What skills and experience we're looking for
After 15 years, our Headteacher will be retiring in the summer. During this time, our school has been transformed into one of the best performing primary schools in the County. We are looking to appoint someone for September who is passionate, strong willed and will strive to continue the development of our school.
Orchard Fields Community School is a large two-form entry school (2 – 11 Years) on the Bretch Hill estate in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Our pupils are keen learners who show “exemplary behaviour” (Ofsted, November 2024). Our teaching team is welcoming, hardworking and supportive. As a school, we work tirelessly to develop children’s personal strengths and talents: we want to find someone who will match our enthusiasm for education and our dedication to supporting children. Over 40% of our children are entitled to FSM, and over 20% are SEND. Staff are passionate about providing a safe, welcoming space for our children, and we have been commended for our thorough safeguarding practices.
Finances are sound and the school is well resourced. We have a modern building with a dedicated PPA room, food technology room, intervention rooms, meeting rooms and offices for senior staff. We boast a large collection of musical instruments, PE equipment and art supplies, as well as a recently refreshed library. We also benefit from a good outdoor space, including an onsite forest school area. We also have a dedicated welfare office with an assistant to support children’s wellbeing. We are looking for someone with a vision for our excellent resources - who wants to use these to the advantage of all pupils in our school - as well as ensure finances continue to be allocated purposefully.
Our statutory results have shown steady improvement over the past few years and are all well above national and county averages. Our latest ungraded Ofsted report in November had no suggestions for improvement, although staff are continuously working towards raising standards and are willing to accept changes to further improve our provision. The rest of the Ofsted report includes the following comments: “The curriculum is exceptionally well designed… Pupils have exemplary behaviour and attitudes…The school has high expectations of all pupils… pupils enjoy their learning.” We are looking for someone who will maintain and build upon this success.
There is a full-time non-teaching deputy head and established SLT who will support the successful candidate.
To fully appreciate our school, we encourage you to come and visit. Please contact Julie Turner, the office manager on 01295 263324 or email office.2055@orchard-fields.oxon.sch.uk.
For further details and an electronic application pack, please visit the school website.
Salary details: Group 6, L27-L33 (£94332-£109275)
Closing date: Wednesday 19th March at midday.
Interview dates: Monday 24th & Tuesday 25th March.
Safeguarding statement: The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and safety of all pupils and expects staff to share this ethos. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
What the school offers its staff
Staff are passionate about providing a safe, welcoming space for our children, and we have been commended for our thorough safeguarding practices.
Finances are sound and the school is well resourced. We have a modern building with a dedicated PPA room, food technology room, intervention rooms, meeting rooms and offices for senior staff. We boast a large collection of musical instruments, PE equipment and art supplies, as well as a recently refreshed library. We also benefit from a good outdoor space, including an onsite forest school area. We also have a dedicated welfare office with an assistant to support children’s wellbeing.
Commitment to safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and safety of all pupils and expects staff to share this ethos. An Enhanced DBS check and online medical questionnaire are required for this post.