Principal

We are recruiting an exceptional leader for Ormiston Horizon Academy an 11-16 co-educational establishment based in Chell, a suburb in the north of Stoke-on-Trent. The academy serves predominantly the local communities and is oversubscribed year on year. 

The proportion of students who are supported at school action and school action plus, or with a statement of special educational needs are slightly higher than average. There are a much higher than average number of students eligible for the pupil premium, almost double the national average. Students’ ability on entry is around national average.

This is a fantastic time to join our vibrant and hardworking learning community at Horizon. We are committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential, being aspirational and committed to academic excellence. 

The core values at OHA are based upon Respect, Excellence and Friendship. Staff at the academy are firmly dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where children can feel safe, enjoy themselves and achieve.

Since joining Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) in September 2011 the academy has been on an incredible journey. In September 2012 it became the third most improved school in the country. In 2015 the GCSE results put the academy as the top non-selective school in the city.

In its first full inspection the academy was rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. A second full inspection in March of 2018 also recognised the academy as a ‘Good’ academy. However we recognise that if we are to drive the academy to outstanding, outcomes need to improve in some key areas. We are now looking for an ambitious and driven leader who can lead the school on that journey.

Ormiston Horizon Academy offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities including sports and art clubs to cater to students’ different interests and hobbies. All students are encouraged to get involved and find their passion through its whole school extra-curricular programme. The academy is also committed to giving staff and students opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom. Initiatives include the provision of ‘ECM Days’, where the student’s timetable is collapsed, allowing subjects to be delivered in new, dynamic ways and helping students to develop a range of vital skills in preparation for the world of work. This has enabled staff to bring the curriculum to life through trips, using external speakers and presenting topics in a vibrant and exciting way.

The Role

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.

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 mprove the quality of education, improve students’ achievements, ensure efficiency and secure value for money.

You:

• Have incredibly high expectations for yourself and others

• Accept that only the best is good enough

• Believe that all children can achieve

• Are excited by being part of a dynamic team

We offer a very competitive pay and package including:

• Private healthcare for self and family

• Annual Performance related bonus of up to 10% of base salary

• Unparalleled CPD opportunities, both at individual academy and across the OAT family

• Executive support for those new to headship 

• Exposure to leading edge SI practices and professionals and the chance to make a bigger difference with a fantastic family of principals and staff.

You will have access to excellent professional networks and support and OAT will actively encourage and support your professional development by providing opportunities to work across the Trust. If you are an experienced senior leader in a secondary setting, with a successful track record of sustained improvement and a determination to maximise the opportunities available then this role offers an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself in a new environment.

Please send application forms with supporting statements to recruitment@ormistonacademies.co.uk

We encourage you to contact Tuesday Humby, Regional Director, for an informal discussion about this post before you apply. Please call 07949 351 501 or email tuesday.humby@ormistonacademies.co.uk.

Applicants can also make contact to arrange a tour of the academy.

Your formal letter of application (supporting statement) should be no longer than two sides of A4 and should address the selection criteria detailed in the person specification.