Principal

Sponsored by Barrow Sixth Form College, Furness College and the University of Cumbria, Furness Academy is an 11 to 16, mixed academy of 850 pupils, located in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District. Established in 2009 in response to concerns over falling rolls, educational standards and performance and out-of-date school facilities in the town, the academy initially struggled to win support from parents and improve performance. Striving to operate effectively across a number of sites, it was the subject of two inadequate Ofsted judgements in 2012 and 2013.

Following the second Ofsted judgement, the Principal was replaced by an interim. This coincided with the academy's move into its new state of the art, £22 million building in September 2013, which enabled the academy to deliver high quality teaching and learning.

Now, following a period of consolidation under the interim leader, the Governing Body is looking to recruit a permanent Principal to:

• Work with the Governing Body to define and implement its vision for the academy's future
• Provide inspirational and motivational leadership across the school
• Work with the senior leadership team, subject coordinators, teachers and support staff to maintain and further raise standards of learning and teaching
• Promote the school's inclusive ethos and develop innovative ways to engage with all stakeholders to position the school at the heart of its community

Currently a substantive Headteacher or an outstanding Deputy, with substantial experience of school leadership, you have the ambition, skills and experience necessary to lead an academy that offers real and immediate challenge and longer term reward in equal measure. You are drawn to the opportunity to really make your mark by working with a Governing Body committed to addressing the issues that face the academy and developing sustainable strategies for its rapid improvement and longer term success. An inspirational leader, with the ability to engage with and motivate staff, students and parents alike, you have a real understanding of what effective teaching and learning look like and a demonstrable track record of embedding real improvement. An effective people manager who is able to both rigorously manage performance and encourage staff to feel excited about their work when the burden of responsibility often appears overwhelming, you are also financially astute and able to operate within budgetary constraints.

In return for your energy, resilience and experience, we offer you the opportunity to make a real impact and provide the community with the educational opportunities and aspirations it deserves. Furness Academy is one of the few academies in the country that boasts only educational sponsors and you will work closely with a supportive Governing Body, committed to driving up educational standards and ensuring that students aim for their personal best. You will have the opportunity to work closely with our educational sponsors and be rewarded with a highly attractive remuneration package.

To discover more about this exciting opportunity and for an information pack, please contact our retained consultant, John Carter at Veredus on 07725 607112 or email him at john.carter@veredus.co.uk. Please supply a contact telephone number.

The Governing Body actively encourages all candidates to visit the academy prior to the interviews. To arrange a visit, please contact John Carter at Veredus.

Closing date for applications: Friday 19th September 2014
Interviews: Thursday 25th and Friday 26th September 2014

Furness Academy
Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria