08 Deputy Headteacher application pack.pdf - Drighlington Primary ...

HORSFORTH SCHOOL 

Specialist Science College 

Horsforth School: Specialist Science College 



Application 

Pack 

Opportunity 

and 

Achievement 

for 

All 

1 Opportunity and Achievement for All 

www.horsforth.leeds.sch.uk 

Deputy Headteacher


Contents 

Welcome from the Chair of Governors 

General School Details 

Job Description 

Person Specification 

Roles and Responsibilities of the Leadership Team 

Enhanced Disclosure 

School Location and Travel Details 


www.horsforth.leeds.sch.uk


Welcome from the Chair of Governors 

Thank you for requesting the application pack for the post of Deputy Headteacher at our 

school. 

I hope that you find the information provided useful and that it encourages you to apply for the 

post and join the team at Horsforth School. 

If you do decide to apply for the post, please pay particular attention to the Job Description 

and Person Specification, demonstrating in your letter of application how you meet our 

requirements. 

Your application should be by letter and official application form including referees, the closing 

date being TBC. 

Best wishes 

Roland Meredith 

Chair of Governors 




General School Details 

The School and its Location 

Horsforth is a well-defined community of approximately 22,000 people on the North West 

outskirts of Leeds. It is largely residential but has a range of small firms and a variety of 

excellent shops. With few exceptions, students are from primary schools in Horsforth and the 

surrounding area and live within walking distance. We have places for 225 students in each 

year group. All year groups are full and the school is over-subscribed. 

There are currently approximately 1400 students on roll, with 270 in the Sixth form. 

Examination results are well above local and national averages at all Key Stages. In 2011 90% of 

students achieved 5 or more GCSE grades at A* - C and 75% of students gained 5+ A* - C 

grades including English and Maths. The school’s A level results were amongst the highest in 

any Leeds school and our pass rate at A level was almost 100% with the vast majority of our 

students gaining 3 or more ‘A’ level passes and going on to Higher Education including 

Oxbridge and Medicine. 

The following extract is taken from the summary of our most recent inspection report: 

Overall effectiveness of the school... 

Horsforth School is a good school with many significant outstanding features. 

Ofsted praised students for exemplary behaviour, staff for outstanding teaching and 

commented that parents should be rightly proud of a community school with a real ‘family’ 

atmosphere. 

Here are some of the main findings of the report: 

Learning and Teaching are good and there is much that is outstanding. 

There are many examples of best practice in the school. 

The sixth form is successful, well-managed and a continually improving aspect 

of the school. 

Outstanding results attained by students at the end of Years 9 and 11. 

The school’s strong focus is encouraging students to love learning. 

Horsforth School offers a calm, safe and happy environment in which 

students feel valued and enjoy their education. 

Students are confident and their behaviour in and out of lessons is exemplary. 

Students really enjoy all aspects of their school life and this is mirrored in their 

outstanding attendance. 

Students demonstrate a high level of respect for both adults and their peers. 

Behaviour is outstanding both in lessons and around school. 

Students say they feel safe and that bullying and intolerance rarely occurs. 

The quality of care and support that students receive is outstanding. 

The personal development and well being of students is outstanding. 




 

 

 

Careers education and guidance are excellent, helping students to make well 

informed choices about their future. 

The provision of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is 

excellent. 

Collaboration and engagement with the local community, local schools and 

other partners is outstanding and benefits students. 

Horsforth School is fortunate to have a highly committed team of excellent, professional and 

friendly staff who are all specialists and teach their specialisms. 

The quality of our 

teaching and curriculum has been nationally recognised. We were the first school in Leeds 

and one of the first in the country to become a Specialist Science College and have a national 

reputation for excellence in Science education. The school has also been awarded the 

Government’s Silver Arts and Sportsmarks and the Government’s International Schools Award. 

Horsforth School has a strict Code of Conduct for behaviour and a Positive Behaviour System, 

so that students know exactly what is expected of them. The school sets high standards and 

we strive to ensure “Opportunity and Achievement for All”. 

All teaching staff who are appointed to positions within the school are given laptops and 

undergo a thorough induction process, New colleagues who are NQT’s are given full support, 

a personal mentor and regular opportunities to discuss their work. All colleagues are 

encouraged to continue their professional development. 

In addition, colleagues have full access to the school gym and fitness suite for their personal use 

after school and are actively encouraged to participate and use the facilities available. 




Accommodation 

The standard of provision of specialist facilities is a feature of Horsforth School. There is ready 

access to the Learning Resource Centre and E Learning Centre which are open from 8.00 a.m. 

until 5.00 p.m. The Creative Studies block has eleven linked areas and there are eleven Science 

Laboratories. Areas for Music, P.E. and Drama are all provided separately. The new Sports 

provision includes a Gym and Sports Hall, with games fields and a floodlit astro-turf on the site, 

together with an outstanding fitness suite for use by staff in the evenings. Information 

Technology resources are very impressive and heavily used by many Departments. The School 

is used extensively by the local community and local sporting clubs. 




Job Description 

HORSFORTH SCHOOL: DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER: COMMUNITY 



ROLE DESCRIPTION 

A GENERAL ROLE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP TEAM 

MEMBERS 

As strategic leaders with whole-school responsibilities Leadership Team members share the 

following roles including a contract which goes beyond the 1265 hours working time applicable 

to teachers on the Main Pay Scale: 

Demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and collegiality. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being very effective classroom practitioners and undertaking an appropriate teaching load 

(performance should exceed Threshold standards). 

Demonstrating a commitment to raising student attainment and staff expectations in every 

aspect of school life. 

Monitoring the quality of learning and teaching to raise levels of departmental and student 

attainment. 

Being visible and high profile: reinforcing standards of student behaviour and the school’s 

core values and ethos (including supervision, duties and assemblies). 

Conducting themselves as professional role models for all staff and students: offering 

leadership, direction and support based upon effective communications and inter-personal 

skills. 

Being involved in policy formulation, implementation and review. 

Being comfortable in a culture which expects them, and others, to have clear performance 

targets for self and school improvement. 

Thriving in situations in which they, and other colleagues, learn and develop professionally. 

Presenting the school to parents and the community in a positive light in order to enhance 

its already positive image. 

Having major line management responsibilities, oversight of the work of other colleagues, 

and direct responsibility for specific objectives in the School Improvement Plan including 

carrying our Performance Management reviews. 

Supporting and reporting to appropriate Governing Body committees and the full 

Governing Body on specific aspects of the School. 

Undertaking a Leadership Team link role within a number of curriculum areas and year 

teams in order to monitor, review and support the work of individual departments and 

progress leaders. 

The Leadership Team will comprise of the Head, two Deputies and four Assistant 

Heads. A central working principle of our Leadership Team is that colleagues 

support each other, operating as ‘teams within the team’ to ensure clear and 

strong leadership.


B ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPUTY HEADTEACHER: 

COMMUNITY 

1: SUPPORTING AND REPORTING TO GOVERNORS 

Attend Governing Body meetings and provide them with reports. 

 

 

 

Provide professional advice to Governors Pastoral Committee. 

Provide professional advice to Governors Exclusion Panels. 

Attend other Governors Committee meetings as appropriate. 

2: SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

Performing the professional duties of a Deputy Headteacher as set out in the DfE Pay & 

Conditions Document including: 

1. Deputising for the Headteacher where necessary. 

2. Strategic Leadership of all Community aspects of the school’s work. 

3. Oversight, co-ordination and leadership of all activities which aim to raise standards of 

students’ welfare, behaviour and safety. 

4. Championing the less-privileged and more vulnerable students in the school. 

5. Leadership of all aspects of Inclusion. 

More specifically: 

 

 

 

Strategic lead on community activities and partnerships: 

o Horsforth Cluster / JCC 

o Horsforth Primary Group 

o Family of Schools 

o Post-16 collaboration (assisted by AHT: L & T) 

o Red Kite Teaching Alliances (assisted by AHT: L & T) 

Leadership of all aspects of safeguarding, including 

o Child Protection Lead 

o DBS processes 

o Curriculum aspects of safeguarding 

o Ensuring compliance with current legislation linked to safeguarding 

Leadership of all matters associated with promoting good student behaviour including 

o PB and Rewards systems 

o Line-management of Behaviour Support Team to ensure 

• Positive behaviour is reinforced 

• Incidents are fairly resolved 

• Communication with parents/carers is prompt, professional and forwardlooking 




 

 

 

• There is pro-active, bespoke involvement with the most vulnerable (BST 

caseload) 

o Liaison with external medical, welfare and legal agencies 

o Staff training / updates 

Leadership of activities which promote inclusivity, promote tolerance and celebrate 

diversity. 

Leadership of activities which promote good attendance including 

o Line management of Attendance Strategy Officer 

o Liaison with Leeds City Council Attendance Team 

o NEET strategies 

o Oversight of alternative curriculum placements and College liaison (with Alternative 

Curriculum Co-ordinator) 

Leadership of all aspects of student admissions including 

o School Admission Policy and processes 

o Appeals Hearings 

o Attendance at Fair Access meetings 

o Lead for Area Inclusion Partnership 

o Liaison with AHT responsible for school publications and events, re Open Evening and 

prospectus 

o Oversight of within-year transfers 

o Supporting the HR Manager with specific aspects of HR as appropriate. 

o Investigating Officer dealing with complaints against the school, or its members of staff. 

o Involvement in recruitment processes. 

n.b. In all the above areas of responsibility, the postholder will be supported by the 

Assistant Headteacher: Inclusion 

3: LINE MANAGEMENT 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y7-8 and Y9-11 Student Progress Leaders 

Behaviour Support Team 

Attendance Strategy Leader 

Alternative Curriculum Co-ordinator 

Chair Safeguarding Team. 

Chair of Pastoral Leaders Group 

Curriculum Areas: Tba 

4: OTHER POINTS 

The postholder will be placed on a ISR of 20-24. 

The postholder will report directly to, and be line-managed by the Headteacher. 







HORSFORTH SCHOOL: DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER: LEARNING 

AND TEACHING 

ROLE DESCRIPTION 

A GENERAL ROLE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP TEAM 

MEMBERS 

As strategic leaders with whole-school responsibilities Leadership Team members share the 

following roles including a contract which goes beyond the 1265 hours working time applicable 

to teachers on the Main Pay Scale: 

Demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and collegiality. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being very effective classroom practitioners and undertaking an appropriate teaching load 

(performance should exceed Threshold standards). 

Demonstrating a commitment to raising student attainment and staff expectations in every 

aspect of school life. 

Monitoring the quality of learning and teaching to raise levels of departmental and student 

attainment. 

Being visible and high profile: reinforcing standards of student behaviour and the school’s 

core values and ethos (including supervision, duties and assemblies). 

Conducting themselves as professional role models for all staff and students: offering 

leadership, direction and support based upon effective communications and inter-personal 

skills. 

Being involved in policy formulation, implementation and review. 

Being comfortable in a culture which expects them, and others, to have clear performance 

targets for self and school improvement. 

Thriving in situations in which they, and other colleagues, learn and develop professionally. 

Presenting the school to parents and the community in a positive light in order to enhance 

its already positive image. 

Having major line management responsibilities, oversight of the work of other colleagues, 

and direct responsibility for specific objectives in the School Improvement Plan including 

carrying our Performance Management reviews. 

Supporting and reporting to appropriate Governing Body committees and the full 

Governing Body on specific aspects of the School. 

Undertaking a Leadership Team link role within a number of curriculum areas and year 

teams in order to monitor, review and support the work of individual departments and 

progress leaders. 

The Leadership Team will comprise of the Head, two Deputies and four Assistant 

Heads. A central working principle of our Leadership Team is that colleagues 




support each other, operating as ‘teams within the team’ to ensure clear and 

strong leadership. 

B ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPUTY HEADTEACHER: 

STANDARDS 

1: SUPPORTING AND REPORTING TO GOVERNORS 

 

 

 

 

 

Attend Governing Body meetings and provide them with reports. 

Provide professional advice to Governors Curriculum Committee 

Provide professional advice to Governors Finance & Premises Committee 

Provide professional advice to Governors Staff Discipline Panels. 

Attend other Governors Committee meetings as appropriate. 

2: SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

Performing the professional duties of a Deputy Headteacher as set out in the DfE Pay & 

Conditions Document including: 

 

 

 

 

 

Deputising for the Headteacher where necessary. 

Oversight and co-ordination of all strategies to raise standards of students’ attainment and 

progress 

Leadership of all matters associated with curriculum development including 

o Current and future provision (working with AHT: Standards) 

o Compliance with statutory requirements 

o Oversight of assessment and reporting 

o Oversight of department Schemes of Work 

Leadership of Quality Assurance / Self-evaluation processes including: 

o Oversight of learning and teaching (supported by AHT: Learning & Teaching) 

o Production of Self-evaluation documents 

o Oversight of student progress data (supported by AHT : Standards) 

o Production of the School Improvement Plan and Self Evaluation documents (with the 

Headteacher) 

o Leading Standards Review meetings 

o Producing external examination analyses, informed by externally-produced data (e.g. 

RAISE) 

o Preparation of QA material for Governors, Leadership Team and external organisations 

(with the Headteacher) 

o Ofsted preparation activities 

Oversight of Site Management, including Health & Safety aspects 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oversight of fire and evacuation processes 

Chair of Team Leaders Group 

Investigating Officer dealing with complaints against the school, or it’s members of staff 

(supported by HR Manager) 

Oversight of external examinations, including line management of the Examinations Officer 

Oversight of School Policies – consultation with staff and Governors to formulate, 

implement, monitor and review an appropriate range of school policies. 

o Co-ordination of all school policy documents (supported by HR Manager) 

o Ensuring compliance with current legislation 

Supporting the HR Manager with specific aspects of HR as appropriate 

Involvement in recruitment 

3: LINE MANAGEMENT 

Curriculum Leaders (including chair of Team Leader Group) 

Facilities Manager 

Examinations Officer 

HR Manager 

Chair of Progress Team Meetings 

Curriculum Areas: English, maths, MFL and science 

Formal Performance Management tba 

Year Group 11 

4: OTHER POINTS 

The postholder will be placed on a ISR of 20-24. 

The postholder will report directly to, and be line-managed by the Headteacher 




Person Specification 

Key: 

App – Application Form 

Ref – Reference 

SP – Selection process. This could include a range of exercises, including an interview. 

Knowledge, Experience and Skills 



Essential/ 

Desirable 

How 

identified 

Leadership 

Experience of leadership roles E App/SP 

Ability to build effective relationships with staff, parents, governors and E App/SP 

other agencies 

Ability to influence all stakeholders E App/SP 

Prioritises learning in all strategic decision making E App/SP 

Ability to make and implement difficult decisions E App/SP 

Shaping the future 

Defines the school vision E App/SP 

Implements a strategic plan across the whole school, identifying priorities 

and evaluating the impact 

Works with and motivates teams and individuals to implement changes 

across the school 

Leading learning and teaching 

Implementation of strategies which secure high standards of learning and 

teaching 

E 

E 

E 

App/SP 

App/SP 

App/SP 

Implementation of changes and improvements to the curriculum E App/SP 

In depth knowledge of the use of data to monitor pupil progress E App/SP 

Effective use of assessment tools to monitor learning and teaching E App/SP 

Ability to identify effective interventions to ensure pupils maintain good E App/SP 

progress 

Ability to identify excellent classroom practice to enable teachers to E App/SP 

improve, through effective feedback 

Developing self and working with others 

Regularly reviews own practice and continually participates in quality CPD E App/SP 

Uses CPD to motivate, enthuse and develop all staff E App/SP 

Ensures effective performance management systems are in place E App/SP 

Ability to plan and allocate work effectively E App/SP 

Experience in managing under-performance of staff E App/SP 

Managing the organisation 

Implements changes to staffing structures D App/SP 

Recruits, retains and manages a range of school staff E App/SP 

Develops appropriate school development plans D App/SP


Develops appropriate school policies and procedures D App/SP 

Financial management of school budgets D App/SP 

Manages the school’s environment in line with health and safety regulations D App/SP 

Securing accountability 

Holds people to account for what they have agreed to deliver E App/SP 

Works effectively with the governing body to fulfil statutory duties D App/SP 

Provides performance data to parents, governors and school improvement 

officers 

D App/SP 

Strengthening the community 

Builds relationships with community groups, outside agencies and other E App/SP 

schools which create innovative learning experiences for pupils 

Promotes the school D App/SP 

Awareness of the Leeds City wide educational improvement agenda E App/SP 

Works with parents and carers to improve pupil achievement E App/SP 

Child protection 

Is fully aware and able to implement effective policies and procedures E App/SP 

Ability to deal with sensitive issues in a supportive and effective manner E App/SP 

Has experience of a multi agency team approach D App/SP 

Qualifications and training 

Qualified Teacher Status or other educational qualification D App/SP 

A degree or management qualification E App/SP 

NPQH D App/SP 

NCSL/CWDC Safer recruitment certificate 

D App/SP 

(Required within the first year of Headship) 

Personal qualities and attributes 

Moral purpose (Equality, children and adults treated with respect) 

Excellent communicator (Listening, putting a message across) 

Child centred 

Resilient 

Integrity 

Self motivated and able to motivate others 

Enjoys challenge 

Works to deadlines 

Enthusiastic and optimistic 

Excellent problem solving/analytical skills 

Self awareness, knowledge of strengths and limitations 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 

SP 




KEY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITES SEPT 2012 – Aug 2013. 

SJ: Executive Principal 

a) Oversight of School Budget / Coaching L Team colleagues / 

Supporting other schools and organisations 

b) (with IKB): Standards / Targets / Outcomes / Strategic direction / 

Major staffing decisions / Reporting to G Body 

Acting Headteacher DHT: Inclusion DHT Standards 



AHT: 

Learning/Teaching 

Titles 

Lead Areas 

AHT: 

Learning/Teaching AHT Standards AHT: Inclusion AHT: Resources 

Strategic Direction Deputise for HT Deputise for HT Perf. Management Pedagogy Timetables (2)* Equality Timetables (1)* 

School Impvt. Plan (1)* Pastoral Lead School Impvt Plan (2)* External CPD In-house CPD Student Data Transition Duty teams 

Governing Body Safeguarding (1)* HR SEND AST Change Team Target Systems Safeguarding (2)* Rotas 

Budget PB System Curr. Oversight (1)* Future Leaders (2)* Future Leaders (1)* Assessment CEIAG Staffing projections 

Staffing Alt. Curriculum Intervention oversight Staff coaching/mentorg Post-16 Leadership Reporting Student Councils Site Issues 

Ofsted (1)* Attendance Ofsted (2)* Staff Induction P-16 curric. oversight Curr. Oversight (2)* Student Voice Cover 

NQT and ITT 

Standards Review (2)* Admissions / Appeals Standards Review (1)* oversight Standards for Learning Day-to-day (2)* Healthy Schools Day-to-day (1)* 

NW Leeds Heads Extended Services (1)* QA Lead e-learning (2)* Benton P collaboration Literacy oversight Ext. Services (2)* Health and Safety 

Leeds Secondary Heads Fair Access External Examinations Options 8-9/9-10 Post-16 Admissions e-learning (1)* Risk Assessment 

DfE / LCC Liaison Recruitment (1)* Complaint Invstn. (1)* Public Relations Options 11-12 Complaint Invt. (2)* Option processes (1)* 

Academy / Trust Status School Policies School events/ calendar Recruitment (2)* Return to Work 

Line mgmt assoc staff 

Publications / website 

(1)* 

n.b. (1)* indicates 

lead colleague / (2)* 

indicates support 

colleague 

(shadowing and 

sharing workload) 

Academic Councils


Line Management Responsibilities 

Leadership Team Pastoral Team Team Leaders Associate Staff (2)* Associate Staff (1)* Associate Staff (2)* Associate Staff (2)* Associate Staff (2)* 

SPL: Y7/8 & 9-11 Exams Officer SENCO SPL: Post-16 ICT / e-learng Team Transition Team ELC Team 

BST TA Team AST Change Team Data Team CEAIG Team Facilities Officer 

Atted. Strat. Leader LRC Team Site Team 

Alt. Curric. Coord Resources Team Technician Team 

ITT Co-ordinator 




Enhanced Disclosure 

Thank you for your interest in this position at Horsforth School. The post you are applying 

for involves working with young people. It is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of 

Offenders Act and any offer of employment will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure. 

As this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, you must declare any 

convictions, including pending convictions, cautions, reprimands and warning which would 

otherwise be regarded as ‘spent’ under this Act. Further details will be sought prior to 

appointment. 

An Enhanced Disclosure is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service and will check 

criminal records for information on any convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held 

on the Police National Computer and on local Police records. 

All information on criminal records provided both by you and within the Enhance 

Disclosure will be used, stored and disposed of in confidence and in line with the Disclosure 

and Barring Service Code of Practice of Disclosure Information. 

If your application is successful, you will receive further information on how to complete the 

Enhanced Disclosure. 




School Location and Travel Details 

Horsforth School 


Lee Lane East, Horsforth 

Leeds LS18 5RF 

Tel: 0113 226 5454 

Fax: 0113 226 5401 

Headteacher: Mr S Jex, 

BSc(Econ) MEd 


From the M1 Northbound (M62 Westbound and M621) 

Leave the M1 at junction 43 to join the M621 towards Leeds. Leave the 

M621 at junction 1, and join the A6110 Leeds Ring Road towards Pudsey. Continue onto the A647 towards 

Bradford and at the next roundabout, take the second exit onto the A6120. 

Remain on the A6120 over a further two roundabouts and at the next set of traffic lights turn left into 

Fink Hill. Continue into Church Road through pedestrian lights and then turn left into St Margaret’s Avenue 

and left again into Lee Lane East. 

From the M62 Eastbound 

Leave the M62 at junction 26 to join the M606 towards Bradford. At the terminus roundabout of the M606, take the fourth exit to join the 

A6177 Bradford Ring Road towards Leeds/Bradford Airport. Continue over two roundabouts and at the junction with the A647, turn right 

towards Leeds. Proceed on the A647 to the roundabout junction on the Leeds Ring Road and turn left onto the A6120. See above. 

From the A1 (&NE) Southbound 

Leave the A1 at Wetherby to join the A58 towards Leeds. On reaching the A6120 (Ring Road) turn right 

and continue over several roundabouts until after a long steep hill you reach the traffic lights at Fink Hill. 

(See inset). Turn right and continue into Church Road through pedestrian lights and then turn left into 

St Margaret’s Avenue and left again into Lee Lane East. 

From Leeds City Centre 

Join the A65 and continue fro five miles to the Leeds Ring Road, A6120. . On reaching the A6120 turn 

right and continue over several roundabouts until after a long steep hill you reach the traffic lights at Fink 

Hill. (See inset). See above. 

By Train 

Horsforth Station is on the Leeds to Harrogate line. Alternatively you may wish to take a taxi from 

Leeds Station. 




Photographs by kind permission of Phil Neary and Year 10 Media students of Horsforth School 


Lee Lane East 

Horsforth 

Leeds LS18 5RF 

Tel: 0113 226 5454 

Fax: 0113 226 5402 

20 Opportunity and Achievement Email for : All info@horsforth.leeds.sch.uk 

www.horsforth.leeds.sch.uk Website: www.horsforth.leeds.sch.uk

08 Deputy Headteacher application pack.pdf - Drighlington Primary ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?