For September 2024
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Head of Girls’ Sport
Our mission is to develop happy, confident and successful pupils who are well prepared for their future. Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent day school. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum, achieve excellent results and have the all-important confidence to succeed. The school roll is currently at a record high of around 380 pupils and in September 2023 announced that it is growing its senior section of the school from Year 8 to Year 11 and will begin offering GCSEs.
Our ethos is to be a welcoming, inclusive family community that provides the best for, and expects the best from us all. The school is well known locally for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is something we cherish and, even though we are potentially going to grow slightly in size, we do not want to lose this ethos. We believe our ethos separates us from larger competitor schools in our locality. This ethos is generated by the staff and their relationships with the pupils and parents. It has been regularly described as ‘friendly and professional’. We are seeking a new Head of Girls’ Sport who can assist us with achieving our mission and thrive under this ethos, helping to lead the girls’ sport provision and first GCSE Physical Education cohort through this exciting phase of development.
Our History Westbrook Hay School, founded in 1892 by Augustus Orlebar in Bedford, has evolved over 130 years, relocating and renaming itself multiple times. Originally a small establishment with just two pupils, it grew under successive leaderships and moved to its current location at Westbrook Hay in 1963. It transitioned from a boarding school for boys to accepting day pupils and girls in the late 1970s. Located between Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, the school’s beautiful location boasts 26 acres of parkland overlooking the Bourne Valley. For example, the school has a purpose-built Pre-Prep and is planning a new specialist STEAM building for Seniors. The Performing Arts Centre was added in 2016 and boasts impressive facilities for dance, drama and music. Specialist facilities also include a Science Laboratory, DT Workshop, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, an ICT Suite and an Art Studio. Under various heads the school has expanded and modernised, while continuing to prepare students for prestigious senior schools such as Bedford, Berkhamsted, Haileybury, Millfield, Stowe and St Albans. The school now moves into a new phase of development becoming an allthrough school to 16.
Long Term School Strategy In September 2023, Westbrook Hay announced that it is growing its senior school from Year 8 to Year 11 and will begin offering GCSEs. The decision was made in reaction to the changing local market, from a position of financial strength and due to demand from current and prospective parents. This growth is scheduled to begin with our current Year 7 cohort who will become our first Year 9s in September 2025. The announcement has been met with great positivity from all parties.
Senior: currently just Lower Seniors, Years 7 and 8, this section of the school consists of approximately 40 boys and girls. Under our long term school strategy we will be adding Upper Seniors with the aim of having similar numbers in each year group.
School Structure The school is growing to form three main sections
Prep: for pupils from Year 3 to Year 6, this section of the school is two or three form entry and consists of approximately 190 boys and girls
Pre-Prep: for pupils from Nursery to Year 2, this section of the school is two form entry and consists of approximately 140 boys and girls
Sport at Westbrook Hay Sport and Physical Education play an important part of everyday life at Westbrook Hay and there is an impressive range of options for pupils. The school takes great pride in its inclusive approach and all pupils are encouraged to pursue any sport that interests them.
National Recognition At a competitive level, it is fair to say that Westbrook Hay punches well above its weight. In recent times our boy’s football teams have been National IAPS Champions; three times at U13 level within the last 10 years and at U11 level this academic year (20232024). The school attracts high calibre players from outstanding professional football academies such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Watford. We would like to emulate this flow of talented players for our girls’ sports. Westbrook Hay is well represented at District, County and Regional level in girls’ and boys’ cricket, football, netball and rugby. Several of our male alumni have gone on to play professional cricket and football. It is our ambition for this success to be matched by our girls.
‘Sport for All’ and ‘Sport for Life’ Westbrook Hay pupils are given support to develop and achieve to the best of their ability, competing at the level of competition that is appropriate to their progress. The current PE curriculum is designed to promote positive attitudes to emotional, mental and physical health, which will remain with pupils for the rest of their lives. As the pupils move into and through the Senior section of the school, they are given more choice in the sports they participate in as our model moves from one of ‘Sport for All’ through to ‘Sport for Life’ programme. The school’s move to offer GCSE PE is a significant step forward in the consolidation of sport as an essential part of the DNA of Westbrook Hay.
Extra-curricular Sport There are many extra-curricular sports on offer at the school, of which swimming is popular. The school recently refurbished its heated outdoor swimming pool and all pupils, from Year 2 upwards, are taught how to swim. The school also has a competitive swimming team and has been proud of various individuals who have represented Westbrook Hay at the National IAPS Swimming Finals in recent years. These additional sporting opportunities are provided via the Westbrook+ after school programme which regularly provides options such as: ballet, basketball, fencing, golf, shooting, skiing, squash, street dance and taekwondo, in addition to other opportunities on rotation and preparation for major sports the term prior to whole school participation.
Overview of the Role We are seeking a candidate who has the enthusiasm and confidence to lead the girls’ sport provision into the next phase of development. In the successful candidate’s first year the school will continue to end at Year 8 but in subsequent years we will have a Year 9, then a Year 10 and in September 2027 we will welcome our first Year 11 cohort. We are looking for someone who can plan for and grow with this exciting expansion.
Executive Group The passion for sport at Westbrook Hay runs from the top. The Executive Group is led by Mr Mark Brain, who has been Head since September 2019. Mr Brain is from a sporting background being Director of Sport and Housemaster at Repton Preparatory School for over a decade, as well as fulfilling a number of key roles in other independent schools. The recently restructured Executive Group is energetic, highly motivated and incredibly hardworking, consisting of the Head, Senior Deputy Head, Deputy Head (Academic), Head of Pre-Prep, Head of Prep, Bursar and Director of Marketing & Admissions. We are currently advertising for a new Deputy Head (Pastoral) and there are plans to add a Head of Senior in the future.
Physical Education Department The Head of Girls’ Sport will be a member of the Physical Education Department which is led by Mr Stuart Stedman, the Head of Physical Education and Head of Boys’ Sport. The department consists of two more full-time members of staff; Mr Dan Pope specialises in Key Stages One & Two Sport and Miss Katy Kirkum is Head of Lower Seniors (Years 7-8), Mathematics Teacher and Netball & Sports Coach. In addition to the PE Department, the school is fortunate to have a number of experienced sports coaches for boys and girls on the staff, who deliver games sessions and accompany teams on match days alongside their academic teaching. The school also employs highly qualified sports coaches on a part-time basis to supplement the department.
Teaching This role will carry a teaching responsibility both inside and outside of the classroom. The exact commitment will be based on timetable demands each year, as the school develops towards offering GCSEs. The successful candidate will be responsible for encouraging pupils to study PE at GCSE and will lead this subject in the Senior section of the school. It is likely, certainly before our first GCSE PE cohort, that the successful candidate will teach a combination of PE lessons, games sessions and a second subject. There is no specific second subject specialism required from the applicants, finding the right Head of Girls’ Sport and GCSE Physical Education Teacher is our priority.
Key Responsibilities
Job Description
The purpose of this job description is to outline the main responsibilities of the Head of Girls’ Sport. It is not restrictive and includes any other reasonable requests that may arise. The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. The Head of Girls’ Sport is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. The Head of Girls’ Sport will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, the Head of Girls’ Sport becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Head. The Head of Girls’ Sport will be linemanaged by the Head of Physical Education (PE) and Head of Boys’ Sport, both of whom will report to the Senior Deputy Head.
Leadership and Management of Girls’ Sport n
Lead Girls’ Sport across the school, working in collaboration with Head of PE and Head of Boys’ Sport
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Manage and organise the day-to-day Girls’ Games programme, allocating teachers and facilities to pupil groups, liaising with the Head of PE and Head of Boys’ Sport to ensure that facilities and resources are equally and fairly distributed
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In liaison with the Head of PE and Head of Boys’ Sport, ensure that any required INSET is provided for teachers of girls’ sport
Advise the Head of PE & Head of Boys’ Sport and Senior Deputy Head on the provision and organisation of any events, clubs, competitions and trips linked to Girls’ Sport and GCSE PE
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Manage the selection of girls for all competitions and fixtures
Attend Senior Management Meetings (SMT) if and when required by the Senior Deputy Head
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Organise all internal assessments and examinations with appropriate colleagues including the Exams Officer and the Deputy Head (Academic)
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Through leading Girls’ Sport and GCSE PE, work closely with the Heads of Sections
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Work with the Director of Marketing & Admissions to promote and publicise, both internally and externally, the work and achievements of the pupils
Hold and manage a budget for Girls’ Sport, ensuring that teachers have the resources they reasonably require
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Plan girls’ fixtures, with the Head of PE and Head of Boys’ Sport, a season in advance ensure that the needs of all abilities are met and that there is equality across gender and ability groups Actively promote girls’ sport to parents and prospective parents, aiming high with the ambition for girls’ sport and setting no limits
GCSE Physical Education
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Relationship with Executive Group Members and Key Staff dvise the Head of PE & Head of Boys’ Sport and Deputy Head (Academic) on timetable requirements and staffing of Girls’ Sport and GCSE PE
Oversee the coordination of part-time or peripatetic staff within girls’ sport
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Plan and structure exciting and imaginative schemes of work to ensure that pupils are appropriately challenged, make strong progress and are enthused and inspired by their lessons
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Have a deep understanding and knowledge of the PE National Curriculum, GCSE PE and another other relevant curricula Oversee the coordination of part-time or peripatetic staff within GCSE PE
Other Responsibilities n
Be prepared to teach other subjects if required
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Complete all policies relevant to the role
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Complete all risk assessments relevant to the role
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Potentially combine the role with other responsibilities from different tiers of the school’s leadership and management structure
Person Specification
Personal Qualities The successful candidate will have the personal qualities for leadership and, under the direction of the Head of Physical Education and Head of Boys’ Sport, will lead by example, commanding the respect of pupils, parents and colleagues. Most important perhaps is the ability to work, not just as a leader, but also as a team member. The postholder will be a key role model for girls, positively encouraging retention of girls from Prep to Senior through the provision of a high-quality girls’ sport programme. The new Head of Girls’ Sport will join a school where staff development is important and ambition is encouraged. Applicants will be expected to show that they have relevant educational experience as per the person specification. A good understanding of and a commitment to the ethos of a co-educational independent school will be important but it is not essential to have worked in an independent school in the past. We have made the strategic decision to provide our senior girls with a focus on football as one of their major sports. We have a rich culture and history of boys’ football at the school and under the current sport leadership it is rapidly becoming the same for girls. We are seeking a candidate who has the ability to take this engagement and vision to the next level. Having said that, expertise in netball or cricket are just as appealing to us and it is not essential to be a football coach.
Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge and Personal Attributes All staff at Westbrook Hay are expected to embrace and demonstrate in their professional lives the School’s values of courage, independence, integrity, reflective learner, responsibility and togetherness.
Qualifications and Knowledge
Personal Attributes
Coaching qualifications in at least one of our focus girls’ sports: cricket, football and netball
Essential
Coaching qualifications in at least two of our focus girls’ sports: cricket, football and netball
Desirable
A leader with the ability to collaborate with colleagues and contribute positively to the goals and team spirit of the PE department and the wider staff team
Essential
Coaching qualifications in at least one of our subsidiary girls’ sports: athletics, gymnastics and swimming
Desirable
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and how this applies to the role
Essential
Educated to degree or equivalent level in Physical Education, Sports Science or associated discipline
Essential
Commitment to inspiring girls (and boys) to develop a life-long participation in and love of sport
Essential
Evidence of ongoing professional development
Essential
Commitment to ongoing professional development
Essential
Knowledge of current best practice in Physical Education (PE) learning and teaching
Essential
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
Essential
Knowledge of safeguarding requirements within a school
Essential
Commitment to the benefits of coeducation
Essential
Proven track record of delivering academic success in GCSE PE
Essential
Commitment to providing excellent opportunities for all girls (and boys) in the school
Essential
Significant knowledge and experience of sports leadership
Essential
Excellent and inspirational leader
Essential
Excellent IT skills
Essential
High levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
Essential
Passionate about the wellbeing of girls (and boys), inspiring others through their care, enthusiasm and expertise
Essential
Positive role model
Essential
Skills and Experience Ability to teach Year 7 to Year 11 PE and Games
Essential
Ability to teach EYFS to Year 11 PE and Games
Desirable
Ability and enthusiasm to teach both boys and girls
Essential
Ability to nurture and develop an ethos of high standards, personal fulfilment and academic success
Essential
Ability to plan time effectively and meet deadlines
Essential
Ability to problem solve and offer solutions
Essential
Ability to work within a dedicated and hardworking team
Essential
Effective management of pupil behaviour
Essential
Excellent administrative and organisational skills
Essential
Excellent communication skills to a range of audiences
Essential
Experience of leading initiatives and measuring impact
Desirable
Experience of working in an ‘all-through’ school
Desirable
Experience of working in the independent sector
Desirable
Experience of working with and motivating teenagers in sport
Essential
Experience, or being willing, to teach a second curriculum subject
Essential
Line management of teaching colleagues over a significant period
Desirable
Planning and managing budgets
Desirable
The Head of Girls’ Sport is expected to be: Personal n
Able to demonstrate high levels of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence;
Professional n
Committed to putting our children first;
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Able to meet deadlines;
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A champion of the Westbrook Way Charter;
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Confident, articulate and willing to offer ideas;
Committed to making Westbrook Hay a first-choice school;
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A leader and a manager;
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Passionate about their subject, inspiring others through their expertise and enthusiasm;
Hard working but able and willing to delegate effectively;
Open minded to change, new ideas and shifts in strategy;
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Able to play their part in the completion of a strategic plan;
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Able to motivate and energise others to achieve the school’s mission;
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Able to identify operational weaknesses and opportunities and suggest actions for improvement;
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Be able to lead change and develop a culture of reflection, evaluation and improvement.
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Patient and kind, yet determined;
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Able to demonstrate integrity at all times;
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Loyal to the school and an embodiment of Westbrook Hay’s values and mission its vision, mission and ethos;
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A lover of learning who is always willing to learn themselves;
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Empathetic to the plight/work of others and flexible enough to adapt their expectations to support others’ needs and challenges whilst delivering the highest quality of education; Understanding of the impact of their own behaviours on others, being a personal and professional role model for the community.
Leadership
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An outstanding teacher of their subject who is keen to coach other teachers to reach the highest standards; Courteous, professional and respectful to all, at all times;
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Discreet and professionally sensitive;
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Able to be at the forefront of educational thinking in their subject;
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Organised, meticulous and a first-rate administrator who has excellent IT literacy;
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Resilient and able to recover quickly from professional setbacks;
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Proactive and creative when problem solving;
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Able to lead others with a flexible approach;
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Able to manage differences of opinion and bring disagreement to an effective, respectful conclusion, being accepting when in the minority; Competent in monitoring and evaluating the performance of individual teachers in their subject.
Salary and Benefits This is a leadership position, the salary will be competitive and dependent on experience. On site accommodation may be available for the right candidate.
What can we offer you? n
A fantastic team of staff to work with and be a part of
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A post currently pensionable under the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
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A school that is rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI with waiting lists in operation in a number of year groups
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Commitment to continuing professional development
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Free cooked lunches and refreshments throughout the day
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Membership of the Employee Assistance Programme
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Opportunities to attend events organised by the Staff Social Committee
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Receipt of a ‘Golden Ticket’ for assisting with an overnight event, which enables staff to apply for a half day either in the morning or afternoon
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Small class sizes, a beautiful rural location and excellent facilities
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50% fee remission is offered for children of school staff, subject to availability of places
Application and Recruitment Process The deadline for the receipt of applications is 18:00 on Friday 1st March. To apply for this position, please complete an application via the TES website. Further information or any enquiries can be requested from our Bursar and Clerk to Governors, Miss Kelly Freeman (kelly_freeman@westbrookhay.co.uk). It is anticipated that interviews will be held on the week beginning Monday 4th March. Although the programme is yet to be confirmed it will include an interview, the teaching of a lesson and other tasks. Candidates will be offered a tour of the school and lunch, if the timing is appropriate. Overnight accommodation is available on request. This appointment is for September 2024.
Compliance Requirements
The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with DfES guidance, to satisfactory references, satisfactory clearance from the DBS, proof of identity and qualifications and a satisfactory medical report. Westbrook Hay is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening including checks with current and previous employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
Westbrook Hay London Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 2RF Telephone 01442 256143 Email kelly_freeman@westbrookhay.co.uk