Head

Wellingborough School now looks to appoint the next Head to lead the school into the next stage of its development. This person will bring a professional openness, curiosity, and interest in research and evidence that informs their approach to delivering our central mission and vision. They will build on the academic excellence for which Wellingborough School is known, whilst ensuring the continued breadth of co-curricular opportunities that support the development of our pupils as well-rounded, balanced individuals. The ideal candidate will foster strong partnerships with the Governors and Senior Leadership Team, adeptly addressing the political, economic, and social challenges that lie ahead, and ensuring the school's enduring success and growth.

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the Governors and SLT to steer and implement Wellingborough School’s newly developed 30-year master plan.

• Inspire and guide the SLT in creating an operational plan that aligns with and fulfils the strategic objectives.

• Provide robust and visible leadership to all staff members, empowering them to achieve their highest potential.

• Stay fully informed on all relevant external developments and opportunities that could influence and enhance the school's strategy.

Business and Risk Management

• Collaborate with the Bursar to ensure effective and robust risk management policies and procedures are updated, compliant, and consistently implemented.

• Oversee the financial management of the school's resources in partnership with the Bursar, including maintenance of buildings, grounds, facilities, and operations.

• Align capital investment with the school's priorities and keep an eye on potential commercial opportunities that would benefit the school. 

Educational and Pastoral Leadership

• Provide intellectual leadership and educational vision to sustain and enhance pupils' outstanding academic achievements.

• Drive the school's digital strategy to incorporate new and emerging technology and innovation.

• Support and expand the school's co-curricular offerings to provide a transformative experience for every pupil.

• Ensure excellence in pastoral care, offering the necessary support for pupils to thrive personally, academically, and emotionally.

School Management

• Direct and supervise the formulation, execution, and review of policies and procedures to guarantee the smooth and effective operation of the school.

• Foster strong, supportive relationships with staff to inspire peak performance and dedication.

• Ensure all staff comply with the school's safeguarding policies and participate in ongoing training consistent with KCSIE standards.

• Advocate for and support continuous professional development opportunities for all staff members.

• Promote and support staff wellbeing initiatives, engaging staff in the creation and enhancement of wellbeing policies.

Marketing and Communications

• Partner with the marketing team to develop and implement strategies for marketing, communications, and admissions that align with the school’s objectives.

• Actively maintain and enhance the school's reputation within the local community and the broader independent school sector.

• Oversee the fundraising strategy whilst helping to foster and strengthen relationships with the school's alumni network.

THE PERSON

Qualifications

• Strong academic background, including a degree, and ideally an additional leadership or management qualification such as NPQH or a Master’s degree.

Experience

• Proven experience in senior educational leadership within a large and complex independent school setting.

• Demonstrated success in enhancing academic performance and achieving exceptional results.

• Solid track record of developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic plans. • Experience in leading change initiatives.

• Skilled in building and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of the economic, political, and societal challenges impacting the independent school sector, with a forward-thinking and innovative approach to addressing these issues.

• Exceptional decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Highly organised with excellent time management abilities.

• Ability to engage with and integrate all segments of the community, including former and current pupils, their families, and the broader community.

• Proficient in managing financial, regulatory, and legal matters.

• High emotional intelligence, along with a sense of humour and empathy.

• Intellectual rigour to drive and contribute to educational discourse.

• Competence in seeing plans and concepts through to successful implementation.

• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and clarify complex issues.

• Personal resilience and the capability to foster resilience in others.

• Awareness of and adaptability to technological advancements, and their implications for education.

• Strong delegation skills with a clear understanding of responsibilities that can and cannot be delegated.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

A competitive package accompanies the post, dependent on experience. Family accommodation is included, on site.

We offer a competitive and flexible pension scheme through APTIS and family medical insurance.

Address: Wellingborough School, London Road, Wellingborough Northamptonshire, NN8 2BX

Safeguarding:

Wellingborough is committed to safeguarding young people and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. All positions within the school are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

HOW TO APPLY

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Wellingborough School on this appointment.

Candidates should apply for this role via www.saxbam.com/appointments using code LBPTA. Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring* form.

* The equal opportunities monitoring online form will not be shared with anyone involved in assessing your application.

The closing date for applications is noon on Tuesday 3rd September.