Headteacher

We are looking for a new headteacher for our happy and popular 3-11 school. Our current Headteacher is retiring after twenty-five years at Black Firs. We are seeking candidates who will enjoy the challenge of continuing Black Firs very successful journey with our experienced team of teachers.

Black Firs School is an over-subscribed, 1½ form entry, urban primary school is located on the outskirts of the Cheshire town Congleton. We have 350 children on roll from 3-11yrs old. Recently recognised by Ofsted that “Children love coming to the welcoming and nurturing environment of Black Firs. They are helped to develop their personal qualities through the four school values of generosity, belonging, independence and mastery. Children are great friends to one another.”

We believe that strong relationships are at the heart of our success, this includes a close partnership with parents, which are essential so that children develop the habit of a love of learning and for life. As a child-centred School, a Black Firs teacher is seen as the decisive element in the classroom. Our personal approach creates the climate; we adapt to suit the child.

The school is part of The Learning Alliance, a growing and flourishing family of schools. As the new headteacher, you will enjoy unstinting support and care from an experienced and approachable local governing board as well as advice and help from an experienced Chief Executive. The role includes day-to-day responsibility for the operation of the school, providing a great education for all and ensuring the wellbeing of our whole school community.  

We are looking for a highly effective leader, who is used to working in a collegiate style with experienced staff who teach in teams which value the skills of each member. A leader with a growth mindset, who inspires staff and children alike, utilising an adaptive style to best meet the needs of the whole school community. We are proud of our school and are looking for someone who will uphold our excellent reputation and nurture our existing strong positive relationships with children, staff, parents and families to improve outcomes for all.

As our new Headteacher, you will demonstrate your commitment to excellence inside and outside the classroom. You will also have a proven track record of high expectations and outstanding achievement along with a passion for all children and their education. 

We offer an attractive salary and a competitive benefits package. The Learning Alliance supports its family of schools with specialist central services, extensive professional development and career opportunities and a wide network of curriculum and other links.

Black Firs School is fully committed to safer recruitment practice. Pre-employment checks will always be undertaken and requested before the appointment is confirmed. All prospective employees are subjected to enhanced DBS disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Job Description and Person Specification can be downloaded from the school website www.black-firs.co.uk or email the school office office@black-firs.co.uk, but application forms must be returned via TES website only.

All completed application forms and written statements need to be submitted by Tuesday 31st January 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend a 2-day interview during the week commencing Monday 5th February 2023. The interview process will involve a series of panel interviews, leadership tasks and presentations. There will also be an opportunity for shortlisted candidates to meet staff and children during the interview days.

We encourage all prospective candidates to visit and meet with us, between Monday 9th January and Friday 27th January. You can contact us to make an appointment by phoning the school 01260 272935 or by emailing the school business manager, Chloe Holloway: office@black-firs.co.uk

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The Learning Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced checks with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).

In line with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 The Learning Alliance does not request attendance or medical information on candidates for posts prior to appointment. We will, however, seek a post-appointment reference for successful candidates, which will include questions relating to attendance records. Appointments will be made subject to this reference and the Trust may, in some circumstances, withdraw the offer of appointment on the basis of information received, again having full regard to the requirements of the Equality Act.

The Learning Alliance is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity and the elimination of discrimination; all applicants should note that they will be considered on the basis of suitability regardless of disability, gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation and marital status or any other discrimination which is unfair or unreasonable. We are proud to be an employer that holds Disability Committed and Menopause Friendly status. The Trust supports CIPD’s #FlexFrom1st campaign and is ‘happy to talk flexible working’