Head of PE - Didcot Girls' School and Didcot Sixth Form

Role commences 1st September 2021

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). 

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development planning. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration. Didcot Girls’ School is part of Ridgeway Education Trust and there are excellent opportunities for staff to work across the two secondary and one primary school which currently comprise the Trust. 

Summer 2019 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.

PE Department

Physical education and school sport are an integral and valued part of the curriculum at Didcot Girls’ School and are recognised and celebrated at all key stages. 

We have a strong and dedicated team who share the same drive to deliver the highest quality of teaching and learning whilst providing the best possible opportunities in an inclusive and supportive environment. We aim to ensure that all our students leave us with the knowledge and skills to enjoy participating in lifelong physical activity.    

The school has great facilities with a sports hall, gymnasium and multi-purpose hall for indoor use, as well as four netball and tennis courts, and playing fields which accommodate football and touch rugby in the winter, and an athletics track, long jump, all throwing areas and four rounders pitches in the summer. 

The extra-curricular life of the department is strong, with a plethora of clubs and fixtures offered across the duration of the academic year. Via external coaches, cricket, archery, gymnastics and fencing are offered. Internally the PE Department provides opportunities for students to participate in football, netball, touch rugby, gymnastics, trampolining, badminton, swimming, athletics, and rounders. We are committed to sporting excellence, with a high attendance rate across all clubs, and high success rate in competitions at local, county, regional and national level.

The Post

This is a key post in a strong and innovative department. We are looking for a candidate with the ambition to lead this successful department onto the next stage in its development and a teacher with a genuine and infectious passion for teaching PE. We expect all middle leaders to actively contribute to the leadership ethos which defines the school.

The department comprises a highly motivated team of eight staff, including a Second in PE Department and a full-time non-teaching PE technician for whom this postholder has line management responsibility. The successful applicant will have experience and a record of success teaching at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. Uptake for GCSE and A level PE in our mixed sixth form is strong each year.

Excellent professional development is available for the successful candidate. 

Application Process

Should you wish to visit the school for a tour prior to application then please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk

Please download and complete an application form from the school website (under ‘Join us’) paying particular attention to the ‘Relevant Skills and Experience’ section.

Please also submit a written response (maximum 2 sides A4 at point 11) to the following question: ‘What skills and experience do I have which make me a strong candidate for this post and how would I implement what I see as the key parts of the role to support outstanding outcomes for students?’

Applications should be sent to Frances Adley by 9am on Monday 17th May.

Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and your Disclosure and Barring Service 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.  

Georgina Littler

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.