Headteacher
Dartford Grammar School
Kent
- Expired
- Salary:
- Group 8 salary range
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- September 2021
- Apply by:
- 16 February 2021
Job overview
Boys’ selective school with large (600+) co-educational sixth form. Maintained standalone Academy (NOR 1548) Ofsted ‘Outstanding.’ “A learning community developing international citizens.”
A rare and rewarding opportunity for an energised and forward looking individual arises from the forthcoming retirement of John Oakes following twelve years of exceptional leadership. Dartford Grammar School, one of the oldest schools in England, is an innovative and nationally acclaimed selective school where a culture of aspiration and scholarship is combined with an inclusive, cohesive and supportive ethos with an emphasis on contributing. The school aims to provide students with a memorable and high quality experience in their one chance of education, and to give them the resilience and confidence which will prepare them for life on the international stage.
The governors wish to appoint a dynamic and creative individual with a proven track record of senior leadership who will relish the opportunity to take over the reins at Dartford Grammar School and who will maintain and develop the school’s values and ideals. Previous experience of teaching and leading in an IB school is not a requirement but alignment with the ideals and principles of the International Baccalaureate is essential, as is preparedness to learn and develop in the role.
We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate:
- Strong and visionary leadership
- A firm commitment to continuing development and desire to raise standards further
- Communication skills of a high order
- Clear strategic thinking and creativity
- A student centred and people orientated approach
At Dartford Grammar School, you will find:
- Highly motivated, happy and ambitious students eager to learn
- A hardworking, committed and skilled staff team
- An extremely cohesive school community with strong local, national and international links
- A supportive, forward looking governing body
- Opportunity and support for your own professional development
Applications welcome from non-selective and selective, maintained and independent school sectors.
Potential candidates wishing to discuss the post confidentially are invited to contact:
Michael Stephens - michaelstephens@rsacademics.com / 07834 520995
Andrea Berkeley - andreaberkeley@rsacademics.com / 07894 140301
Further information about the school, the role and details of how to apply can be found at:
Closing date: Tuesday 16 February 2021, 10.00am
Dartford Grammar School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from black and minority ethnic groups which are currently underrepresented.
Dartford Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and sight of original qualification certificates.
About Dartford Grammar School
A learning community developing international citizens
Dartford Grammar School is a selective secondary academy for boys, which admits girls to its sixth form. There are six forms of entry to Year 7, and all of the students joining the school are from the top 25% of the ability range. The students come from Dartford, neighbouring towns and villages, and nearby London boroughs. The current roll is 1,546, including 631 in the sixth form.
Location
The school is located on the west side of the vibrant principal town in the Borough of Dartford, Kent. It is located 18 miles south-east of Central London, and is situated adjacent to the London Borough of Bexley to its west. There are excellent transport links via the M25, M20 and A2/M2 and Dartford railway station is approximately 15 minutes walk from the school.
Buildings and Facilities
The school, founded in 1576, has occupied its present site since 1866. Additional buildings have been constructed since then, the major works in last 10 years being listed below:
2008 extension of sixth form centre adding five teaching rooms;
2009 the remodelling of the Mick Jagger Centre, to provide additional teaching rooms and new laboratories and a Food Technology suite;
2011 new sixth form study suite;
2012/13 extended sixth form centre;
2013/14 new science department;
2013/14 new Key Stage 3 transition area;
2014/15 new Performing Arts Centre and rejuvenation of part of the Hardy building;
2015/16 new dining hall and additional laboratories;
2017/18 new sixth form centre;
2017/18 extension and improvements to the Arthur Jones pavilion;
2018/19 new school shop and print room facility;
2021/22 new fitness suite and learning support department.
Ofsted Inspections
The school has been identified five times by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector as one of England’s most successful schools, showing a sustained period of outstanding achievement.
Extra-Curricular Programme
The school is exceptionally rich in extra-curricular activities. It offers 16 sports and competes with others in at least eight of them each year. Teams regularly gain county, regional and national success, and many students gain representative honours at one or more of these levels. The school achieves high standards in music, and has an orchestra, wind band, choir, chamber choir and many other ensembles. Drama productions are frequent. There are many other clubs and societies, with debating always a popular activity. The school’s impressive programme of community service is regarded as a particular strength. The school benefits from many close links with Europe, China and Japan. There are regular overseas cultural and sports trips, and other international visits.
External Links
The school has a very active Parents' Association, which provides valuable assistance and support. The school has strong links with local industry and with Higher Education. It has extensive links with many other institutions, and is also part of the world-wide International Baccalaureate Organisation network.
What the School Offers Teachers
The school provides its staff with the experience of teaching able and well-motivated students in an environment with high expectations of behaviour and well-developed systems of teacher-support. The school has a national reputation for the quality of its programme of professional development. The programme includes much that falls within specific subject areas.
The school is committed to participation in initial teacher training. Other aspects include a course for newly-qualified teachers, preparation for middle management, development of existing middle managers and preparation for senior management. While the school’s extensive programme of overseas visits give many staff international experience, the school ensures that its staff development has a further international dimension, for example in IB courses. Staff members have access to the school’s excellent facilities for sport and the performing arts.
Benefits include: Teachers’ Pension; Childcare Vouchers; and Free Gym Membership
Website
Further details of the school, including breakdown of performance figures, can be accessed through: www.dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk
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