Headteacher
Kickstart Pupil Referral Unit
Priorslee, Telford
A member of the Learning Community Trust
Required from April 2025 or as soon as possible
Leadership Point L16 – L20: £72,162 – £79,475.
We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dynamic Headteacher to run the leadership of Kickstart Academy from April 2025 or as soon as possible.
Kickstart Academy is a Key Stage 4 Secondary School Pupil Referral Unit based in the thriving borough of Telford and Wrekin. The provision is going through a period of growth and rapid development as the Trust launches its wider vision in conjunction with the Local Authority to ensure our most vulnerable young people have the very best education.
The growth of Kickstart is linked to the DfE change project which has seen the provision grow from a 48 PAN Local Authority commissioned academy single centre to a three-tier offer that meets the needs of all students. The different provisions provide a pathway to support our students back into mainstream or fully prepare them for further education, employment, or training.
The structure places our students at the heart of every decision, and it is this principle that allows us to fulfill the vision for Kickstart. Our students have a lived experience where they are supported beyond the norms, where therapeutic care and support hold equal priority to that of the academic curriculum. We want our students to ‘buy back in’ to their education, see its value, and strive to meet their potential.
To deliver on these drivers, the provision has developed bespoke curriculums that provide launchpads for students regardless of starting points. Curriculums that focus on the core building blocks of English and Maths, additional qualifications that lead to college or employment, work-related qualifications to ensure readiness for industry, and above all, a pastoral element to support the development of the individual. This entwined curriculum offer, whilst still in development, provides our students with a solid foundation that ignites a thirst for the next stage of their lives.
To support the delivery of such an ambitious curriculum and therapeutic approaches, the academy has developed a strong staffing body that cares deeply for each and every student. The academy is developing its staffing in line with the new demands of the curriculum, and this is an exciting time to join the provision as we shape roles and responsibilities. We have an established delivery team of teachers who are complemented by strong, dedicated support staff who always place the needs of the student first. Our wider staffing body of behaviour, pastoral, and therapeutic staff combine to provide a team around the student.
The Trust vision for Kickstart is to provide the very best for each and every student, their families, and their communities, so it is clear that we need outstanding leaders whose vision and values align. Working within a Pupil Referral Unit setting is such a rewarding role but not without challenge, and as a result, it is clear that an education skill base has to be matched with resilience and dedication beyond those expected. The ability to drive behavioural standards, high-quality curriculum, and complement the pastoral provision of the academy is essential.
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate a range of skills, experience, and qualities:
* Educated to degree level, with a recognised teaching qualification; NPQH is desirable
* Aligned to the LCT ethos and approach
* Leadership experience in a senior position with substantial evidence of proven success
* Experienced at senior level in instigating, leading and managing change, leading to school improvement
* Understanding of finances; deployment and allocation of resources
* Sound knowledge of effective educational practices, policies, and development
* Ability to create an excellent climate for teaching and learning to flourish and identify areas for improvement to work towards this
* Ability to manage change and prioritise
* A clear commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum and the extra-curricular offer as being essential in a successful school
* An awareness of the climate in which the school operates, both politically and in terms of its community
* A team player who can build a strong team and lead with warmth and visibility
* Strong track record in working with all elements of an academy community
* Proven capacity as a resilient and reliable decision-maker
* Able to seek and act on advice from peers, fellow professionals, and team members
* Strong personal credibility and the capacity to build effective relationships with all stakeholders
* An egalitarian commitment to equality for all members of the school community
* Integrity, honesty, and humility
If you would like to have a tour and visit the school prior to making an application, please contact Ms Dawn Rogers on 01952 387890. Further information can be found at www.learningcommunitytrust.org.uk
Please complete our application form and the written information requested and submit to veronica.croft@lct.education
Closing date for applications – Thursday 13th February 2025
Interview dates – Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th February 2025
The Learning Community Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All post holders are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including a check on the children’s barred list) for the successful applicant. References will be checked following the Learning Community Trust recruitment and selection process.
In line with the Statutory Guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online check will be undertaken for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.
We are committed to equality and diversity and follow the Safer Recruitment practices as set out in the Statutory Guidance - Keeping Children Safe in Education. For more information regarding our school’s commitment to safeguarding, please see our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.
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