Head of Prep Brochure

BRIEF FOR THE POSITION OF NTHERE’S QOTHING UITELIKE GBRIGHTON IRLS

Head of Prep

Welcome to Brighton Girls

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for applying to be the Head of Brighton Girls Prep. Even at this early stage in the process, I hope you are already feeling something of the excitement I felt when presented with the opportunity to join this unique community in the heart of Brighton & Hove. Brighton Girls is often referred to as a “hidden gem ” and it is easy to see why.

As a founding school of the Girls’ Day School Trust, Brighton Girls has a significance in the history of girls’ education The spirit of the early pioneers, whose names are remembered in our four Houses, Grey, Gurney, Lyttelton and Stanley, is as strong as it has ever been and, today, we occupy a unique position: we are an all-through school in the heart of the city of Brighton & Hove; we are as eclectic, enterprising, and creative as the city itself, and we command equal levels of affection.

Our pupils are compassionate, articulate and fearless; they are kind and bold We have a brilliant staff body; parents with interesting stories to tell; governors who are generous with their time; and an alumnae network that includes the Editor of Vogue International, an Olympic swimmer and a Lib Dem Peer. We are a close-knit community, where everyone is known by name, but we are determinedly outward-looking, with a strong tradition of charitable endeavour that has been fundamental to the school’s ethos since its foundation in 1876

As soon as you step into Brighton Girls Prep, you will be struck by its energy, but also by its warmth. Innovative teaching and reimagined classroom spaces combine with outstanding pastoral care and strong community spirit. Our pupils revel in opportunities for outdoor learning, whether on the Netball courts or down on the seafront for ‘Beach School’ activities Our academic aims are ambitions: we have recently recruited a Coding Specialist for the Prep as part of our commitment to future-focused learning.

So, why be excited about the role of Head of Brighton Girls Prep? It’s simple: I am looking for someone to help me celebrate this “hidden gem ” The right candidate will be an excellent communicator, with the ability to champion Brighton Girls and to articulate clearly what we are about. Building numbers in the Prep school is a key aim for this role.

The role of Head of Prep is, therefore, an exciting one: it presents a unique leadership opportunity in a city of endless possibilities

I hope this letter has given you an insight into life at Brighton Girls, and I wish you all the best for the next stage of the process.

Yours faithfully,

Rosie McColl MA (Oxon), MPhil Head of Brighton Girls

Background

Background

Brighton Girls is a lively and forwardthinking day school in the heart of a unique and vibrant city.

Established in 1876 as one of the founding schools of The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), Brighton Girls is proud of its strong academic track record, its history of nurturing the talents of individuals and of its radical roots. Today, the school offers an all-through education to more than 400 girls aged 4-18. The Prep school is housed in the Vicarage, a beautiful heritage building surrounded by attractive green space and areas for outdoor play. A large sports centre, Dining Hall, netball courts and Main Hall are shared with the senior school, and the school bousts a sports ground, 20 minutes walk from the school

Educational Ethos

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that encourages every girl’s interests. Throughout the school, girls are encouraged to be resilient and to use their own initiative, while instilling the importance of teamwork and mutual respect Brighton Girls has an ethos of empowerment and preparing girls for the challenges that lie ahead; we encourage girls to see learning as a continuous journey, facing challenges with perseverance and determination.

Aims

At Brighton Girls, we strive to create an environment where students:

KIND

are kind to others, and kind to themselves understand the power of diversity, and value different perspectives have a strong sense of community, and feel they belong are developing strategies to manage their wellbeing

BOLD

understand, value, and can articulate, their individual strengths are intellectually curious, valuing learning for learning’s sake face challenges with confidence and creativity aim high, believing they can make a difference

and understand that the real impact is felt when kindness and courage combine

The GDST Network

GDST schools and academies share an ethos and a proud heritage of girls-only education and are members of a unique network. Membership of the GDST adds value to every one of its schools, to the benefit of staff and pupils

Girls have the chance to compete and collaborate with their peers in other schools, taking part in GDST-wide events, rallies, performances and activities. These stretch from art, sport, music and creative writing through to foreign languages and digital technology. Every GDST girl automatically becomes a member of the 70,000-strong Alumnae Network from across all generations and all schools, which provides a range of resources and social and professional contacts to help them as they make their way into the world.

The GDST network is also very powerful in enabling staff to collaborate and share best practice and innovation with sister schools. Staff are offered an array of training opportunities to participate in within the GDST. They also benefit from subject collaboration days in the central training programme, where they share specialist resources, exchange ideas and develop cross-school links The GDST also supplies a range of services to their schools to enhance efficiency, share expertise and reduce costs. These include expertise in educational policy and legal issues, HR, ICT, finance, estates, fundraising and communications support.

Prep School

Prep girls are funny, curious and intuitive. Teaching aims to cultivate this spirit at the same time as delivering a bespoke specialist curriculum, in which independence of thought and individual agency are encouraged. Staff and pupils say that there is real vibe and excitement about learning – about ‘exploring’ – at the prep school Teaching is inspirational but the school is equally nurturing; it both welcomes and nourishes diversity. The quality of pastoral care is exceptional; the girls are known, listened to and respected. The girls move to the senior school with a grounded self-belief and positive relationships with others.

Curriculum

We place a strong emphasis on play throughout the curriculum, particularly in the Early Years This is aided by our outstanding outdoor provision, which children are able to access come rain or shine. Pre-Prep pupils have a regular Beach School morning timetabled, which is run by our trained staff, and our site includes an outdoor classroom, edible have and an all-weather EYFS playground.

Our curriculum is modern, informed by the latest research. In English lessons, we place a strong emphasis on whole texts and see books as being both windows and mirrors through which our pupils can see themselves and the beautiful, diverse world around them Phonics and Maths are taught daily and our Humanities curriculum is exciting and relevant. Our teaching staff are highly experienced and are supported by our team of Learning Support Assistants.

All students in the Prep School benefit from specialist teaching in Music, PE, French and Science. English, Maths, the Humanities and Art are taught by class teachers. In Year 6, French is taught by one of our Senior School Language teachers. We see the Prep years as being a continuation of the strong foundations laid in Key Stage 1 Pupils are introduced to more challenging concepts and ideas through a varied, exciting, connected curriculum. We place enormous emphasis on teaching using high quality whole texts in English and linking these to the wider curriculum. We want our pupils to learn about the world by asking questions, investigating, exploring and experimenting. All of our pupils are encouraged to read regularly and widely as we feel that this is key to developing vocabulary and learning about the world around them

Beyond the Classroom

Not all skills can be uncovered in the classroom, and Brighton Girls firmly believes that learning is a process that should continue beyond the classroom walls. Sport is an essential part of school life, and the school has strong links with local sports clubs covering netball, hockey, swimming, rounders, cricket, gymnastics, athletics and tennis There are plenty of opportunities for girls to get involved with music, with a wide range of orchestras, groups and choirs on offer. A diverse range of lunchtime and after-school activities and clubs are also available, including Eco Club, Coding Club, Boxing, Skateboarding and Karate.

Trips

A diverse programme of trips and educational visits are an important part of the school’s educational ethos Excursions to locations such as the Weald and Downland Museum, Butser Ancient Farm and the Mary Rose Museum support and enrich our curriculum. We also take full advantage of convenient and quick connections to central London to attend exhibitions and performances in London, such as the Young Voices Choir at the O2 and the Globe Theatre. An overnight trip to an activity centre is offered in Year 4, a two-night activity-based trip takes place in Year 5 and a five-day trip to the Isle of Wight in Year 6

Wellbeing

Wellbeing at Brighton Girls is about selfknowledge, self-confidence, and agency. In addition to a dedicated pastoral team, which comprises our two pastoral Deputy Heads, four Senior Heads of House, tutors, our Learning Support Department, a School Nurse and a Counsellor, we have two Wellbeing leads who work together to promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the school

Our innovative Wellbeing curriculum focuses on letting students discover their voice and aims to help them to develop bespoke strategies for managing their mental health. Wellbeing at the Prep school includes such initiatives as Positive Pioneers – an intervention group which provides support for pupils with specific areas of learning need as well as support for pupils with their general wellbeing and mental health Areas of focus include developing processing and listening skills, supporting anxiety and self-esteem, exploring strategies to support difficulties with friendships and social situations and promoting independent working skills. All are supported through a variety of fun activities, games and discussion in a calm, relaxed environment.

The Role

Policy/Strategic Direction and Development

Create and communicate a shared vision within the Prep School, which expresses the core values of the whole school, is responsive to local factors, and which motivates and inspires others

Translate the whole school vision into agreed objectives within the Prep School (to include the formulation and implementation of the Prep School Development Plan).

Contribute to whole school policy development as required by the Head. Take lead responsibility for policy development and implementation in relation to the prep phase. Keep policies under review, making recommendations for change in order to ensure the school’s developing needs are met

Teaching and Learning

Promote excellence and innovation in teaching and learning in the Prep School, ensuring a continuous and consistent phase focus on pupils’ achievement and development (moral, spiritual, physical and social, as well as academic).

Develop a curriculum which is innovative, creative, appropriate to the age and stage of the pupils, and informed by current knowledge and best practice, in order to enhance the potential of all pupils and equip them with the necessary skills required in the 21st century.

Be the lead practitioner in the Prep School in establishing creative and effective approaches to learning and teaching, with high expectations of self and others.

Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice throughout the Prep School; celebrate and promote excellence, challenge underperformance and ensure appropriate action (in consultation with the Head)

Ensure that individual pupil progress is regularly assessed, recorded, reported to parents and utilised effectively to inform teaching and learning.

Ensure strategies are in place to identify and provide appropriately for particular needs, e.g. the more academically able, SEN.

Ensure pupils have fun, enjoy their learning and have opportunities to share their knowledge and understanding with their peers, teachers and parents

Ensure pupils have access to a rich and varied extra-curricular programme. Create a ‘seamless’ educational experience as pupils transfer across phases at key transition points and ensure the effective liaison between Prep and Senior school staff, in relation to Year 6 to 7 transfer and specialist subject teaching.

Pastoral Care

Ensure effective systems are in place to support the physical, mental and moral safety, well-being and welfare of all pupils (including before and after-school provision). Consult with experts/agencies (internal and external) as appropriate and address any concerns with sensitivity and diplomacy, keeping the Head informed as appropriate.

Leadership and Management of Self and Others

Lead the work of the Prep School Leadership Team and relevant stakeholders to help achieve the school’s vision

Lead and manage the Prep School, recruiting, inducting, developing, deploying, motivating and appraising members of the Prep School to make the most effective use of their skills, expertise and experience, to ensure that they have clear expectations of their roles, and that high performance standards are achieved and maintained.

Manage day-to-day operational requirements, delegating as appropriate, to ensure the efficiency of the Prep School

Ensure the school’s vision is understood by all Prep School staff (teaching and support), with clear targets for development and outcomes evaluated in fulfilling these aims.

Communications, Marketing and External Links

Working in consultation with the school’s marketing manager, implement a range of robust and innovative marketing strategies in the Prep School, to ensure its attractiveness in the wider market and secure optimum pupil numbers; seek opportunities to promote the Prep School at every opportunity

Build successful relationships and partnerships with parents and other members of the community, to ensure an excellent local reputation of the Prep School, and to promote the GDST. Manage the admissions and assessment processes for prospective pupils in the Prep School in accordance with agreed guidelines.

Develop amongst Prep School staff an outward perspective and personal commitment to promotion of the school Build wider links across the GDST and beyond, to ensure that national and international perspectives feature in the school’s work.

Management of Resources

Organise a relevant and age-appropriate timetable for the Prep School; analyse staffing requirements to ensure optimum benefit to pupils, within budgetary constraints

Monitor and control the Prep School’s allocated budget and purchasing arrangements, to ensure the efficient and effective use of all resources.

Identify future resourcing needs and aspirations for the Prep School for consideration in the school budget planning process.

Ensure that all resources are fit for purpose and used in accordance with health and safety guidelines.

Ensure that there is appropriate risk management throughout the Prep School, including school visits, activities, clubs and competitions.

Training and Development of Self and Others

Develop and maintain a culture of high expectation for self and others within the Prep School.

As a lead professional, regularly review your own practice, set personal targets and take responsibility for your own continuous professional development

Ensure that training needs within the Prep School are identified, appropriately met (with due regard to whole school initiatives), and that all members of the Prep School are active in their own personal and continuous professional development.

Ensure that induction arrangements for new staff (including those for NQT’s and students) make them feel welcomed and appropriately briefed to undertake their responsibilities

Monitoring and Evaluation

Ensure that rigorous and effective systems of monitoring and evaluating the work of the Prep School are in place and used to inform future teaching, including the effective use of end of Key Stage/phase and internal data.

Supporting the work of the GDST Develop strong, positive relationships with GDST colleagues, contribute to collaborative work cross GDST Schools and support other staff in participating in GDST work in order to share best practice

General requirements

All school staff are expected to:

Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the school Development Plan.

Contribute to the school’s programme of extra-curricular activities.

Support and contribute to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding students

Work within the school’s health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors.

Work within the GDST’s Diversity Policy to promote equality of opportunity for all students and staff, both current and prospective.

Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with students, parents and colleagues

Engage actively in the performance review process.

Adhere to policies as set out in the GDST Council Regulations, GDST circulars.

Undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose required from time to time.

This job description should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive and will be subject to regular review

The Person

Enthusiastic, inspirational and confident leader, possessing drive, energy and commitment; have a presence which engenders confidence and respect from pupils, staff and parents; leads by example

Strategic thinker, able to articulate and share the school vision and identify steps which need to be taken to fulfil identified aims.

A figurehead for the school, with a proven ability to inspire pupils.

Ability to drive recruitment and raise pupil numbers in the Prep School.

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, (verbal and written), and an ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy

Ability to prioritise your own workload, manage a varied workload and delegate appropriately.

IT literate and understanding of the role of IT across the curriculum.

Ability to make firm decisions when required.

Commitment to the highest standards of education and pastoral care for all pupils.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Degree-educated with an appropriate teaching qualification Evidence of further educational or management qualifications (eg. MA, NPQH) is desirable.

Knowledge Base

Outstanding primary practitioner, with strong knowledge and understanding of child development, the primary curriculum and principles of good practice, as well as childcentred philosophy and approach

Knowledge of current educational thinking, initiatives, issues and matters of pedagogy.

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Ability to make secure judgements about the quality of teaching and learning.

Experience

Relevant leadership and management experience in an educational setting (in a middle or senior management position)

Experience in more than one school and location.

Experience in managing change. Experience of carrying out staff review and target setting.

Attitude/Approach

Approachability, honesty and integrity. Ability to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility.

High expectations of oneself, as well as of others

Ability to remain calm in sensitive or potentially volatile situations.

Ability to listen and make reasoned and informed judgements.

Holds a strong vision and has the necessary skills and attributes in order to fulfil that vision.

Conditions of Service and How to Apply

Head of Prep

Start date: September 24 / January 25

Hours: Full Time

Contract: Permanent

Salary Range: from £72,369

We can offer a variety of benefits, which include:

Competitive salaries and pay progression.

Access to extensive professional development opportunities.

Training grants for qualifications.

Generous pension schemes.

Free life assurance benefit.

A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools

Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans.

A Cycle to Work scheme.

Competitive terms and conditions of employment.

The closing date for applications is 09:00am Tuesday 7th May.

Shortlisting interviews with the Selection Committee will take place wk commencing 13th May

Candidates invited to the final stage will be invited final interviews on wk commencing 20th May.

To apply, please visit submit an application form and a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria.

Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.

The preferred method of application is online at: https://my.corehr.com/pls/gdstrecruit/erq jobspec version 4 jobspec?p id=035047

For further information please contact the HR team on: 01273 280280

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post

Where girls learn without limits. Brighton-style.

The GDST is the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK, with nearly 4,000 staff, and 20,000 students between the ages of three and 18 As a charity that owns and runs a network of 23 schools and two academies in England and Wales, it reinvests all its income in its schools. Founded in 1827, the GDST has a long history of pioneering innovation in the education of girls, and is the largest single educator of girls in the UK and the UK’s largest educational charity.

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