ST. ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL
A Specialist Arts (Media) College
Application Pack – Deputy Headteacher
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
Background Information
St Anne’s RC High School is an 11-16 Roman Catholic comprehensive school in Heaton Chapel, Stockport.
The school is well placed for transport links being five minutes from the M60 ring road and 20 minutes
from Manchester. St Anne’s is the Catholic school serving the Heatons area of Stockport. Our feeder
primary schools include, St Joseph’s Reddish, St Winifred’s Heaton Moor, St Mary’s Stockport and Our
Lady’s Stockport. We also take students from a wide-range of other schools including a number from the
Manchester area.
We are a very outward looking community school and work well with a variety of partners, either through
our strong chaplaincy team or links through our specialism. Our Arts Media specialism provides enrichment
for our school and supports connections with a school in South Africa along with other schools and
organisations locally and nationally. We achieved Arts Mark Gold in 2012 as recognition of our work in this
area.
We currently have 670 students on roll. We are an increasingly popular choice of school for year 7
students. Local authority projections show the school growing year on year. We currently have 43
teaching staff and approximately 44 support staff.
At present there is a fifty period two week timetable to ensure the breadth of curriculum available to all of
our students.
All staff and students are expected to learn and develop together. Rich opportunities are provided for
students and staff to enhance their learning together and we have a member of the senior leadership
team who is responsible for the quality of teaching and learning for both students and staff.
In summer 2012 76% of students attained five or more A*-C grades and 55% attained five or more A*-C
grades including English and mathematics. This represented a drop of 13% on the previous year, much of
this can be attributed to the changes made in English for 2012. Our A*-C for English was 61% and in
maths 80%.
We recognise that we can do better and as a reflective and ambitious school feel that the Ofsted
judgement of November 2012 of ‘Requires Improvement’, gives us the platform to continue our
transformational journey to good or outstanding very quickly.
We were pleased that Ofsted recognised our potential and capacity to move forward.
“The Headteacher, ably supported by the deputy Headteacher and other leaders, has taken decisive action
to improve the quality of teaching which is becoming engaging, involving students more actively and
encouraging them to work things out for themselves.” , and “There is now a new sense of purpose and
ambition in the school over the last 18 months which is shared by most staff and students. Morale is high
because members of the school community have confidence in the Headteacher and know the school is
improving.”
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
Ref/jm/ss/deputyhead/rec
April 2013
Dear Colleague
Re: Post of Deputy Headteacher
Thank you for considering the post of Deputy Headteacher at St. Anne’s RC High school.
We require an exceptional individual to join our leadership team, taking on responsibility for achievement
and standards across the school to ensure that our priorities of rapid and sustained progress for all, quality
first teaching, an innovative curriculum and the strong Catholic ethos are outstanding.
The leadership team is made up of the Headteacher, one Deputy Headteacher, four Assistant Headteacher’s
and the Business Manager. Each of us has a mixture of wide-ranging strategic responsibilities with
additional operational day-to-day involvement. The post is perfect preparation for Headship; the vacancy
arises due to current post holder obtaining her own Headship and opportunities will exist for the
successful candidate to prepare for future headship themselves.
The new Deputy Headteacher will be joining the school at a crucial time – we are on a journey to good, and
from good to outstanding. We require someone with drive, enthusiasm and commitment equal to that of
the rest of the team in order to ensure that our journey is rapid and successful.
Having been Headteacher for just short of two years I can say with total confidence that St Anne’s is
genuinely a great place to work and has a superb community feel where we all work together as a team;
staff, students and parents.
We would expect you to make a significant contribution to the leadership and development of the school.
This post is an opportunity for a talented and committed person to play to their strengths while developing
other areas of skill and knowledge. The successful candidate will share our faith, values and vision.
Although by its nature this is a challenging and demanding post, we do not expect to find someone who is
“fully formed”, but someone who will enjoy and grow into the role.
A move to Deputy Headship is a significant step and we are keen for all applicants to make an informed
choice about whether St Anne’s is the right school for them. Please feel free to contact school to make an
appointment for an informal visit prior to your application. If you believe that the post of Deputy
Headteacher at St Anne’s could be your next post we would be delighted to hear from you and look
forward to receiving your application. We pray for God’s blessing upon all those involved in this important
appointment, and hope you will enjoy your contact with us whatever the outcome.
Yours faithfully
Mrs J Meredith
Mrs J Meredith
Headteacher
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
JOB DESCRIPTION – DEPUTY HEADTEACHER
MISSION STATEMENT
At St Anne’s we aim to meet people where they are on their faith journey and accompany and guide them
on their way to achieving their full potential. We strive to create a Catholic community which shares
common beliefs and where, following Christ’s example, we recognise the unique and equal value of each
member. Our commitment to each person’s growth is reflected in the quality of our school’s provision
which seeks to maintain the highest possible standards of achievement and behaviour.
“TO KNOW, LOVE AND SERVE GOD”
AIMS

To share the teachings of the Catholic faith, promoting the growth and development of spiritual,
moral, social and cultural values.

To present opportunities to share the experiences of faith, prayer and service.

To prepare people to take their places in and contribute to today’s Church and society.

To create a caring community in which the unique contributions of students, parents, parishes, staff
and governors are encouraged and valued.

To provide a quality teaching and learning environment which enables each person to develop to his or
her full potential?

To promote relationships in which people will be self-confident and treat each other with mutual
respect and consideration, irrespective of gender, race, religion or physical and intellectual ability.

To encourage self-discipline and motivation within a framework of clearly expressed Christian values.

To support continuous development through the recording and recognition of each person’s
achievements and aspirations.
The school has been designated by the Secretary of State as a school with a religious character.
Its
Instrument of Government states that it is part of the Catholic Church and is to be conducted as a Catholic
school in accordance with Canon Law, the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the Trust Deed of
the Diocese of Salford. At all times the school is to serve as a witness to the Catholic Faith in Our Lord
Jesus Christ.
The post therefore requires a practising Catholic who can show by example and from
experience that he or she will ensure that the school is distinctively Catholic in all its aspects.
This appointment is with the Governors of the school under the terms of the Catholic Education Service
contract signed with the Governors as employers. It is subject to the current conditions of service for
Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers contained in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document
and other current education and employment legislation including that of the Department for Education.
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
The governing body and the Diocese are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
and young persons and the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher must ensure that the highest priority is
given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful
candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
and obtain any other statutorily required clearance.
MAIN PURPOSE
The Deputy Headteacher will:

Undertake the normal responsibilities of the class teacher

Be a member of the senior management team

Assist the Headteacher in managing the school

Support and represent the Headteacher at meetings as and when required

Undertake the professional duties of the Headteacher during his/her absence

Undertake such duties as are delegated by the Headteacher

Play a major role under the overall direction of the Headteacher in formulating and reviewing the
Mission Statement, Development Plan, aims and objectives of the school by:
-
Establishing the policies through which they shall be achieved
-
Managing staff and resources to that end
-
Monitoring progress towards their achievement.
MAIN TASKS:
The specific nature and balance of these responsibilities will vary according to the needs of the school and
may, in larger schools with more than one deputy, be shared.
It will be necessary to specify the
management, curriculum and co-ordination responsibilities/teaching commitment to be undertaken by the
postholder.
1. Class teacher responsibilities
1.1
To carry out the duties of a school teacher as set out in the current School Teachers’ Pay and
Conditions Document.
2. The internal organisation, management and control of the school
2.1
To have specific responsibilities (eg for aspects of school management or the curriculum) to be
agreed upon appointment.
2.2
To contribute to:

Fulfilling the school’s Mission Statement

Maintaining and developing the Catholic ethos, values and overall purposes of the school
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack

Formulating the aims and objectives of the school and policies for their implementation

A development plan which will translate school aims and policies into actions

Monitoring and evaluating the performance of the school and its achievements as a Catholic
school

Implementing the governing body’s policies on equal opportunity issues for all staff and pupils
in relation to sex, gender, race, disability and special needs

The efficient organisation, management and supervision of school routines
3. Curriculum Development
3.1
To contribute to:

The development, organisation and implementation of the school’s curriculum

School policies on curriculum, assessment, recording and reporting

Ensuring that the learning and teaching provided by different departments and teaching teams
form a co-ordinated, coherent curriculum entitlement for individuals, including these with
special educational needs

Ensuring that the Diocesan policy on Religious Education is fulfilled

Ensuring arrangements for the daily act of collective worship and the spiritual life of the school

Providing a curriculum for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils in
line with the distinctive Catholic nature, purpose and aims of the school

Providing high quality personal, social, health education and citizenship in accordance with the
teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church

Ensuring that information on pupil progress is used to improve teaching and learning to inform
and motivate pupils, to inform parents, to provide necessary references for other educational
institutions and employers, and to aid governors in their future management of the school

Ensuring that the individual pupil’s continuity of learning and effective progression of
achievement are provided

The promotion of extra-curricular activities in accordance with the educational aims and
Catholic ethos of the school
4. Pupil care
4.1
To contribute to:

The development, organisation and implementation of the school’s policy for the personal and
social development of pupils including pastoral care and guidance in accordance with the
teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church

The effective induction of pupils

The determination of appropriate pupil groupings

The promotion among pupils of standards of conduct/discipline and a proper regard for
authority, the encouragement of good behaviour and commitment to the common good

The development among pupils of self-discipline

The handling of individual disciplinary cases
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
5. The management of staff
5.1
To participate in the selection and deployment of teaching and non-teaching staff of the school
5.2
To contribute to good management practice by ensuring positive staff participation, effective
communication and procedures
5.3
To participate in arrangements made in accordance with the regulations for the appraisal of the
performance of teachers in school
5.4
To contribute to staff development policies appropriate to the Catholic nature of the school in
relation to:
5.5

The induction of new and newly qualified teachers and other staff

The provision of professional advice and support and the identification of training needs

Students under training/work experience

Support the school drive on outstanding teaching and learning
To demonstrate effective leadership, representation and liaison both within the school and other
interested or involved persons or bodies.
5.6
6
6.1
To maintain good relationships with individuals, groups and staff unions and associations.
The management of resources
To contribute to the formulation of the school’s policies and procedures concerning resource
management in accordance with the school’s Mission Statement.
6.2
To allocate, control and account for those financial and material resources of the school which are
delegated by the Headteacher.
6.3
To promote an attractive environment which stimulates learning and enhances the appearance of
the school and expresses its Catholic identity.
6.4
To contribute to arrangements for the security and effective supervision of the school buildings,
their contents and grounds, including aspects of health and safety.
6.5
To maintain effective working relationships with external agencies and services contracted to the
school and the Authority.
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
7
7.1
Relationships
To advise and assist the governing body as required in the exercising of its functions including
attending meetings and making reports.
7.2
To assist liaison and co-operation with Diocesan and Authority officers and support services.
7.3
To help in maintaining and developing effective communications and links with parents, as the
prime educators, and to provide positive responses to concerns and problems regarding their
children’s education.
7.4
To assist liaison with other educational establishments, especially other Catholic institutions, in
order to promote the continuity of learning, progression of achievement and curriculum
development.
7.5
To assist liaison with other professional bodies, agencies and services.
7.6
To develop and maintain positive links and relationships with the parish community, local
organisations and employers:

To promote a positive image of the school

To ensure that the school plays a constructive role in the life of the parish and community and
that its curriculum draws on the nature and resources of that community.
The applicant will be required to safeguard and promote
the welfare of children and young people.
This job description forms part of the contract of employment of the person appointed to the
post. It reflects the position at the present time only and may be reviewed in negotiation
with the employee in the future. The appointment is subject to the current conditions of
employment in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document as they relate to Deputy
Headteachers
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR THE POST OF DEPUTY HEADTEACHER
The school’s Instrument of Government states that it is part of the Catholic Church and is to
be conducted as a Catholic school in accordance with Canon Law, the teachings of the
Roman Catholic Church and the Trust Deed of the Diocese of Salford. At all times the school
is to serve as a witness to the Catholic Faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. The post therefore
requires a practising Catholic who can show by example and from experience that he or she
will ensure that the school is distinctively Catholic in all its aspects.
The applicant will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young
people.
Note: Candidates failing to meet any of the essential criteria will automatically be excluded
[A]
Faith Commitment
Essential

Practising Catholic

Involvement in parish community
[B]
Desirable
E
Source
A/I/R
D
R
Desirable
Source
Qualifications
Qualification requirements
Essential
Qualified teacher status
E
A
Degree
E
A
Further Leadership qualifications in preparation for Deputy
D
A/I
Headship.
CCRS/CTC/CLP or commitment to obtaining the qualification
A/I
[C] Professional Development
Evidence of regular, recent and appropriate professional
E
A/I
E
A/I
development for the role of Deputy Headteacher
Evidence of recent leadership and management professional
development
Has successfully undertaken the Secretary of State's (NCSL,
D
A/I
CWDC or local authority) approved "safer recruitment" training
or has a commitment to do so before taking up post/ within 12
months of taking up the post
Has successfully undertaken appropriate Child Protection
training/ Designated Senior Person training
E
A/I
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
[D] School leadership and management experience
Recent successful leadership as a Deputy Headteacher or
E
A/I/R
Assistant Headteacher
Active and effective leadership of a team / key stage/
E
curriculum area/ department
Be able to demonstrate successful/effective leadership in a
D
A/I
school in a similar community / facing similar challenges
To have taken an active involvement in school self evaluation
E
A/I
E
A/I/R
and development planning
To have implemented and developed a whole school initiative
An awareness of the/ previous involvement in/ active
D
A/I
D
A/I
involvement in/ fully conversant with financial management in a
school.
To have had a key involvement in reviewing and developing the
curriculum
To have had responsibility for policy development and
E
A/I
implementation
D
A/I
Experience of teaching in more than one school
D
A/I
Experience of teaching in a school in similar circumstances/
D
A/I
To have had experience of and ability to contribute to staff
development and input on teaching and learning
[E] Experience and knowledge of teaching
serving a similar community.
Significant teaching experience within the secondary sector
E
A/I
To have a working and current knowledge and understanding of
E
A
E
A/I
E
A/I/R
E
A/I/R
both Key Stages.
To be able to effectively use data, assessment and target
setting to raise standards/address weaknesses
To be able to exemplify how the needs of all pupils (SEN, AEN,
AGT, EAL, G&T Pupil Premium) have been met through high
quality teaching.
[F] Professional Attributes
Demonstrate an understanding, awareness and empathy for the
needs of the pupils at St Anne’s RC High School and how these
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
could be met.
E
A/I/R
E
A/I/R
E
A/I
A competent user of new technology
E
A/I
Show a good commitment to sustained attendance at work
E
A/I
Able to demonstrate a clear rationale for behaviour
management and a proven track record of the effective
implementation of a range of behaviour management
strategies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (which will be
assessed at all stages of the process).
To be a successful leader of learning demonstrating, promoting
and encouraging outstanding classroom practice.
[G] Professional Skills
(Based on the National Standards for Headship 2004).
Whilst the Headteacher is expected to meet all the National Standards of Headship in relation to this
appointment candidates are particularly required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of
the following in the context of Catholic school:
Shaping the Future
Leading Learning and Teaching
E
A/I
Shaping the Future
E
A/I
Developing Self and working with Others
E
A/I
Managing the Organisation
E
A/I
Securing Accountability
E
A/I
Strengthening the Community
E
A/I
E
A/I/R
E
A/I
E
A/I/R
Be a strong and visible presence in all areas of school
E
A/I
Be approachable, person centred.
E
I
Demonstrate personal enthusiasm and commitment to
E
I
[H] Personal Qualities
Demonstrates a commitment to promote St Anne's strong
educational philosophy and Catholic values
Inspire, challenge, motivate and empower teams and
individuals to achieve high goals
Be a positive role model at all times, a highly effective and
respected representative of St Anne’s
leadership aimed at making a positive difference to children and
young people
ST ANNE’S R.C HIGH SCHOOL – Deputy Headteacher application pack
Build and maintain quality relationships through interpersonal
E
I/R
E
A/I/R
Inspire trust and confidence across the school and community
E
I/R
Be creative, dynamic
E
I
Manage and resolve conflict
E
I
Prioritise, plan and organise themselves and others
E
I
Think analytically and creatively and demonstrate initiative in
E
I
E
I/R
Able to empathise appropriately and take necessary steps
E
I/R
Demonstrate a capacity for sustained hard work with energy
E
I/R
Demonstrate resilience and optimism
E
I/R
Demonstrate impact and presence
E
I/R
skills and effective communication
Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, including
modelling values and vision
solving problems
Be aware of their own strengths and areas for development
and listen to, and reflect constructively and act upon as
appropriate, feedback from others
and vigour
[I]
Confidential References and Reports
A positive and supportive faith reference from a priest where the applicant regularly
E
worships.
Positive recommendation from all referees, including current employer (for deputy
E
headship this should be Chair of Governors or Headteacher; for headships this should
be Chair of Governors)
A supportive reference from the Local Authority or Academy Authority
[J]
E
Application Form and Supporting Statement
The form must be fully completed and legible. The supporting statement should be clear, concise and
related to the specific post.