Headteacher

The Special Partnership Trust is looking to secure the leadership across the Trust and appoint a Headteacher at Orchard Manor School. This is an exciting opportunity for a Headteacher to join a high achieving, aspirational Trust. 

The Trust can be flexible on start date and will consider applicants who can start January 2022 or earlier.

We are looking for

The Trust is interested to hear from leaders who have experience of transformational leadership, or are currently leading educational, organisational change, or school improvement preferably with experience of working within a Multi-Academy Trust.  

The successful applicant should have a strong track record, strive for exceptional standards and aspirations and share Orchard Manor’s vision and values for providing high quality education and residential offer to all pupils. Candidates will need to be an articulate and strong communicator with proven strengths in engaging, inspiring and motivating staff at all levels, and working with local community.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute towards the broader ambitions and outstanding practice across the Trust. 

The new Headteacher will build on an excellent tradition, bringing fresh challenge and energy to lead the school forward in its next phase of development. Key to the success of the school has been a committed and talented team of staff who embrace change and continually challenge their own practice by looking for innovative ways for pupils to achieve their aspirations and play a meaningful role in the community. The new Headteacher must share this ‘can-do’ spirit and model it in their daily practice and leadership. 

You must be confident and positive and have the skills to build effective teams and also to be a team player. Above all, you will share the passion and belief that children and young people, their learning and developing their potential are at the heart of all decisions. 

The role provides an innovative, exciting opportunity to develop and maximise the potential of Orchard Manor School and an opportunity to work within and help shape the direction and future growth of a strong Multi Academy Trust.

About Orchard Manor School

Orchard Manor School is a residential school that caters for nearly 200 students aged 3-19. We provide education and care for pupils with communication and interaction difficulties, Autistic spectrum conditions and learning needs. 

The school is part of the innovative Special Partnership Trust, bringing together a collaborative partnership of good and outstanding special schools in Cornwall and Devon. Each school share a passion and work closely together to best meet the needs of individual pupils. A culture of mutual support and teamwork permeates the organisation. This is an exciting time for the school and the Special Partnership Trust as it continues to develop and enhance all aspects of its provision.

Our provision is from EYFS to post 16. The school is set in a 30-acre site with fabulous grounds, extensive outdoor education including forest school, horticulture area, indoor swimming pool and purpose built cycle track.

The school is expanding, and we are looking forward to a new building which will provide increased vocational and sporting opportunities for all our pupils. Building work is due to start in July 2021.

We can accommodate up to 35 pupils on a weekly basis during term time.

We are proud of Orchard Manor School the incredible potential it has and warmly welcome your application. At Orchard Manor School our pupils are at the centre of everything we do, and we consistently strive for high quality education and care. We understand their individual needs and the importance of positive mental health and well-being ensuring that they can reach their full potential, be happy, safe and included in school and the community.  

At Orchard Manor we pride ourselves on putting into practice our motto ‘We Live and Learn Together’ by working in partnership with pupils, families and each other to provide a personalised education and care offer for every child.

What we can offer

We can help you to extend and develop your experience of headship, by supporting you to lead a school with massive potential, an experience group of staff and a ‘rich’ curriculum resource. The role provides an innovative, exciting opportunity to work within and help to shape the direction and future growth of a strong Multi Academy Trust.

We can provide you with unique opportunities to work with other schools across the Trust, including the support of other special school headteachers in dealing with the day-to-day pleasures and pressures of leadership.  

As well as making a positive contribution to the lives of our students, we can offer you:

• Supportive, collaborative, and friendly staff environment in a setting where you will have the chance to make a real and positive impact on the lives of students
• Professional and continuous training programmes
• Competitive salary
• Generous pension schemes (Teachers'/ LGPS Pension Scheme)
• Commitment to staff well-being                                           

Interview

Interviews will take place over two days 8th and 9th July with further shortlisting taking place at the end of the first day. All applicants will be informed as to whether they have been shortlisted for interview by 5pm on 2nd July.

Visits to the school

Visits to the school are encouraged. To arrange a visit please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Abigail Norris at anorris@orchard-manor.org

Further information

If you would like to discuss the role in confidence please call Guy Chappell, Director, on 07807495402, Ruth Zimmerman, Headteacher, Pencalenick School, 01872 520385, or Paul Donkerlsoot, Interim Head Orchard Manor School 07359042498.

If you require a paper copy of the application pack, or require further information, please contact Ali King, HR at aking@orchard-manor.org

Start Date: January 2022 

Apply by: 28 June 2021

Interview Date: 8th and 9th July 2021 

Open Days: Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd June 2021