Principal of Primary Education

Principal of Primary Education (Birmingham) and option to support our primary school in Wolverhampton

Part of a Multi-Academy Trust
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to make an important and leading contribution in the next phase of development of the first Free School to open in the Midlands - Nishkam Primary School Birmingham (NPSB) opened 2011. For the right candidate, there is the opportunity to support a second primary - Nishkam Primary School Wolverhampton (NPSW), a new school opened in September 2013.

The Trust You will be working with a pioneering group, Nishkam School Trust, which is a flagship DfE Free School Trust, and the first multi-faith academy trust in the UK. At the core of Nishkam education is the triple pursuit of nurturing a strong values-led approach to life, academic excellence and creating a community that supports children throughout their lives.  There Trust consists of 4 School with an additional Secondary school to start in West London in 2017. You will have the opportunity to work with other senior leaders across the trust sharing good practice

Nishkam Primary Schools are a Sikh ethos, multi-faith school that nurtures pupils of all faiths and beliefs.  The Nishkam ethos is to create a selfless mind-set, to go beyond ourselves to serve others, create supportive communities and to realise our true potential. 

This is a somewhat unique and certainly exciting opportunity to shape a school from its near foundation and establish a culture for our students that nurtures their holistic well-being and academic excellence through a shared set of values that unites those of different faiths as well as those of no faith. Opportunities such as this one occur rarely in the working life of a teaching professional, particularly at Senior Leadership level. The post should be of interest to those with creative, inspiring minds and a conscientious attitude toward making a difference to our students. There will, of course, be challenges as we make our journey; however, the rewards will be hugely satisfying.

The Role
You will develop the capacity in both staff and pupils to achieve their individual potential; deliver a creative and enriched curriculum; work alongside families and the local community; and be part of a global community of charitable, educational and business partners. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a vibrant atmosphere and a supportive setting.

Currently the NPSB consists of 2 FE Reception through to Year 5, it will grow to capacity in 2015/2016.  The primary school will be a feeder school for the Nishkam High School where pupils can go onto the Sixth Form.

For the candidates with appropriate experience, there would be an opportunity to apply  in addition to leading NPSB would be to support NPSW. NPSW currently is much smaller in size and has approximately 55 pupils, growing to 420 pupils over the next seven years.

The Environment NPSB is based in an excellent newly refurbished Grade II listed building with ingenious incorporation of school extension producing a very warm, light filled environment. The highly commended building was funded by both DfE and in part by charity and 50,000 man hours of volunteering galvanising community colloboration.

NPSW is based in an existing school building which has been upgraded with a 2 million pounds extension and excellent grounds.

Our Expectations are that you will:

• Build an school culture and environment through a values-led education, encourages love, humility and service, that recognises all humanity as one.
• Ensure excellence in teaching and achievement throughout the curriculum within the context of faith inspired, values-led School.
• Ensure that standards of teaching and learning at KS1 & KS2 are a benchmark for excellence.
• Nurture a culture that cherishes childhood, stimulates the spirit of adventure and ignites a passion for lifelong learning.
• Establish policies that support a nurturing environment, where respect for others, kindness, creativity, reflection, exploration is at the core for staff and pupils.
• Ensure a direct link between pastoral care and academic performance to support excellence and outstanding achievements for all students.
• Lead, motivate, support and develop staff to ensure that pupils, and staff alike, fulfil their true potential.  
• Develop and implement an enriched curriculum for the school that allows children to both further their own interests and explore new horizons.
• Develop and maintain the support and active involvement of parents in their children's learning, and, to nurture links within the local community.
• Contribute to, and maintain the ethos of the Nishkam culture by drawing on best practice across Nishkam Schools, locally and nationally.
• Report to the Chief Executive and Chair of Directors (or equivalent) of NST
• Work closely with the Local Governing Body and Board of Directors
• Work in collaboration with Senior leaders of other TRUST schools

We will offer you:

• A very warm and welcoming team
• Pupils who love coming to school
• Hardworking and dedicated colleagues
• Supportive parents, carers and community
• A committed and fully involved governing body and Board of Directors
• A well-resourced learning environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• Terms and conditions similar to other academies and schools

Nishkam School Trust collaborators and partners:

• King Edward High School for Girls,
• Jubilee Foundation for Character and Values (University of Birmingham)
• Three faiths Forum as a part of Tony Blair's Faith Foundation

Nishkam School Trust (NST) are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced CRB Disclosure.

To apply:

• You need to complete an application form, which you can download from our website www.nishkamschool.org/recruitment or contact the school office on 0121 647 6890
• Informal visits to the school(s) are encouraged
• Applications to be sent to recruitment@nishkameducation.org by 5pm 4th November
• Successful applicants will be contacted on 6th November by 5pm
• Interview date 18th November 2014