Head Teacher

Head of John Hampden and Tetsworth Primary Schools’ Federation

Due to the retirement of our well respected and popular Head Teacher, the pupils, staff, parents and Governors are looking for an “inspirational leader with the heart of a teacher”. Our school community is looking forward to introducing the successful candidate to our family of learners and working together on a shared vision for the future of the John Hampden and Tetsworth Primary Schools’ Federation.

John Hampden is the larger of the two federated schools (current roll 380) and is based in a parkland setting in the market town of Thame. Tetsworth (current roll 53) is based in the village of the same name a short drive to the south of Thame. The federation was formed in 2009 and has served both schools well through shared learning experiences, leadership, staff, skills and resources.

Both schools are flourishing today and achieved “Good with elements of outstanding features” (Ofsted 2013) but we’re not complacent and are confident that we can all do more to achieve better outcomes for our children and the communities they live in.

The Governors will appoint a Head Teacher who:

• Knows “all our names” (a quote from the children)
• Challenges us to be the best we can be and helps us get there as a team.
• Is a team player who is as happy on a nursery carpet as in a Year 6 classroom
• Is a rounded individual with strengths and talents that go beyond academic excellence
• Shows a personal commitment to life-long learning and professional development
• Understands the importance of keeping the schools at the heart of their communities and enjoys the social engagement this requires
• Leads and develops the staff from a position of respect and trust
• Supports and encourages innovation by the staff as it finds new and exciting ways to teach
• Is passionate about teaching and believes in the potential of all children with a desire to develop the whole child
• Is approachable by and supportive of all stakeholders in the school setting
• Can respect the good work of the past and lead the schools progressively towards the future
• Demonstrates the ability to organise the schools’ resources, so that an effective learning environment is maintained and enhanced

In return we can offer you:

• The opportunity to lead Oxfordshire’s only primary school federation
• The chance to be part of our family of inquisitive learners
• A hard-working team of professionals that is proud of the past and open to new ideas
• Friendly, well behaved, happy children with supportive parents that cherish the schools
• Governors who will support you in your journey as the federation’s leader and challenge you to take us from good to great
• Strong and reliable community links in a charming locality

We urge you to come and visit the schools before returning your application. Please contact Kay Denham on 01844 281328 (e-mail office.2456@tetsworth.oxon.sch.uk) to arrange an appointment to visit the schools. If you would like to speak to someone about this opportunity before applying please contact Mary Stiles, Chair of Governors on 01844 213851 and 07779654840 or by e-mail at maryandstella@aol.com.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 30th April and Friday 1st May 2015.

Dates: Apply by 17/04/2015