Executive Principal

Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education is a non-maintained special school and college with ambitious development plans and is now recruiting for a new Executive Principal with the experience, strategic leadership and determination to build on its many strengths and ensure it consistently provides outstanding outcomes for its children and young people.

ERADE comprises a school for students aged 5 to 17, a post-16 department for students aged 18 to 25, and a Children’s Home. All of the students are severe to profoundly deaf and the majority use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language. There are currently 71 students on roll of whom 43 are residential. The Academy also provides outreach support to children and young people in mainstream settings. All of the students have at least one additional disability, for example autism, a moderate to severe learning disability or physical disabilities. ERADE is a special place, where deaf children can communicate with others and thrive with a confidence that many do not experience elsewhere.

From a strong position in early 2016, the Academy suffered a number of setbacks in the last 12 months, triggered by a safeguarding enquiry. It responded to these challenges positively and has made good progress towards recovery, including a recent inspection of the Children’s Home, which achieved a Good outcome. At the heart of the school is a talented and committed staff who are focussed on the needs of the students, providing consistently high quality teaching and learning where all are challenged to achieve their potential and make the best progress at all times.

The Academy will relocate to Exmouth in August 2019. This brings the opportunity to redefine the future of ERADE in new, modern, inspiring premises designed to meet the needs of the young people.

The new Executive Principal will further develop the strengths of the school, bring fresh challenge and ideas and provide the inspirational leadership that will see the Academy thrive in the short term and in its new location. This is an exciting time for the Academy as it seeks to develop and enhance all aspects of its provision and while the Governors recognise it will take a lot of hard work they are seeking an Executive Principal who shares their vision and optimism.

Previous experience of working with deaf young people or the ability to use British Sign Language is not essential, although if appointed you will be expected to commit to working towards gaining BSL level 3.

If you have a successful track record as a senior leader in a SEND setting, with the determination to maximise the opportunities available, this role offers an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself in a new environment. Previous experience in a residential provision is not essential but you will require the capacity to provide a comprehensive waking day curriculum that constantly evolves to meet the needs of students.

Self-assured and confident with a ‘can-do’ attitude, you will have the skills to build and lead effective teams and to be an effective team member. You must be ambitious and forward thinking with the ability to inspire and lead change but also the focus to ensure successful outcomes are reached. You will be a compassionate and strong leader who can hold staff to account whilst being accountable yourself. Above all you will share the school’s passion and belief that students, their learning, their care and developing their potential is at the heart of all decisions.

To find out more about this exceptional opportunity please visit www.hays.co.uk/jobs/erade or contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership for a confidential discussion, to arrange a visit or to discuss making an application.

 E: martin.blair@hays.com
 T: 07736791138

Closing date: 9am, 18th April
Interviews: 26th and 27th April

ERADE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS

Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education