Head of Educational Opportunity

Role Introduction

Eton is collaborating with Star Academies to bid to create a plethora of educational opportunities around three prospective new sixth form colleges in Middlesbrough, Dudley and Oldham. The aim of these colleges, if successful, would be to provide a transformative educational experience for able children who aspire to the country’s best universities by adding significant value to their educational opportunities.

In anticipation of potential approval – and recognising our desire to increase partnership work regardless - we are looking for an ambitious and organised educationalist to lead the establishment of these three place-based partnerships. The post will be based at Eton but will require considerable travel around the UK.

The partnership offered to schools will include the provision of digital courses, initially in Physics and in character education as well as contributions to the development of future courses; the organisation of teacher-focused workshops in collaboration with our Tony Little Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning and the Star Institute, which are likely to focus around themes of character education, leadership and resilience; the organisation of student-focused prizes and conferences; the arrangement of online and in-person talks, focused around career development, academic enrichment and potential A-level courses; and the encouragement of local children in the three areas to attend both Eton’s Year 10 and Year 12 residential summer schools and to apply for places at Eton College on large bursaries.

Please note you will be based in Eton, Berkshire with the possibility of working remotely (during the school holidays). Accommodation in Eton will not be provided. You will be required to travel regularly to Oldham, Middlesbrough and Dudley.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

Content development:

• Develop a termly development and activity plan to be offered to 11-16 schools in regional hubs;
• Co-ordinate with the Digital Education teams at Eton and Star Academies to create a digital offer for partner schools;
• Co-ordinate with the Tony Little Centre at Eton and the Star Institute to organise regular professional development events in each location;
• Organise a series of subject-based prizes in each area, including management, judging and prize awards;
• Liaise with Eton alumni and with the Old Etonian Association to organise a weekly series of online lectures, focused on academic enrichment and career development;
• Feed into the development of the Eton Connect summer school for Year 10 students and into new digital courses of relevance to 11-16 schools;
• Constant evaluation and monitoring of provision;
• Seek out and negotiate opportunities to further the partnership’s aims and outcomes, in particular by applying for external funding when opportunities arise.

Communication and Marketing:

• Be a public face/voice of the Eton Star Partnership, alongside key principals from both Eton and Star;
• Working with an external agency, work to develop a high media profile for the partnership, especially in the local and regional media;
• Devise and develop an ongoing strategy to give the partnership a high profile in Dudley, Middlesbrough and Oldham;
• Develop and maintain a website for the Eton Star Partnership;
• Manage the Eton Star Partnership’s Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.

Governance and teamwork:

• Prepare biennial reports for the Partnership Board and the Provost and Fellows of Eton College;
• Be a member of Eton’s Partnerships Development and Delivery Committee.

Please refer to the attached job description for a further list of responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should:

• Have deep familiarity with the state school system and the secondary school curriculum, and be imaginative about the role Eton College can play in supporting both;
• Show determination to make a difference in the educational system;
• Be a strong communicator who will be able to raise the profile of the Eton Star Partnership both nationally and in our three target areas;
• Be able to liaise effectively with a wide range of people, and quickly develop relationships and effective networks with key stakeholders;
• Be able to work independently where necessary, to improvise and to build projects from the ground up;
• Have the ability to lead a team of Local Partnership Coordinators to ensure considerable take-up from local schools;
• Ideally have some experience of working in a partnership;
• Show commitment to cross-sector partnership work;
• Be able to organise events on behalf of the Partnership;
• Be a creative thinker with the confidence to use your initiative. You will not be fazed by the nature of the project.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including; an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme (where applicable), free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discount at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and, where applicable, a Barred List, Prohibition and EEA checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.