Head of Business & Economics

Arden is an exceptional school because it combines a strong family ethos with high academic standards, it sits at the heart of the community and is at the peak of academic excellence. Situated just minutes off Junction 5 of the M42 and only 3 miles from the town of Solihull, visitors will be welcomed by our confident, articulate, proud and caring students. Our recent Ofsted report spoke about the culture of ‘exceptionally high aspirations that permeate the school’ and ‘the positive relationships between staff and pupils’ where ‘teachers teach individuals, not classes’. Our focus is to provide opportunity and success for our students; so we are always striving for better.

Arden is the lead school in a hugely successful trust that will provide the applicant with many opportunities for collaboration and development.

We are looking to appoint a passionate and highly driven Head of Business & Economics who has the vision and ambition to lead this department. The successful candidate will have excellent subject knowledge and be able to motivate pupils through inspirational, personalised teaching.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented teacher to join a thriving school and work with students who are committed to their learning and are passionate about their development. The successful applicant will lead a department of three specialist colleagues who are committed to ensuring that each student achieves their full potential academically and personally.

The opportunity for personal development and progression at Arden is enormous. An active commitment to staff development through a strong and consistent focus and dialogue around teaching & learning pedagogy makes this an ideal position for candidates committed to being the best practitioner they can be. Middle Leader development continues to be a core focus of our school and our Trust. We run a highly regarded Middle Leader development training programme across the trust where our Middle Leaders work with Senior Leaders from across the Trust and Middle Leader colleagues in all of our schools to collaborate, consider aspects of leadership, and share best practice. Excellent line management ensures this position is well supported and that Middle Leaders are given every opportunity to develop and showcase their drive and leadership skills.

GCSE Business (OCR) and Cambridge National Enterprise & Marketing are hugely popular, as are both A-Level Business and A-Level Economics (both AQA). Many students decide to continue their studies further within the department, opting for A-Level subjects that they have studied during KS4, highlighting their respect and enjoyment of the subject. There is also a significant uptake of Business A-Level and Economics A-Level from students who have not previously studied these subjects at GCSE, embracing the challenge of a new subject.

The successful applicant should therefore be able to teach GCSE Business and/or OCR Enterprise & Marketing (or have experience of other vocational Business qualifications) across Key Stage 4, as well as the ability to teach A-Level Economics. Where candidates have not yet delivered A-Level Economics, but are excited by the opportunity to do so, support will be provided to develop this skill.

We are offering two opportunities to see the school and find out more about the role prior to final application. These visits will consist of an opportunity to see the department, meet some of our fantastic students and have a coffee and a chat with the Associate Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher who line manages the department.

Visits are available at the following times:

• Friday 17th January 2025 2:30pm – 4pm

• Tuesday 21st January 2025 2:30pm – 4pm

For more details and to confirm your interest please email Mrs Duncan: recruitment@arden.solihull.sch.uk

In every way, the Business & Economics Department mirrors the aims and beliefs of the school. All staff work hard, supported by a committed leadership team, to provide a safe and encouraging environment for learning. The latest Ofsted report highlighted the fact that ‘Leaders have planned a curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils’. It is true that Arden students love to acquire new knowledge and skills; our teachers relish the opportunity to deliver engaging, challenging lessons to committed students, supported by caring families. To help support this, the school prides itself on having strong links with the local business community, and local universities.

The school has an excellent record of success at GCSE and A Level:

GCSEs - In summer 2024, the school’s Progress 8 score was +0.6, with an Attainment 8 score of 57.71, which shows the excellent attainment of our school. 68% of our students achieved a grade 5 in both English and Maths, with 82% achieving this at grade 4. More than 40% of the GCSE grades awarded were grade 7 and above, with 23% being awarded at grade 8 & 9.

A Levels - In 2024, students achieved an average grade of a B. Our average points score of 40.06 demonstrates the excellent outcomes that our students achieve. 40% of grades awarded were A*/A and 69% of grades awarded were A*- B.

In return, we can offer you:

A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.

Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.

Access to high-quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.

A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.

Commitment to Middle Leader Development through:

• Middle Leader cross-trust training
• Middle Leader progress meetings with Associate Head teacher and Executive Head teacher.
• Middle Leader support through highly effective SLT Line Manager

A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students.

Use of your own personal laptop.

Teacher Pension.

Cycle to Work scheme.

Free on-site parking.

Children of staff who are permanently employed at Arden Academy are eligible for a ‘staff’ priority for our main school and Sixth Form admissions (please see Admissions on our school website for full details).

Further details are available to download below or from our school website: www.arden.solihull.sch.uk/vacancies/

Application forms should be completed in full and attached to a letter of application. CVs cannot be accepted as part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines. Please address all correspondence to Mr D Warwood, Associate Headteacher.

Closing date: 9.00am on Friday 31st January 2025.

Interviews: Friday 7th February 2025.

Arden Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.