What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for a leader who will:
• support our continued journey in excellence with a focus on informed practice in the areas of curriculum and pedagogy to ensure we provide outstanding educational opportunities for all our young people.
• bring a track record of success in enabling all pupils to reach their potential, particularly those who are vulnerable.
• have the knowledge and qualities needed to continue to develop colleagues so that they achieve the highest standards of teaching and learning and who is themselves a skilled classroom teacher.
• demonstrate a personal commitment to inclusion and diversity of staff and students.
• enjoy celebrating the team’s successes.
• see value and opportunity in collaborating with schools across LSP (our MAT) and beyond, whilst also championing Backwell School.
What the school offers its staff
Backwell is a thriving and successful school in which the challenge is not only to maintain and improve the school’s performance but also to ensure that we deliver for every one of our students. Staff, students and parents rightly expect a lot from the leaders in our school. Backwell is a demanding place to work but is also a hugely enjoyable and rewarding context. We have great common purpose in our commitment to young people and belief in the transformational power of education.
Backwell is one of 30 schools in Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP). There are three other large secondary schools and the relationships between the schools are strong. Headteachers meet regularly along with the Director of Secondary and there is positive collaboration between the schools. The Trust’s latest Strategic Plan is available on the LSP website, The Trust’s central offices are based at Gordano School in Portishead.
Further details about the role
The application pack contains much of the information that you will need. However, as this is an exceptionally important process for the school and a significant decision in your own professional career, please do not hesitate to contact Clair Gardner, Head’s PA (01275 463371 or cgardner@backwellschool.net), if we can add to or clarify any of the details that you have been sent.
We would encourage prospective candidates to visit our school prior to application.
Visits are scheduled for:
• Wednesday 11 December (11:00am onwards)
• Thursday 12 December (9:00am – 11:30am)
• Monday 16 December (11:00am – 3:00pm)
• Tuesday 17 December (All day)
Please email cgardner@backwellschool.net or call 01275 463371 to book a visit.
Further visits will be available in January 2025.
Applications should be submitted through our online recruitment platform and candidates should attach a letter of application addressed to Mrs Jacci Ramplin, Chair of Governors (please do not include a curriculum vitae).
Please address the following issues in your letter of application:
• Examples of your work which provide evidence of your leadership skills and that demonstrate how you would work effectively in this post;
• The values and philosophy which underpin your commitment to education.
The written application will be scored against the selection criteria in deciding whether to shortlist applicants.
Commitment to safeguarding
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership - Backwell School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all in its community to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. As part of the shortlisting process an online search will be carried out. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check. We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.