Principal

The Dearne Advanced Learning Centre is a vibrant, ambitious and inclusive 11-16 comprehensive school near to Barnsley and Junction 37 of the A1.  Oversubscribed in lower years, there are currently 1000 students on roll and the bright, modern building provides a purposeful, stimulating and engaging learning environment.  The current Principal is retiring and Governors are now looking to appoint a new Principal with the ambition and skill set to build on the school’s many strengths and  take it forward to even greater levels of success.

The school celebrated record results last year, the fourth year in succession, with core subjects now in line with or above national averages; it stands poised for yet another important uplift in outcomes this summer.  This progress has been achieved by a highly skilled and effective team of staff who share a collective commitment to improving standards and ensuring that consistently high quality teaching and learning drives student progress.  

The school has been through a period of significant positive transformation in recent years and whilst currently graded as ‘Requires Improvement’ there is a quiet confidence that it is moving securely towards a ‘Good’ judgement.

The school serves a community with a number of  challenges, including over 50% of students classed as ‘disadvantaged’. There is a clear moral purpose and shared commitment to ensuring that students' aspirations and futures are highly successful and prosperous.  Significant emphasis is placed on enabling students to be ready to learn every day and aspire to ambitious futures.

This is an exciting time for the school.  The Governing Body recognise the challenges that lie ahead, and are looking to appoint a new Principal who shares their values, optimism and drive.  That leader will harness the significant strengths of the school, confidently building on current achievements and leading it into an even more successful future.  At present The Dearne is a local authority maintained school and Governors are seeking to become an academy, as they believe the school has much to offer; the new Principal will play a key role in shaping this future destination. 

If you are a dynamic and experienced senior leader in a secondary setting, this role offers you an outstanding opportunity to challenge yourself in a new environment.  You must have a successful track record of sustained improvement and a determination to maximise the opportunities available. You will be highly motivated and driven, having an in-depth knowledge of excellence in secondary education and a commitment to ensuring the highest quality of teaching and learning.  You will have the creativity and vision to inspire and lead change together with the focus to ensure successful outcomes are reached.  You will have a ‘can-do’ attitude that will  motivate and engage students, staff and the wider community.  Whilst displaying compassion, you will be skilled at holding staff to account and also be accustomed to personal accountability for student outcomes and all aspects of your work.  Above all you will ensure that the young people, their learning and developing their potential remains at the heart of all decisions.

To find out more about this exceptional opportunity please visit: www.hays.co.uk/jobs/thedearnealc

For a confidential discussion about the role, to arrange a visit or to make an application, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments.
T: 07736 791138 E: martin.blair@hays.com. 

Please do not use any online “APPLY” options.

Closing date – 9am, 19th February
Interviews – 26th (pm), 27th and 28th February

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check