Principal, Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy (OSCA)

Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy (OSCA) is located in the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell,  close to the centre of Birmingham. It is a slightly larger than average, 11–16 co-educational academy with approximately 1,080 students. It has grown over the last few years and is now full and oversubscribed in every year group for the sixth year. The academy’s reputation locally is excellent so competition for places is fierce. Staff and students work in a very pleasant learning environment, which has benefited from a major re-build and refurbishment programme which has created  well-equipped learning spaces. Most students live within a one-mile radius of the academy, putting it at the very heart of the community.

The academy proudly reflects its multicultural setting. Approximately 50% of students are of White British heritage, with around 25% of Asian heritage and 10% of Black African or Caribbean heritage. The remainder are of a variety of other or mixed heritage. Around one quarter of our students speak English as an additional language. Forty per cent are disadvantaged, and just under 10% have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Together with increasing numbers of students with high prior attainment and growing student aspirations, this makes the academy an exciting and extremely satisfying place in which to work.

The academy has been recognised with many awards including the Investors In People Gold Award and, most recently, the Artsmark Gold Award. This is a fantastic time to join the vibrant and caring learning community at OSCA. Its strong code of values guides its work and creates a secure and safe environment where all students can thrive and succeed. Staff are committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential by having the highest aspirations and a commitment to academic excellence.

Since joining Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) in September 2009, the academy has been on an incredible journey. It has twice been rated as good by Ofsted, most recently in 2018, and is now strongly positioned to continue its work towards outstanding. This work continues with a committed and well-balanced body of staff, the unfailing support of its sponsor, the challenge and constant encouragement of the governing body, the partnership we enjoy with our families, and most importantly, our enthusiastic students of whom we are very proud. OSCA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities; through sports and arts, STEM, music and performing arts, to leadership and adventure with DofE. Student Voice is all pervasive at the academy, and it is the lead school across all OAT academies for the #iwill project. The aim is to cater for the widest possible range of students’ differing interests and all are encouraged to get involved and enjoy this extra dimension of their work at the academy.

We know that achievement of the highest order is within our reach and we now look to consolidate our progress and continue to push for outstanding outcomes. With this in mind, we are looking for an exceptional professional to lead our staff body who can demonstrate the ability to achieve outstanding outcomes and make a significant difference to the lives of the young people at the academy.

Please see the applicant information pack for more details about our academy, our students and our sponsor.

The Role

Core purpose

The overall purpose of the role is to develop and sustain an exceptional educational provision for all students in the academy.

Strategic direction and development of the academy

• Establish a culture that promotes excellence, equality, high expectations and aspirations of all students.

• Work alongside the local governing body and OAT Executive in implementing OAT and the academy procedures and policies.

• Ensure that the management, finance, organisation and administration of the academy, support its vision and aims.

• Ensure the commitment of parents and the wider community to the vision and direction of the academy.

• Continue to develop effective relationships with other academies in OAT.

• Create and implement a strategic plan, underpinned by sound financial planning, which identifies the priorities, actions and targets that will guide the academy on its journey to ‘exceptional’ in all areas.

• Monitor, evaluate and review the impact of the academy’s policies, priorities and targets to drive continuous improvement.

• Present accurate accounts of the academy’s performance that are appropriate for a range of audiences including parents, governors, OAT and Ofsted.

• Ensure a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Main tasks

Teaching and learning

• Ensure that outstanding teaching and learning is the primary objective for all staff.

• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and standards of learning and achievement of all students, including those supported through enhanced resources, in order to set and meet ambitious targets for improvement.

• Lead, motivate, support, challenge and develop staff to secure improvement.

• Develop a curriculum that promotes outstanding literacy and numeracy skills while ensuring that the needs, interests and aspirations of individual students are addressed.

• Ensure that effective, appropriate pastoral support is available to students.

• Ensure that the academy complies with the statutory requirements that promote equal opportunities for all.

• Build upon the effective partnership with parents to support and improve students’ achievement.

• Ensure appropriate enrichment opportunities are provided and given a high priority.

Leading and managing staff

• Lead, motivate, support, challenge and develop staff to secure improvement.

• Maximise the contribution of staff to improve the quality of education provided.

• Develop effective and transformational leadership and management across the academy.

• Implement ‘best practice’ OAT performance management processes.

• Acknowledge the responsibilities and celebrate the achievement of individuals and teams.

Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources

• Work with OAT, governors and senior colleagues to recruit staff of the highest quality available.

• Advise the governing body on the adoption of effective procedures to deal with the competence and capability of staff.

• Agree and set appropriate priorities for expenditure with the governing body to enable the academy to secure its objectives.

• Manage and organise accommodation efficiently and effectively, to ensure that it meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations.

• Manage, monitor and review the range, quality, quantity and use of all available resources in order to improve the quality of education, improve students’ achievements, ensure efficiency and secure value for money.

How to apply

You may apply using the TES online application form or the OAT application form available on the OAT website

Applications with your formal letter/supporting statement should be no longer than two sides of A4 and should address the selection criteria detailed in the person specification. Please email to recruitment@ormistonacademies.co.uk by 5pm on Monday 24 February.

Visits to the academy are strongly encouraged as are conversations with Paula Arrowsmith, Regional Director. Please contact Paula directly at paula.arrowsmith@ormistonacademies.co.uk or on 07963 321 869 or the Principal’s PA to arrange a tour on jayne.orme@ormistonsandwell.org.uk.

The academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share that commitment.