Headteacher

Due to the retirement of the current Headteacher, Westside is looking for a new leader to continue to provide an outstanding education for some of the most disadvantaged students in education. This is a great opportunity for the right candidate to lead an Ofsted Outstanding and vibrant Alternative Provision with a dedicated and passionate team of staff. The post would suit an experienced Deputy Headteacher or a current Headteacher, who is looking for a challenge in a different environment. We are seeking a colleague who can continue to develop and inspire staff and students and promote the environment in which our young people thrive and flourish, and who would relish the opportunity to make an impact in this important educational sector through innovation and creativity.

Ofsted noted in their inspection report in 2019 “that students get a great deal” and are “transformed” as a result of their time in the school. Maintaining and continuing to improve on this standard is at the heart of everything that we do and there is a relentless focus on ensuring that every student in the school gets exactly what they need in order to successfully move on to the next stage of their education and beyond. We are particularly proud of our alumni service which ensures that our students know that Westside is not just a school that operates within the confines of the school day, but also a safe place to return to when they need support. 

You are invited to spearhead this ambitious model of delivering Alternative Provision, based in Hammersmith, West London, where growing numbers of students learn in a calm, purposeful environment that promotes a supportive ‘family’ ethos that enhances their progress and where students feel at home.

Celebrating almost two decades of success in meeting the needs of students at risk of exclusion, the school focuses on supportive, consistent and academically rigorous learning, coupled with high expectations. 

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Hammersmith, the modern light building is deceptively spacious with sports halls, art studio, café and vocational learning rooms arranged over two floors. Previous successes have strengthened Westside’s reputation for getting young people back on track in education with academic achievements. Due to the demand for places at the school and our reputation for excellence, the DFE has agreed to provide funding for a new school building for September 2027.

Advantages include:

• Working with aspirational students, staff and trustees
• A school that is recognised as being a model for excellence in the Alternative Provision sector
• A small school model which enables the building of positive relationships
• A supportive and experienced board of trustees
• An outstanding leadership team with a huge range of experience
• A fully staffed and well-resourced provision
• The opportunity to continue to collaborate with several outstanding mainstream schools in West London
• Opportunities to contribute to policy and practice in AP both nationally and internationally

You are strongly encouraged to visit before applying.

Applicants for the Headteacher role need to complete an application form and a written statement of no more than two sides of typed A4 of how your skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience relate to the role. Please refer to the Job description and person specification when writing your statement.

 To arrange this, get a candidate pack or for a confidential conversation, please email the Chair of Trustees at office@westsideschool.org.uk.

 Closing date:     10th December 2023       

Interviews:        TBC         (January 2024)