Headteacher

Sir Tom Finney Community High School is a large generic learning difficulty secondary and post-16 special school, based in Preston, Lancashire. The school caters for a wide, varied and complex range of SEN/LDD and is commissioned for 245 students, 80 of which are post-16.

Due to the retirement of our longstanding Headteacher, the Governor Board wishes to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic, forward thinking and experienced new Headteacher, whose inspiration, passion and leadership will continue to oversee the operational, educational, and strategic direction of the school through the ever-changing priorities of the SEND educational landscape, locally and nationally.

The position presents a fantastic opportunity for a visionary and innovative leader who is ready to take on the challenge and opportunity to continue making a difference to lives our young people, preparing them for their adulthood.

We want a Headteacher who will:

Be able to demonstrate and model excellence in curriculum development, participation and engagement across a diverse and complex range of needs within a secondary and post 16 provision; ensuring that the school operates in compliance with all statutory regulations including safeguarding and Health and Safety.

Have ambition and aspiration for every young person in our school to reach their full potential regardless of need, to prepare them for next steps in their education and lives, by building upon and celebrating the success, achievement and attainment of all.

Work collaboratively with all stakeholders and partners, to ensure an inclusive and equitable community, building and cementing positive relationships with an outfacing supportive approach.

Ensure expectations that teaching and learning is of the highest quality at all levels within a responsive curriculum model that meets individual needs and abilities.

Model the values of the school, be visible to all and promote flexibility, adaptability and responsibility to ‘Learn and Achieve Together’.

In return, we offer:

Amazing, enthusiastic students who are keen to learn.

Leaders and staff who are talented, hardworking and committed to having young people at the heart of what they do.

An engaged community of families and external partners.

A supportive, proactive Governing Board.

Buildings, premises and resources that are extensive, purposely built, offering facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, large sports hall and gym, drama hall, specialist subject specific rooms, networked IT facilities, conference and meeting rooms.

A competitive salary to reflect the size and scale of the school, along with the expectations of the strategic role and responsibilities.

If you believe you fulfil all the essential/desirable criteria, have an ethos and philosophy that mirrors our expectations, and you are ready for an exceptional challenge and opportunity then you could be the person we are looking for.

A visit to the school is encouraged and will take place on Thursday 9th January 2025 9.30am – 11.30am or 1pm- 3pm. Please contact the school to confirm attendance 01772 795749.

The successful candidate must be committed to sustaining regular attendance at work.

References will be requested for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Candidates should complete and submit the application form together with an accompanying letter (maximum 3 sides), in which you outline your experience and suitability for the position.

Closing date for applications is 9am on 23rd January 2025.

Interviews will be held over two days, Day 1 – school based, Thursday 6th Feb 2025.

Day 2 – at an external venue Fri 7th Feb 2025.

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Information provided by you, or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Lancashire County Council has a Handling of DBS Certificate Information Policy this is available from the recruiting manager to applicants who are asked to complete a DBS application.

Lancashire County Council has a Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders this is available to all applicants upon request.

Please note CVs are not accepted, to apply for this vacancy you need to complete the application form attached.