Head of School

Turner Free School is part of Turner Schools and due to the promotion of our existing Principal to Executive Principal within the Trust, we are looking for an ambitious, dedicated Senior Leader who is looking to be part of a growing, innovative Trust that has both a regional and national reputation for our work. 

At Turner Free School, we are creating a community of young people with the confidence, knowledge and ambition to go out into the world and fulfil their potential. We deliver knowledge-based curriculum and ensure that a wide range of enriching extra-curricular opportunities are available to all. 

Take a look at our current school video by clicking HERE 

We are looking for enthusiastic, inspirational leaders with a passion for working to improve outcomes for the pupils we serve. We welcome applications from those who are highly motivated and dedicated, with a passion for education and who have the ambition and drive to be future Trust leaders. We are especially interested in applicants who have experience in comprehensive education and would also consider those new to leadership who can demonstrate a strong track record at KS4 with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.  

The Trust is committed to the community we serve and the ideal candidate will be someone with a passion for improving outcomes for all pupils and playing a part in the transformation of Folkestone through inclusive excellence in education. 

Folkestone is an up and coming coastal town, with contemporary, artistic appeal, it is described in the Lonely Planet Guide as ‘one of the top ten regions to visit in 2022’ and therefore we are pleased to be able to offer a generous relocation package for the right candidate. 

The ideal candidates will…

• Demonstrate a passion for transforming communities have experience in whole school leadership
• Possess the ability to motivate, inspire and support our committed staff
• Have a commitment to working collaboratively in partnership with others
• Demonstrate a passion for transforming communities have experience in whole school leadership
• Have a proven experience of impacting positively on pupil progress, raising attainment and developing excellence to ensure the attainment gap is closed. 
• Lead by example and be passionate about constantly driving improvement with flair and imagination
• Believe that a knowledge-led curriculum levels the playing field for all pupils
• Have led transformational change to outcomes driven by coaching teaching and learning practise
• Demonstrate understanding or experience of the Free Schools programme

In return, Turner Schools can offer...

• The opportunity to take part in exciting  Cross- Trust collaborative work
• A well- established central services team with a focus on delivering outstanding services to our schools 
• A strong ethos and culture that promotes the belief that all pupils can achieve
• Fabulous pupils who work hard and want to learn
• Calm and purposeful learning environments, with high pupil behaviour expectations
• Outstanding Leadership Development programme with personalised coaching and CPD programmes for all leaders 
• Supportive governors and a dedicated faculty team who are continually willing to learn
• A Trust which takes student and faculty welfare seriously
• Private healthcare from Benenden Health medical, including a 24/7 prescription GP service, counselling, access to the BUPA hospital network and physiotherapy.  
• A genuine opportunity to lead, make a difference and be part of the exciting Trust vision.
• A relocation package to the town described by Lonely Planet as 'contemporary artistic appeal' and one of the top ten regions to visit in 2022

We would welcome applicants to visit the school prior to application to experience the  culture and ethos.  Please contact HR@turnerschools.com if you would like to arrange a tour. 

About Turner Free School:

The Turner Free School is an academically ambitious and inclusive school for 11-18 year old pupils in the Cheriton area of Folkestone. In other words, it is a grammar-style school for everyone. As a smaller than average secondary school, all pupils are known and educated as individuals. The school has a knowledge-led curriculum, organised along the principles established by Professors Michael Young of the IOE and E.D. Hirsch of the University of Virginia, to ensure all pupils receive the knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world. In addition, to give pupils a leading edge for further education and employment, modern foreign languages are emphasised, with the aspiration that all pupils will achieve a working standard by the time that they graduate from the school.

As a free school the Turner Free School is a new Academy school; directly funded by central government and independent of Local Authority control. Like other free schools, the Turner Free School has a responsibility to expand the educational offer locally, to promote higher standards inclusively, to address local social issues and to ensure excellent value for the public purse.

The Turner Free School is part of Turner Schools, a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) based in Folkestone on the beautiful Kent coast. The Turner Schools family includes five schools in Folkestone:-

• Folkestone Primary

• Folkestone Academy

• Morehall Primary

• Martello Primary

• Turner Free School

We provide education through pre-school, primary, secondary and on to sixth form. Each academy is individual and responds to the needs of its local community to provide the best possible opportunity for its young people. We promote high academic standards, while ensuring crucial opportunities for personal and emotional development.

Turner Schools is committed to Transforming children’s futures…Empowering children’s futures…Strengthening communities.

To help us achieve this Turner Staff ‘Walk the Turner Talk’

They will:

• Speak and act with care: always show compassion and respect for children.

• Act boldly: be ambitious for yourself and the children and young people we serve.

• Learn from adversity: be evaluative, thoughtful and reflective.

• Challenge convention: be curious, welcome difference and unfamiliar thinking.

• Connect with others: support colleagues, parents and pupils to make a great team.

• Use your voice: offer different views and ask questions.

• Do what it takes: be relentless in pursuing the best for children.

• Ask for support: be open and honest when plans go awry.

• Don’t give up: be calm, resilient and measured when managing challenges.

Turner Schools is committed to giving a powerful education to local families through schools where children thrive and knowledge matters. Turner Schools is committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. It expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any appointment is subject to thorough recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Two references are required prior to commencement of employment. We are an equal opportunities employer.