Head of Boys' Junior School

Bury Grammar School is a thriving family of schools with growing pupil numbers, an exceptionally positive and supportive pupil, staff and parent body and a forward-looking, dynamic leadership team.  

As we go into our 450th year, Bury Grammar School is keen to celebrate our rich history and much loved traditions while continuing to move confidently into a promising and exciting future.  The new Head of the Boys’ Junior School will be an important part of that future and a key figurehead for pupils, staff, parents and friends of BGS.

In the last two years, Bury Grammar School has come together as one school, making us one of the largest HMC schools in the country.  We have 1130 pupils, nearly 250 staff and a 45 acre estate – and we have recently introduced a common all-through curriculum for all our pupils aged 3-18 along with a common format school day.  Staff training is the best it has ever been and we have plans to extend our training programme beyond the school itself, results at GCSE and A Level were record breaking last year and demand for places has seen a significant surge in the last two years, particularly in the Kindergarten and Infants.

The Boys’ Junior School is a much loved section of Bury Grammar School.  Its unique and life-affirming atmosphere have to be experienced to be truly understood, and it is true to say that academic standards are taking off, opportunities for pupils are outstanding and pastoral care is second to none.  The new Head of the Boys’ Junior School will be taking over a thriving school with delightful pupils, a committed staff and a very supportive parent body.

The structure of the Senior Leadership Team is such that the new Head of the Boys’ Junior School will benefit from the support of a number of talented and hard-working colleagues.  We really do value team work and will be looking to appoint a colleague who is willing, not only to lead his/her own school, but also to support the work of the wider family of schools.  The School is led by the Principal/Headmistress and the Vice Principal/Headmaster; the Boys’ Junior Head will report to the Headmaster and will work very closely with the Head of the Kindergarten, Infants and (Girls) Junior School.  The new post holder will have a large degree of autonomy in running his/her school but, like all BGS colleagues, will be expected to genuinely support the work of all divisions of the School.

We are seeking a well-qualified, talented and committed colleague with senior leader experience to become the new Head of the Boys’ Junior School.  The junior boys enjoy their own exceptional building with excellent facilities, including a dedicated Science laboratory, Art room and ICT suite.  There are currently six full-time teachers including the Deputy Head and there is also a Health Support Worker.  All staff are expected to be willing to teach in any area of the Juniors/Infants and supporting both transition from Infants into Boys’ Juniors and from Boys’ Juniors into Boys’ Seniors is a very important part of the role.  The cross school element of the role of our new Head is significant and candidates with suitable experience and a sympathetic approach to the complex needs of a large school will be at an advantage.  

All staff are expected to contribute to the school’s rich extra-curricular programme and applications from those able to make such a contribution would be particularly welcome.  Our extensive programme is a credit to the school and its staff, greatly contributing to pupils’ attainment.  

Within the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Junior School provides vision, leadership and direction for the school and ensures that it is managed and organised to meet its aims and targets.  The Head of Junior School also seeks to secure the commitment of the wider community to the school by developing and maintaining appropriate networks and relationships.