Head of School

There is no better way to shape the future generation than by leading a team of passionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable staff. As the Head of School, you will have the opportunity to do just that.

We are looking for an inspirational leader who demonstrates a strong passion for educational excellence. The successful applicant will join The Wickford Church of England School as our new dynamic and visionary Head of School, leading our vibrant community.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, driving school improvement, and fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.

The attached recruitment pack contains additional information to help you decide if this is a position you would like to apply for. If you are interested, we invite you to visit our school to see the children and staff in action. Feel free to contact us to explore this exciting opportunity further-an opportunity where you can truly make a difference by placing children at the heart of everything you do.

Application process

Tours of the school are strongly encouraged and will be facilitated by Danny Wagstaff, Executive Headteacher. To arrange a tour please email Louise Allbury, Chief Operating Officer: l.allbury@heartsacademy.uk.

To apply please complete a HEARTS application form in full, please note CVs are not accepted. Your supporting statement should address and evidence the selection criteria detailed in the Person Specification and Job Description. Completed application forms should be returned in electronic format to: l.allbury@heartsacademy.uk.

Interview Process

After the closing date, shortlisting will be conducted by a panel, who will match your skills/experience against the criteria in the person specification. You will be selected for an interview entirely on the contents of your application form, so please read the Job Description carefully before you complete your application form. Occasionally, when we receive sufficient applications to do so, the trust may close the vacancy and shortlist prior to the published closing date.

In addition to the candidates' ability to perform the duties of the post, they will:

The Wickford Church of England School is a small, friendly school, close to good transport links. Our school is a place where children can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The school provides education for children from the ages of 2-7 in the local area. As a team, we aim to create a respectful, caring and secure place for children to explore, learn and be happy together.

As a distinctively Christian school, spirituality is at the heart of all we do and we are supported in doing this by the close links we have with the Wickford and Runwell Diocese. HEARTS is an acronym inspired by our vision of Happiness, self-Esteem, Achievement, Respect and Responsibility, Trust, Service and Spirituality for all pupils.

The Wickford Church of England School is part of the HEARTS Academy Trust, a trust of local schools that has the values of happiness, achievement, self-esteem, respect & responsibility, truth, spirituality & service. The trust is truly innovative and rewards outstanding staff for outstanding outcomes. The school calendar consists of 184 contact time with pupils, 5 non-pupil days and the equivalent of 6 days of high quality continuous professional development.

The Trustees are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, online searches, medical check, prohibited from teaching check and references. References are taken up prior to interview. A copy of the trusts Child Protection Policy is available on our website:- https://www.heartsacademytrust.co.uk/policies

We can offer you:

an excellent CPD entitlement with purposeful training, including trust-wide twilights throughout the year

a two-week October half-term

supportive colleagues who want to provide the best possible opportunities for their pupils

a highly effective learning environment

a responsive and involved leadership team

the HEARTS four-day face-to-face teaching week model whereby all teachers in the trust receive 20% non-contact time. This goes above and beyond the national entitlement of 10% PPA.

a school with a highly positive culture that supports all staff; mental health, workload and wellbeing are at the forefront of our vision and values

access to our school counsellor and network of Mental Health and Wellbeing champions

For further information about HEARTS, including policies and procedures, please refer to our website www.heartsacademytrust.co.uk