Headteacher

This job description reflects the Headteachers’ Standards 2020

The appointment is subject to the current conditions of employment of headteachers, contained in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document and other current educational and employment legislation. In carrying out his/her duties, the headteacher will consult, where appropriate, with the Local Authority, the MAT leadership team, the governing body, the staff of the school, the pupils and the parents/carers of the pupils.

The teachers’ standards (2011, as amended), including the personal and professional code of conduct which applies to teachers, provide a foundation upon which the standards for headteachers are built.

Headteachers, like other teachers, are expected to meet the teachers’ standards. The headteachers’ standards articulate how headteachers can meet both the additional responsibilities of headship and the requirements of the teachers’ standards.

Headteachers are expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of principled and professional conduct. They are expected to meet the teachers’ standards and be responsible for providing the conditions in which teachers can fulfil them.

Headteachers uphold and demonstrate the Seven Principles of Public Life at all times. Known as the Nolan principles, these form the basis of the ethical standards expected of public office holders:

• selflessness
• integrity
• objectivity
• accountability
• openness
• honesty
• leadership

Headteachers uphold public trust in school leadership and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour. Both within and outside school, headteachers:

• build relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observe proper boundaries appropriate to their professional position
• show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others, recognising differences and respecting cultural diversity within contemporary Britain
• uphold fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
• ensure that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit their position, pupils’ vulnerability or might lead pupils to break the law

As leaders of their school community and profession, headteachers:

• serve in the best interests of the school’s pupils
• conduct themselves in a manner compatible with their influential position in society by behaving ethically, fulfilling their professional responsibilities and modelling the behaviour of a good citizen
• uphold their obligation to give account and accept responsibility
• know, understand, and act within the statutory frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities
• take responsibility for their own continued professional development, engaging critically with educational research
• make a positive contribution to the wider education system

Alston Moor Federation comprises three rural schools on two sites. Nenthead Primary School, Alston Primary School and Samuel King’s Secondary School are set in the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst each school retains its distinct and unique identity, they work collaboratively together to offer a broad and engaging curriculum.

The schools have progressed significantly in recent years and are each currently rated 'Good'. We have also submitted our application to join Changing Lives Learning Trust (a local MAT who are also the Teaching School Hub for our region). We are seeking a new Headteacher to continue our upward trajectory and successful transition into the MAT. This is a rare opportunity to lead a federation of schools for pupils aged from 4 -16 years set in the heart of a strong community.

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader; it is the quality of leadership that we will be looking at, not the sector in which it was most recently based as the successful applicant will be supported by an established team across the Trust and within the schools.  

We are looking for a passionate, collaborative, personable leader with the ability to motivate and inspire others. You will have vision and the determination to develop the Federation, to further raise standards, aspirations and outcomes for every child.

In return, we can offer a supportive and committed Governing Body, a supportive senior leadership team, dedicated staff, good parental engagement and a welcoming local community.

Our Federation motto is ‘What starts here changes the world’ and we welcome an application from individuals who have the ambition to lead our school community and help every child discover their true selves and become the best they can be.

The Alston Moor Federation are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

If you would like to find out more about this post, our area, and how to apply please visit our website https://www.alstonmoorfederation.org.uk/job-vacancies to receive the detailed recruitment pack.

We welcome questions and familiarisation visits prior to application. Please direct enquiries to our clerk at the email address below.

The closing date for applications is 12.00hrs on Wednesday 20th September 2023

Interview date: Wednesday 27th September 2023

Pre-interview walkaround visits welcomed; please contact clerk@alston.cumbria.sch.uk to arrange.