Headteacher Designate

Opening in September 2023, Gilbert Ward Academy will be a purpose built, brand new, state of the art school, catering primarily for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs but also providing for children with autism who have moderate learning needs. The school will provide education for up to 80 children aged 11-16, because of the increased demand within the Northumberland special school system.

This is an exciting opportunity. Gilbert Ward Academy will be a new school, serving Northumberland and neighbouring communities. You can be at the heart of its development, leading the school in advance of its opening, through the construction phase and crucial pre-opening period. You will be responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day operational management of the academy. The aim will be to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.

In this new school, the Headteacher will be central to its success, as it opens and into the future. You will ensure the vision, values and ethos of Prosper Learning Trust are at the core of the development of the academy while implementing Trust systems and protocols to facilitate its smooth running.

The role will require you to be a dynamic and professional leader, able to motivate staff, set high expectations, enhance achievement and facilitate rigorous and continuous self-evaluation.

You will be skilled in working collaboratively with stakeholders and partner organisations at all levels to maximise the educational opportunities for children and young people with complex additional needs.

You will advise the Local Advisory Committee and CEO on the recruitment and selection of staff, creating and developing an organisation in which high quality people work together towards the common goal of creating a successful academy on behalf of its pupils and their families.

You will develop, secure and sustain high quality teaching and effective learning across the academy, monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote continuous improvement. You will seek to set outstanding standards and to maintain high expectations amongst staff for the progress of all pupils.

Whether you are a serving Headteacher/Principal or a successful senior leader looking for your first whole school leadership role, what is clear is that you will have an exceptional track record of success, specifically in relation to positive outcomes for all pupils regardless of background or ability.

Prosper Learning Trust is at a very exciting stage in its development and you will have opportunity to play a key role in its growth. We will provide you with the resources and support you need in your efforts to continue to build excellence throughout the school. You will be working with knowledgeable and supportive specialist staff in an academy with excellent facilities as well as alongside a growing and ambitious academy trust, its schools and leaders.

We can offer:

• A friendly and supportive team of staff across the Trust who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
• An exciting and diverse learning environment where hard work and achievement are appreciated, acknowledged and celebrated
• A curriculum that is relevant to the needs of our pupils
• A well-resourced learning environment
• A supportive Trust, Trustees and Local Advisory Committee members
• Further professional development appropriate to the role

To learn more about Gilbert Ward Academy, please visit our Gilbert Ward Academy page here. For further information on Prosper Learning Trust, please see our About Us section here.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you are invited for interview, you will be required to disclose convictions that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. Certain spent convictions and cautions will be ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed. Full details on protected convictions and information about which convictions must be declared during job applications can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. You will be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed. This role will include Regulated Activities and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure is required for this post. Please note that in all cases written references will be taken up and made available to interviewers before the final selection stage; even if you indicate otherwise.

Please note: We can only accept CVs when accompanied by a fully completed application form.

Please return application forms to: HRadmin@prosperlearningtrust.co.uk or by post to HR Department, Prosper Learning Trust, Drayton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3RU.

We are more than happy for prospective candidates to visit so we can share our vision and principles, and discuss this post. The visit will be to PLT central office as GWA is under construction. Alternatively you can request a confidential conversation.

Visiting dates: 30 January 2023, 3 February 2023, 6 – 8 February 2023, others by appointment (to arrange a visit or a phone call please email admin@prosperlearningtrust.co.uk)

Closing date: Friday 17 February 2023, 12 noon

Interview Dates: 9 and 10 March 2023