Headteacher

The Role

Thomas Bewick School is a specialist school for up to 360 children with autism aged 3-19 based in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. The school opened in September 1999 and joined Prosper Learning Trust in April 2019 with the aim of becoming a recognised centre of excellence both locally and nationally. As of September 2023, the school is based over three sites, two in West Denton and one at Broadwood Primary School in Denton Burn.

A broad and balanced curriculum with personalised pathways and specialised teaching inspires pupils to learning success, supported by high quality pastoral care. The school’s main priority is to address the autism-specific barriers to learning so that pupils are able to take advantage of multiple learning opportunities.

This is an exciting opportunity. Thomas Bewick School is a well-established and highly regarded provision and plays a leading role in the SEND service for Newcastle and neighbouring communities. It has grown rapidly in recent years to help meet the escalating demand for specialist autism places. You can be at the heart of its continuing development, leading the school through the next exciting phase in its journey to excellence. You will be responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day operational management of the school. The aim will be to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the core of the offer.

At Thomas Bewick School, the Headteacher will be central to its success. You will ensure the vision and values of Prosper Learning Trust are at the core of the development of the school whilst implementing Trust systems and protocols to facilitate its smooth running.

The role will require you to be a dynamic and professional leader, able to motivate staff, set high expectations, promote achievement and facilitate rigorous and continuous self-evaluation.

You will be skilled in working collaboratively with stakeholders and partner organisations at all levels to maximise the educational opportunities for children and young people with autism.

You will advise the Local Advisory Committee and CEO on the recruitment and selection of staff, creating and developing an organisation in which high quality people work together towards the common goal of creating a successful school on behalf of its pupils and their families.

You will work closely with the Trust Director of School Improvement to ensure that all aspects of the quality of education in the school are delivered to the highest possible standard.

You will develop, secure and sustain high quality teaching and effective learning across the school, monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote continuous improvement. You will seek to set outstanding standards and to maintain high expectations amongst staff for the progress of all pupils.

Whether you are a serving Headteacher/Principal or a successful senior leader looking for your first whole school leadership role, you will have an exceptional track record of success, specifically in relation to securing positive outcomes for all pupils regardless of background or ability.

Prosper Learning Trust is at a very exciting stage in its development and you will have the opportunity to play a key role in its growth. As Headteacher of Thomas Bewick School you will become a member of the Trust’s Executive Leadership Team. We will provide you with the resources you need and support you in your efforts to promote excellence throughout the school. You will be working with knowledgeable and supportive specialist staff in a school with excellent facilities and alongside a growing and ambitious Academy Trust, its schools and its leaders.

We can offer:

• A friendly and supportive team of staff across the Trust who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
• An exciting and diverse learning environment where hard work and achievement are appreciated, acknowledged and celebrated
• A curriculum that is relevant to the needs of our pupils
• A well-resourced learning environment
• A supportive Trust, Trustees and Local Advisory Committee members
• Further professional development appropriate to the role

To learn more about this unique opportunity, Thomas Bewick School and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit https://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/123/vacancies

We are more than happy for prospective candidates to visit the school so we can share our vision and principles, and discuss this post. Alternatively you can request a confidential conversation.

Visiting dates: 29 January, 1 February, 2 February, 5 February, 7 February, 9 February, others by appointment (to arrange a visit or a phone call please email admin@prosperlearningtrust.co.uk)

Please note: We can only accept CVs when accompanied by a fully completed application form

Closing date: Noon, 26 February 2024

Interview Dates: 14 and 15 March 2024

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you are invited for interview, you will be required to disclose convictions that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. Certain spent convictions and cautions will be ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed. Full details on protected convictions and information about which convictions must be declared during job applications can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. You will be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed. This role will include Regulated Activities and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure is required for this post. Please note that in all cases written references will be taken up and made available to interviewers before the final selection stage; even if you indicate otherwise.

Skills