Working at Cokethorpe School
From the Headmaster
Thank you for your interest in working at Cokethorpe. As Headmaster, I am tremendously proud of the work that is done here on a daily basis; I lead a dedicated and talented Common Room who, together with our committed support staff, have helped to create a dynamic learning environment, undoubtedly enhanced by the stunning parkland in which the School is set. I describe Cokethorpe as being a ‘restless’ school. This does not mean that we are itching to change for the sake of it but rather that we are constantly reflecting on what we do to ensure that it is as effective as possible. This models the behaviour we expect of our pupils - always looking for ways to improve their learning. I would encourage you to read our Strategy document, outlining our intentions and how we intend to deliver upon them. I hope you find everything you need here and on our website to help you decide if Cokethorpe is an environment in which you would like to work. If you have any questions, please do get in touch with our HR Office, they will direct your query to the appropriate person. I very much look forward to hearing from you.
A Great Place To Work Five reasons why Cokethorpe School is a great place to work: A strong commitment to staff development. We believe that our greatest asset is our teaching staff, and we are committed to supporting their development. At present, we have teachers studying for Masters-level qualifications, Heads of Department and Housemasters taking part in HMC courses focusing on leadership and a more informal programme of internal study groups, focusing on specific areas of practice. A broad and varied pupil intake. We are a selective school, but our criteria for entry is not solely academic. Pupils seeking to join us go through problem-solving and teamwork tasks as well as interviews and examinations. We are fortunate to always have many more people sitting these assessments than we are able to accommodate. A broad and varied curriculum. We believe that education is about more than simply passing examinations. Pupils have access to an extensive array of co-curricular activities that run through the School day, from Dissection Club to Fencing. Teachers are fully engaged in this activity programme, sharing their interests with pupils outside the classroom. A beautiful learning environment. Cokethorpe School is set in 150 acres of parkland, centred around a Queen Anne Mansion House. Just a 20-minute drive from Oxford, it offers a very distinct and enriching experience for pupils and teachers. A supportive and caring approach. We are small enough to be a School in which pupils are known and treated as individuals, as are staff. We look out for one another, providing support and guidance when it is needed; Cokethorpe School is a community.
Structure
The Headmaster is supported in the running of the School by the Senior Management Team, made up of the Deputy Headmaster, Director of Studies, Director of Co-curricular, Head of Sixth Form, Head of Prep School, Bursar, and Director of Development. The Senior School is divided into seven houses. When pupils enter in the First Form, they join ‘Lower House’ as a means to support their integration into secondary school. Whilst in Lower House, they are affiliated with one of the six Senior houses, into which they move at the end of their first year. Each house is led by a Housemaster or mistress who delegates day-today pastoral care to tutors. Tutor groups meet twice daily and are typically groups of around fourteen pupils. At Sixth Form, groups are smaller and more focused, with students grouped according to their academic interests. The School prides itself on its pastoral care, encouraging pupils to develop the skills required to respond positively in the face of adversity. Most of the teachers also have responsibility for a tutor group. The academic programme is overseen by the Director of Studies who, in concert with Heads of Department, is responsible for ensuring that a rigorous process is in place to support the learning of pupils throughout the School. Heads of Department meet as a whole on a monthly basis, and in smaller groups more regularly to discuss developments and keep abreast of Whole School initiatives. The School operates on a two-week timetable, with lessons lasting 50 minutes. Co-curricular activities are integrated into the School day, with pupils choosing from a wide range of different options to supplement and enhance their learning experience.
Professional Development
The School takes the development of teachers very seriously, and is committed to supporting colleagues as they progress through their careers. There is a generous budget available for external courses and an exciting and varied diet of visiting speakers including recent workshops by Steve Garnett, Mike Gershon and David Didau. A group of Heads of Department and Housemasters are currently enrolled in the HMC programme for middle leaders, and other staff are involved in Masters-level study. The School runs a highly-regarded teacher training programme alongside either the University of Buckingham or eQualitas, and there is a very effective accreditation process in place for NQTs. In addition to this, there are a number of small study groups around the School, with teachers working together in order to facilitate change. Cokethorpe is an environment that encourages innovation and creativity, and celebrates the success of its teaching staff.
Ethos We have a special ethos and atmosphere, and this underpins our distinctiveness: At Cokethorpe, individuality and community go hand in hand. We are a School which successfully values each child as an individual, whilst also valuing the strong sense of family and community. Enriched by beautiful parkland, we are a happy, strong, and vibrant School in which individuals are generous of spirit, inspire friendship and are supportive of each other. We value academic performance but not at the expense of achieving excellence in other fields. Academic rigour is valued at all stages, and in the classroom the focus is on challenge, engagement, and achievement. We encourage our pupils to have enquiring and discriminating minds and a desire for knowledge, to work diligently and to obtain the best possible academic results. We know that breadth of education is a distinctive feature of Cokethorpe School – something that we intend to maintain. Sport, music, drama, debating, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, societies, trips, and visits – activities such as these provide experiences that are a vital part of the learning process. Teamwork capability, leadership, confidence, problem-solving, reliability and many other life qualities are picked up via these sorts of pursuits. Pupils appreciate and celebrate, without envy, the talents of others. There is enthusiasm, a willingness to take part and the courage to try new things, yet a due regard for our traditions and customs. There is a pervading sense of cooperation born out of a mutual trust and respect between pupils, parents, and staff. Our pupils will develop a set of spiritual and moral values that will govern their attitudes and actions – honesty, integrity and good judgement, respect for others. Our Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form co-exist in harmony on our 150 acre site; this offers the opportunity for continuity and consistency. Pupils, parents, staff, and governors always remain a part of the Cokethorpe family. Our pupils and alumni take pride in their school and leave us equipped to face the world with confidence in whatever they choose to do.
Benefits
The teaching staff at Cokethorpe benefit from a generous pay scale and personal accident insurance. The Aviva APTIS defined contribution pension scheme is also offered, with automatic enrolment at the point of joining the school. Exclusive staff benefits include Cycle-to-Work scheme, corporate golf membership rates at a local club, reduced gym and spa membership fees at a selection of local health clubs, and discounted cinema tickets. All staff are issued with a Surface Pro for easy access to emails and resources including the virtual learning environment. One of the advantages of working at Cokethorpe School is the access to the grounds and facilities. Staff can use the well-equipped school gym, tennis courts, golf course and the parkland for walking and running. There are a number of staff clubs that are open to all, including netball, football, fitness classes and the choral society. Staff with an interest in outdoor pursuits may also be selected to support the Duke of Edinburgh and World Challenge expeditions, and trips including sport tours and the Ski trip. Common Room social events are run each term, the highlight of which is the black tie Christmas party. The Common Room is well stocked with tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit and staff can also enjoy a wide range of hot drinks from the onsite coffee shop and an excellent lunch selection in the Dining Hall.
Cokethorpe School, Witney, Oxon OX29 7PU 01993 703921 Registered Charity: 309 650 cokethorpe.org