to meet you! Even if you don't see a suitable vacancy, we welcome conversations with teachers about career opportunities.
Email: office@kennetschool.co.uk to book a visit and experience Kennet in Action.
Further Information
For current vacancies and more about Kennet School, please visit our website.
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