Head
Blundell's Senior School
Tiverton, Devon
- Expired
- Salary:
- Attractive Package
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- September 2018 (a January 2019 start is possible but not preferred)
- Apply by:
- 27 September 2017
Job overview
Blundell’s is an independent co-educational day and boarding school. It has just under 600 pupils aged 11 to 18 with a tied co-educational day Prep School of 220 pupils aged 2 to 11. The Head has ultimate responsibility for both schools. Blundell’s occupies an impressive and extensive site in Tiverton, a town with access to beautiful and varied countryside, as well as excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and internationally. The outstanding characteristic of Blundellians is their positive ‘can-do’ attitude. The main finding of the most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate report was that the school is highly successful in achieving its aims – that of providing a rounded education in which pupils learn to be flexible, articulate and able to present themselves and their ideas well and capable of motivating themselves. It also noted the ‘excellent and unforced rapport’ between staff and pupils.
Blundell’s is a school with a clear sense of identity, and a hugely warm and welcoming ethos. A school ‘for the whole family’, it is a strong community and a place where the efforts and individuality of all within it are genuinely appreciated and celebrated. It is also a successful school with a supportive and experienced Governing Body, a talented common room and a strong pupil roll, affording the incoming Head a strong platform on which to build.
After what will be an outstanding six years at the helm, Mrs Nicola Huggett is leaving Blundell’s to take on the headship of Cheltenham College in September 2018. During her tenure, the school has seen increase in numbers, as well as continued academic success. The Senior and Prep schools have also enjoyed a closer and more collaborative working relationship, something which the incoming Head will be expected to maintain and develop further. At the time of joining, the school will be at a point where the Head will work with Governors to determine the future strategy, priorities and areas for development. Governors recognise that in addition to the educational focus of the role, there are also a range of commercial opportunities that are as yet untapped, and it is expected that the Head will play a significant role with the Bursar in addressing this. This is therefore a wonderful position for someone who truly believes in the benefits of strong all-round co-education, who relishes the opportunities that boarding schools offer and who thrives as part of a close-knit community. It will be critical that they are also able to articulate their vision for how Blundell’s can continue to flourish and be relevant in an ever-changing educational landscape.
The Governors welcome applications from those who have relevant senior leadership experience and are excited about the opportunities that a school like Blundell’s offers.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Blundell’s School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference CAOYA. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com or telephone 020 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by 12pm (noon) BST on Thursday 28 September 2017.
The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with DfE guidance, to satisfactory references, satisfactory clearance from the DBS, proof of identity and qualifications and a satisfactory medical report.
Blundell’s School is committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.
Attached documents
About Blundell's Senior School
At Blundell’s we educate young men and women of consequence; young people who have the skills and the confidence to make a meaningful contribution to society. It is our privilege to welcome pupils to our school and then to walk beside them as they negotiate their journey into adulthood.
We are immensely fortunate to be situated in an idyllic location. Here on our 100-acre campus in the Devon hills, our pupils are supported and inspired by teachers dedicated to their success and well-being.
Blundell’s has been around for over 400 years. While we are tremendously proud of our history, we are also excited about innovation as we engage with what it means to be relevant in a world that is undergoing such upheaval and change.
This is a place where children thrive, and where they become ready to contribute to a world desperately in need of thoughtful, courageous, and compassionate leaders. This is a place where they will learn about themselves, where they have the opportunity to practise and rehearse the skills that they will need to live fulfilling lives, both now and in the future.
Mr Bart Wielenga, BCom, BEd
Head of Blundell's
Welcome from the Head | About us | Blundell's Senior School (blundells.org)
Values and vision
The main focus of Blundell’s School is on providing a rounded education. It encourages flexibility and articulation, while promoting academic qualities and service to the wider community. Strongly rooted in Christian values, it welcomes students of all faiths. With its own sports pitches, chapel and music studios, Blundell’s School is well-equipped to support its students’ strengths in music and sports.
“Pupils make extremely good progress from their starting points. Pupils throughout the school show highly positive attitudes to learning. Teachers’ high expectations as well as their establishment of a stimulating environment for learning in and around classrooms, encourage pupils to engage fully with tasks and achievements.”
“Pupils throughout the school demonstrate strong development of self-confidence and self-awareness, at levels appropriate to or, for many, beyond their age. Pupils showed their justifiable pride in their own and in others’ achievements, without appearing in the least arrogant or excessively competitive.”
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