Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Thank you for your interest in Stratford upon Avon School.

This is no ordinary school. There are many excellent schools around, but they all have a very different feel. We are a lovely school with a genuine ‘feel good factor’ throughout. Our mission is summed up by 3 words, Engage, Enthuse & Inspire, which underpin what we’re all about. As a result, visitors are invariably struck by the energy/enthusiasm of our staff & the excellent relationships evident with students. There has never been a better time to work at Stratford upon Avon School. We:

• had a very positive inspection by Ofsted under the new framework
• are in the process of developing/expanding our site due to our increasing popularity and increased admissions applications. This will further enhance our already excellent working environment/facilities and provide additional opportunities for your future development
• are a genuinely inclusive school. People matter; everybody matters. We live and breathe by our values
• have strong leadership at all levels. This is a deliberate way of working and the school ‘is well led by many’
• have a really strong pastoral system and structures, resulting in high levels of behaviour and buy-in from our students and parents
• have a talented, supportive staff who are share and uphold the school’s values. They are committed to improving the school further and creating the best possible experiences for our students
• are part of a very special local community. Stratford upon Avon is a wonderful place to work.

Just as every parent wants a very good school for their child and every child deserves one; every member of staff wants to work in a very good school, and that is what we are. We have delightful students, outstanding facilities and an extremely bright future.

Stratford upon Avon School is an 11-18 mixed comprehensive school currently catering for over 1600 students, including approximately 260 in the sixth form. Our superb main school buildings and grounds, opened in 2002, have been really well looked after and are constantly improved. We believe that the environment has a significant effect on those who work within and I’m delighted that Warwickshire County Council have approved £12.8million funding for the proposed expansion of the school.  This is in response to the growing reputation and popularity of the school and anticipated future pressure on student places resulting from additional housing gains within the surrounding area. Over the next few years, this would increase our capacity to approximately 2,050 students.

We believe that youngsters have an innate love of learning and their enthusiasm is ours to nurture and develop. Our job is to engage, enthuse and inspire; to create an environment where ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. We have a talented staff and strong structures that enable people to thrive. Behind the scenes, careful husbandry has meant that the school is in a healthy financial position to enable us to continue to invest in our infrastructure.

Just as our impressive facilities continue to develop, so do our working practices. In March 2016 and November 2019, we were graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted. However, the school has continued to improve since then and you will find a positive atmosphere permeating the school. External examination results show consistently good performance across Years 11 and 13. In a nutshell, our intake comes to us at national average, yet leaves performing better than that and above national average. However, we are not an exam factory and certificates are just one element of educating young people. We take pride in ensuring that our students are very well prepared for the next stage of their education, training or employment. Careers provision is exemplary, and the school has been awarded the gold standard Quality in Careers Award.

Most importantly though, our staff, students and their parents are happy and proud to be part of the school. Colleagues administer their own Staff Survey, and the responses reflect that this is a great place to work. We are proactive with dealing with any concerns and are willing to listen and adapt in order to keep improving our working environment. Staff appreciate the levels of planning, organisation, communication and support evident throughout the school and know they are part of a very strong team. This has proved particularly beneficial during the coronavirus pandemic.

Finally, the town of Stratford upon Avon itself is a particularly lovely place to work and we are proud to be part of the vibrant local community. We work closely with local institutions including The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Stratford Literacy Festival. We are delighted to feature as ‘Bond Street’ on the Stratford Monopoly board and are proud of contributing to our local community.

I hope you are particularly excited at the prospect of joining us as we strive to develop further. You will be joining the school at a really exciting stage in our development. There is a genuine sense of optimism throughout our wider school community. If you want to be part of that, then please submit a completed application form and supporting letter by the closing date. I look forward to hearing from you.

Neil Wallace, Headteacher