Executive Head

Executive Head

Atelier 21

Location: West Sussex

Salary: Competitive

Start date: April 2024

Closing date: Monday 22nd January 2024 at noon

Shortlist: 24th January 2024

Interviews: 31st January & 1st February 2024

We are delighted that you are expressing an interest in the Executive Head position at Atelier 21 Future School. Established in September 2020, Atelier 21 is a pioneering school for children age 4 - 16 years, currently with 120 pupils on roll, with increased capacity available up to 165 pupils - to meet demand for places.

Our success is measured not only by our innovative teaching methodologies but by the respect we've earned in the education realm. Following the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme from age 11, our school focuses on creating a dynamic and engaging educational environment ‘fit for our children’s futures not our pasts.’

Our commitment to making learning relevant, meaningful and joyful, reflects in the positive feedback we receive from staff, parents, pupils, and schools worldwide. Our mission is to ‘change the lives of a million pupils to start.’ Atelier 21 is one of the pioneering schools taking part in the ‘Next Big 10,' a two-year whole school transformation project, run in conjunction with Rethinking Assessment, to inform government legislation around real change needed in education.

Atelier 21 is inspired by the world renown Reggio Emilia Approach which influences its exceptional practise, and looks to evidence-based neuroscience, to inform how children learn best and how curriculums can be more relevant, meaningful and joyful – our overarching pedagogical aim. We have recently spoken at the Rethinking Education conference and has been selected to speak at the next World Education Summit in March 2024 on our pioneering approach to education entitled ‘What’s the point of school.’

Guy Claxton, a cognitive scientist and prominent figure in education, serves as the patron of Atelier 21, bringing his expertise in the 'Learning Power Approach' to our school's development and he sits on our school improvement partners board.

We are looking for an Executive Head who can lead the school into a new phase of development, to build on successes and drive further growth. We seek a leader who is a powerhouse of innovation who can adapt the school to the changing educational landscape, embracing flexibility in response to its evolving needs and challenges. This visionary leader will refine the Atelier 21 model, enhance relationships with our community, improve operations, and implement exciting offerings for an enriched educational experience. This person will be able to provide exceptional leadership to meet our high standards and aims.

We are looking for someone who is already a successful educational leader, with the drive and ambition to ensure continued success and the vision and skills to identify and deliver change in the years ahead. We are looking for someone with natural gravitas and humour balanced with ambition, experience and sound judgement. If this sounds like you and resonates with your aspirations, we invite you to explore the next chapter of our journey.

We would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Caroline Olsen at Academics on 01223 907979 or 07500889504 or via email at colsen@academicis.co.uk to have a confidential conversation and to find out more about this excellent opportunity.