Headteacher - Shirley Junior School

Job Introduction

JOB/PERSON SUMMARY:

The Governors of Shirley Junior School are seeking to appoint a visionary, experienced and innovative leader to deliver excellence in all areas and lead our school on its journey to becoming an outstanding junior school in its broadest sense. 

The successful candidate will have the experience and ability to inspire and bring out the best in everyone. They will understand and champion our school vision as reflected in our core values of kindness, integrity and respect.

Strategies will place the need of the most disadvantaged children and those with additional and complex needs firmly at the centre of developments.

Our new Headteacher will inspire and bring out the best in staff, have resilience and drive, and have a proven track-record of delivering strong educational outcomes.

The school has a committed staff - we are exceptionally proud of our children. Our inspection in 2023 found that:

    ‘Pupils are proud to represent their school. They take their roles seriously. For example, pond monitors make sure that everyone follows the agreed rules. Pupils understand the importance of applying for one of the many jobs they can undertake. They appreciate the time that adults take to help them with this process. One pupil explained that this experience would help them later in life.’

Inspectors recognised the carefully designed curriculum leaders had developed that supports the children to know more and remember more over time, as well as developing each child’s unique qualities. The school has worked on inclusive practise, and this is recognised as a strength in the school’s inspection. 

 "There is a strong focus on making sure that everyone is included at this school. Staff place great emphasis on understanding the needs of all pupils. The curriculum helps pupils to understand the unique qualities they have. Pupils are proud to represent their school." (Ofsted, 2023)

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A LEADER WHO: 

• Is innovative, organised and passionate about improving educational standards
• Has the vision, enthusiasm and energy to continue to grow the school’s profile within the local community
• Is committed to every child achieving his or her evolving potential emotionally, academically and socially so they are well prepared for life beyond junior school
• Will use their innovative and enthusiastic leadership qualities to support the strong teamwork of the school and ensure our dedicated staff continue to thrive, grow and develop
• Is an outstanding educator, passionate about teaching and learning and able to instil and nurture this in all children and staff
• Is approachable with the ability to build strong working relationships at all levels through excellent communication skills
• Will be a champion of the highest standards of safeguarding and promoting the positive health, and wellbeing of pupils & staff
• Is excited by the proposition of leading our wonderful school

 In return we are proud to offer: 

• The opportunity to lead a school at the heart of its community
• Delightful, enthusiastic children who love learning, strive to do their best and are proud of their school
• A dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic staff, committed to raising standards
• An opportunity to be part of a nurturing and creative environment dedicated to keeping the children at the heart of everything
• A traditional Victorian building and grounds 
• An enthusiastic parent body
• A dedicated and committed Governing Body and strong links with local Headteachers and the community 

 ABOUT SHIRLEY JUNIOR SCHOOL

Shirley Junior School is a three-form entry Junior School and is in line with national average proportions of children that speak English as an additional language and pupils known to be eligible for free school meals (a further breakdown of the school data and contextual information is provided below on page 10).  The school shares a building and resources with Shirley Infant School and headteachers endeavour to work collaboratively for the benefit of the children across the schools. 

We work hard to ensure that all the children at our school develop a love of learning in a nurturing and inclusive environment. They experience a broad and meaningful learning journey which celebrates their individuality, whilst challenging and inspiring them to be the best that they can be. We place inclusivity at the heart of all we do fostering close relationships with the families of the children in the school. 

Shirley Junior School is located in the Shirley area of Southampton and our commitment to be at the centre of the local learning community is demonstrated by our active role in both the Jeffery’s Education Partnership, the multi-academy partnership of Shirley schools and Hamwic Education Trust (www.hamwic.org), the multi-academy trust. Being a member of both organisations enables us to work closely with, and be supported by, other local schools.

The Jefferys Education Partnership brings together our local secondary school with all its feeder schools in order to provide a cohesive approach to learning for children in the area, across all phases of their education.

The Hamwic Education Trust proactively supports the Partnership and individual schools in delivering their ambitions and goals. As a member of a large Multi-academy trust, all staff have access to training and opportunities to work on cross phase projects and to work in other schools within the Trust in order to gain invaluable experience and enhance their skills.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Should you wish to apply for this vacancy, please view the candidate recruitment pack and complete the application form which can be found at www.hamwic.org. Completed applications should be returned to recruitment@hamwic.org

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to find out more and visit the school by appointment. To arrange a visit, please contact the School Business Manager, Bree Enemark on 023 8077 1434 or email bree.enemark@shirleyschools.co.uk 

If you would like to discuss the vacancy further, please email donna.fox@hamwic.org 

SAFEGUARDING

All schools within HET are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

START DATE: APRIL 2025