Headteacher

Downland is a Special School that caters for boys with a range of Special Educational Needs including Social, Emotional, Behavioural Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorders and other barriers to learning such as Specific and Moderate Learning Difficulties.  Assessed by Ofsted as Good in October 2014, the school meets the needs of society’s most complex, vulnerable and disaffected students. Engagement in the context of the school is excellent and students contribute exceptionally well to the life and work of the school

We are a happy and friendly school with an active and supportive group of governors and we are dedicated to bringing out the best in our children. Downland endeavours to be a place of discovery, a place where students can receive the support and specialist teaching required, enabling them to re-engage in learning. Our staff understand the wide range of different circumstances and particular difficulties our boys have experienced prior to coming to our school.

The school is situated in a quiet residential area of the thriving and historic market town of Devizes, which is situated in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. The town has a renowned medieval past and a rich heritage of fine Georgian houses alongside a 19th Century castle built on the site of a Norman stronghold. Devizes enjoys an enviable community culture and is famous for the many festivals that it hosts throughout the year including the international street festival, the town carnival, an acclaimed food and drink festival and the hugely popular Christmas festival. One of Britain’s most iconic canals, the Kennet & Avon passes through Devizes and the world famous Caen locks are easily accessible on foot.

The Governing Body are seeking to appoint a strong, inspirational and experienced leader to build on our strengths and lead and manage our successful school to even greater success.  We welcome applications from existing or aspirational Headteachers with a proven and successful record of leadership. 

To be successful, you will demonstrate that:

• You are a strong, inspirational, confident and resilient individual who demonstrates energy, passion and leadership in a complex and challenging environment.
• You will maintain standards of safeguarding for all our students with a variety of behavioural and special educational needs 
• You will be committed to working in partnership with all our stakeholders; students, governors, staff, parents and the community.
• You have excellent empathy in dealing with difficult student situations. 
• You will be aspirational for all students to achieve their maximum potential.
• You will be able to demonstrate a track record of raising the achievement of all students

In return, we will offer you:

• A friendly caring environment
• Highly committed  and motivated governors and staff team dedicated to enabling every student to achieve their potential
• Excellent opportunities for your future and continual professional development.

We have a comprehensive website with all relevant information about our school: Please visit www.downlandschool.org.uk

We strongly encourage all prospective candidates to visit the school and between 9.30am and 12.30pm on 10th February and 23rd February 2016 have been set aside for this purpose.  Please contact Clerk to the Governors – Danny Holland to arrange a visit.

Application Packs can be downloaded and are returnable to:

Clerk to the Governors, Downland School, Downlands Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5EF or by Email from: clerk-downland@outlook.com

Closing date:  2nd March 2016
Selection dates:  22nd and 23rd March 2016

Applicants should submit a completed application form, together with a covering letter of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining how they meet the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided.

Applications must be received by 12.00 pm on 2nd March 2016.
Shortlisting will take place on 8th March and candidates will be contacted by e-mail. 
Interviews will be held on 22nd and 23rd March 2016. If you do not hear from us by this date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.

Downlands Road,
Devizes,
Wiltshire
SN10 5EF

Telephone number: 01380 724193

Email address:  clerk-downland@outlook.com