Applicant Guidelines
Please read these guidelines carefully before you start completing the Staff Application
Form. These guidelines are designed to help and give you the best chance of succeeding
with your application.
If you need help completing the form or would prefer a different format please contact
Wayland Academy on 01953 881514.
How to apply
 Read through the application form before you start completing it, this should help you to
plan what to include.
 Use black ink or type to enable clear photocopying.
 Complete all sections as fully as possible. CVs are not accepted in place of a completed
application form unless specifically requested. We will only use the information you have
provided on the form to determine if you are shortlisted.
 If necessary attach additional sheets. Please ensure you write your name, the post title
and post reference number on any additional sheets.
 Ensure you allow plenty of time before the closing date for the application to reach the
Academy. Late applications are only considered in exceptional circumstances and at the
discretion of the interview panel.
What does Wayland Academy want?
 Read the enclosed job description and person specification. These tell you what the
duties and responsibilities of the post are and what experience, qualifications, knowledge,
skills and abilities the Academy is looking for.
What information should be included?
 All information provided should be clear, precise, easy to understand and appropriate to
the post.
 Include details of all your experience whether paid or unpaid including work experience,
voluntary/community work and domestic responsibilities.
 Include all qualifications and training you have undertaken – you will need to provide
evidence that you hold the qualifications if you are invited to interview.
 Ensure you provide an explanation for any periods of time not in employment, education
or training ensuring there are no gaps.
 In your supporting statement outline why you are applying and why you are suitable for
the post. In this section demonstrate how your skills, knowledge, qualifications,
experience and abilities relate to the duties and responsibilities of the post. Provide
examples of what you have done, what you were responsible for and what the
results/outcomes were. The examples you use do not have to be related to your present
or most recent post – they can be from previous posts or general experiences whether
paid or unpaid.
 Provide the details of two people who have agreed to provide a reference about your
professional competence. Referees should not be friends or relatives and one referee
should be from your present or most recent employer and be someone that had/has line
management responsibility for you. Indicate in what capacity you know the person and if
they can be contacted prior to interview if you are shortlisted.
 If you are related to a governor or employee of Wayland Academy you must declare this
on the form. Canvassing is not permitted and will disqualify your application.
 We will not make any assumptions about you – our decision is based only on the
information you provide on the form.
Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form
 All applicants are required to complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. The
information provided on the form is confidential and will NOT be used in the selection
process.
 The information you provide will be processed and stored in accordance with the Data
Protection Act 1998.
Equality and Diversity Policy
 Wayland Academy embraces diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the
community. We aim to employ a workforce which reflects, at all levels, the community we
serve. The Academy aims to ensure all applicants are treated equally, regardless of age,
disability, family responsibility, marital status, race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, religion or
belief, gender, sexual orientation, trade union activity and unrelated criminal convictions.
Disability
 If you declare you have a disability we will ask in the interview invitation letter if there are
any reasonable adjustments we should consider making that may be of assistance during
the selection process and if you are appointed to the post (e.g. access to interview
rooms, alternative equipment, hearing loop etc).
Disclosure of Criminal Convictions
 All posts within the Academy are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 as the roles involve substantial opportunity
for access to children.
 Applicants must declare all convictions, cautions or bind-overs regardless of whether they
are regarded as ‘spent’ at the point of completing the application form and during the
recruitment and selection process.
 A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment.
 Full consideration will be given to applications from ex offenders and each case will be
considered on its own merits by the Head Teacher.
 All staff are required to inform the Head Teacher of any cautions, bind-over’s or
convictions that may occur during your employment.
Child Protection
 The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
 All staff are considered to be in a position of trust in relation to students.
 Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure
check. The outcome of a Disclosure may affect an offer of employment.
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
 If you are offered a post at the Academy you will be required to provide documentary
proof of your eligibility to work within the United Kingdom (UK).
 Documentary proof must satisfy the requirements of the UK Border Agency Guidance
before an offer of employment is confirmed.
Once you have completed the application
 Read through the form to check for any errors or gaps.
 Ensure you have signed the declaration (unless completing online)
 Keep a copy of your completed application – this will help in your interview preparations if
you are shortlisted.
 Wayland Academy does not acknowledge the receipt of applications due to the
substantial cost involved. If you would like to receive an acknowledgment please enclose
a stamped address envelope.
What communication can I expect from the Academy?
 Following receipt of completed applications, only short listed candidates will be contacted
with an invitation to the selection process.
 Following the interviews all candidates are notified of the outcome of the selection
process; Contact is usually made by telephone or email.
What do I do if you feel you have been unfairly treated?
 If you consider your application has not been fairly treated you should write to the Head
Teacher with details of your complaint within three months of the closing date of the post.
Offers of Appointment
 All offers of appointment are conditional and dependant on:
 the receipt of two satisfactory references; one must be from your present or most
recent employer
 medical clearance (a pre-employment medical examination may be required)
 a satisfactory Department for Education List 99 check
 completion of Child Protection Declaration Form
 a satisfactory Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure
 documentary proof of eligibility to work in the UK which satisfies the requirements of
the UK Border Agency
 Once these conditions have been met the formal offer of employment will be made and
start date agreed.
 The lowest salary/rate of pay is offered except in cases where the applicants’ current
salary/rate of pay is greater. In these cases the next highest salary/rate of pay is offered.
 All new appointees including staff that are new to the Academy, staff who have been
promoted, redeployed or transferred to a non equivalent post will be required to
satisfactorily complete a probationary period.