Executive Headteacher Garras and Godolphin

Crofty Multi Academy Trust has very recently expanded from 9 to 16 schools, and Garras and Godolphin are two of the seven joining schools, the former Executive Head having been promoted within the MAT. Our 16 Crofty schools are all primary phase and are based in and around the three towns of Camborne, Helston and Redruth in West Cornwall, running from the north to the south coasts. Although located in a most beautiful area of the country, we face a number of significant challenges including social deprivation, the impact of excess numbers of second homes, and overall lack of aspiration and opportunity.

 This post is an exciting opportunity to play an important role in helping the newly expanded Crofty MAT continue to improve, and to develop even further in achieving our key objectives. In particular, as the Executive Head of two small schools you would be pivotal in shaping our school improvement strategy for these schools, and in addressing how they are best managed and operated.

 If you have the enthusiasm, skills, and qualities to thrive in our expanding MAT, we would be delighted to hear from you. I hope that our pack provides you with a good insight into the schools and the Trust. Of course, we would also encourage you to pay a visit to both schools, and indeed any other part of the Trust, including our base here at Tolvaddon, Camborne.

 Garras and Godolphin Primary Schools are small schools which both serve village communities. A significant proportion of pupils come from beyond the schools’ traditional catchment areas.

Both schools have strong links with their local communities and are actively involved with community activities and projects.

Garras and Godolphin Primary Schools have previously shared an Executive Headteacher and have a history of working closely together, including teacher planning and staff training.

The schools share a similar ethos and set of values, and both fundamentally believe in providing the best learning opportunities and environment where pupils and staff thrive together.

 At Garras Primary School we aim to:

 Enable children to develop their potential in all aspects of the curriculum;

Provide children with an education appropriate to the world beyond the classroom;

Develop in children a love of learning and a desire to continue to expand their knowledge and skills throughout their life;

Help children to live together within a community, to develop a sensitivity to others and to become responsible, independent people;

Develop in children a positive sense of moral responsibility and self-discipline;

Develop in children spiritual awareness and awe of the universe.

Visions and Values

 Because we want to… The ‘people growing’ business is about encouraging a desire to learn, an enquiring mind, good manners, honesty, and concern for the well-being of others. The children‘s approach to learning, the impressive displays and the calm atmosphere will make a lasting impression on you.

Because we are curious… Creating life-long learners is what we are about! Minds are continuously challenged and inspired as pupils investigate the past, make sense of today and create the future. Garras really is a playground for the mind but also a nest for the heart.

Because we are inspired… Staff make sure our ‘learning friendly’ space is safe and friendly and exciting. All they ask in return is that everyone works hard, does their best and shares responsibility for behaviour. People talk openly about achievement and ways to be even better. Our SATS results tell everyone that we are getting it right.

Because we can… Our living community recognises the important contribution everyone can make. We really understand how children think. Staff have knowledge and expertise to help children overcome difficulties as they arise or provide opportunity for deeper enquiry and challenge. We are really good at listening to each other.

Godolphin Primary School

 Our Philosophy

 The philosophy of Godolphin Primary School is to provide a firm foundation on which all aspects of education will be built. It is our belief that education is an exciting journey towards spiritual, moral, social, cultural, physical and mental development and thus the well-being of the individual.

 We believe in equal opportunities for all children in our school, irrespective of social background, culture, race, gender or ability. In order to ensure future progress and success, we aim to provide a curriculum that is broad and balanced.

 We firmly believe that we provide a learning environment that is safe, secure, structured, motivating, exciting, caring, but above all happy, that enables all children to develop a sense of high self-esteem in order to meet the challenges, not only of attaining high academic achievement, but also of pursuing high personal aspirations in all they do.

 Our Vision

 Our school vision is ‘living, learning and laughing together’, which drives our desire that the school is a content, consistent and collaborative learning environment for all. To achieve a positive learning environment, we will insist on appropriate behaviour both in and out the classroom, and indeed, in and out of school. In 2021, Ofsted praised the behaviour of pupils and their positive attitudes towards learning, our partnership with parents and the local community and the school’s strong family atmosphere. Ofsted said: “Pupils are polite, respectful, and caring towards one another. They behave well in class and around the school site.”

 As a part of our recruitment process, the Trust might carry out online searches on those that have been shortlisted for interview as part of our legal duty to meet the safeguarding duties set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education. These searches may include, but are not limited to search engines, news websites and social media pages, such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Any information discovered in the searches that the Trust deems relevant, and therefore processes and uses, will be stored in line with our Data Protection Policy and the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

The online searches will be carried out by a member of staff who does not sit on a selection panel and only information relevant to the recruitment process will be passed to the panel.

By applying for a vacancy within the Trust, you consent to online searches being carried out, and furthermore, understand that we have a legitimate interest in doing so. We may use any information uncovered to help identify incidents or issues that are available online and may discuss these with you at interview.

If you have any concerns or questions in relation to the online searches, please contact human.resources@croftymat.org