HEADCandidate Information

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A WARM WELCOMETerra Nova is a traditional prep school reinvented for the 21st Century. Under the guidance of Phil Stewart and his leadership team, in three years Terra Nova has revolutionised its teaching and learning, recruited its first international students and re-established a full seven-day boarding provision. Our distance learning programme during lockdown was one of the best in the country; Terra Nova was the first school in the Northwest to reopen, and one of the very few in the UK to have all its pupils back in school before the end of the school year.

And still there is much to do. The prep school model has huge benefits for pupils from all backgrounds, whether destined for senior boarding schools or the many outstanding day schools in our area. But the school needs to continue and even accelerate its development. It needs to become more diverse, more inclusive and more respectful of the differences in our society: our client schools look to us increasingly for pupils who will drive their own development away from their own deeply conservative traditions. Black Lives Matter, #metoo, climate change, economic and social polarisation, accelerating technological and social change: never has the challenge to educators been starker or more urgent: we can and must make huge strides in our attitudes, our principles and practices if we are to equip children from the earliest age with the capabilities and the resilience they will need to succeed in life - however that success is defined.

Terra Nova has thrived because of its resources, the demographics of our catchment and above all outstanding leadership and execution. But energy, vision and exemplary management are not enough. Our next leader will need to bring, share, grow and embed the new values that our society is stretching toward, not just at Terra Nova but in the educational community which increasingly looks to us for example and inspiration.

I hope that this will make you want to find out more about us. For our part, we look forward immensely to meeting you and to learning more about you and what you would like to do at Terra Nova.

Will Sillar Chair of Governors

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AN OVERVIEW Terra Nova is an independent IAPS co-educational boarding and day prep school in Cheshire for pupils aged 2½ to 13. Founded in 1897, the school has developed into a modern, forwarding-thinking school in which children can learn and grow. It strives to create a dynamic, progressive and internationally-minded environment that encourages every individual pupil to explore, question and flourish.

At the heart of the school ethos is a commitment to the well-being and individual nurturing of all pupils, especially in the development of their confidence. Spiritually, Terra Nova’s value system is based on the Christian faith. The school motto is ‘Labor et Ludus’ meaning ‘Work and Play’ and reflects the importance of both academic success and embracing new ways of learning through play and social interaction. The establishment of a very successful forest school approach within the grounds demonstrates the school’s commitment to the outdoors.

The school enjoys an excellent regional reputation. Currently there is a record roll of three hundred pupils, and there are waiting lists in a number of its year groups. From the Early Years nursery provision at the beginning of the school, through to Year 8 and the preparation for their next step, Terra Nova offers parents a first-class academic and extra-curricular education as well as a range of wrap-around care options, including numerous after-school clubs and with flexi-boarding from Year 3. By the time they leave the school at 11 or 13, the school pupils are resilient, open-minded, confident and kind young people who know how to form and sustain good relationships and are ready to make a positive contribution to society.

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HISTORY

Originally founded in 1897 in Melton Mowbray, Terra Nova relocated in 1901 to Birkdale, near Southport. At the start of World War II, the school site was requisitioned by the Government, and in 1939 the school found its current home in Jodrell Hall, near to Holmes Chapel in Cheshire. The school became a charitable trust in 1955. Terra Nova, meaning ‘new earth’ was the title given to the Antarctic expedition name of Robert Falcon Scott and his ship of that name. Many of his qualities, as an explorer, leader and scientist, are invoked and reflected in the values of the school.

LOCATIONSituated in and around an elegant Georgian mansion in a glorious parkland setting, Terra Nova lies a few miles north east of Holmes Chapel, a small market town in East Cheshire. Although very rural and surrounded by Cheshire countryside, Manchester is just twenty miles to the north, with its wealth of shopping, culture and entertainment. The thriving towns of Macclesfield and Crewe lie to the east and west. Communication links are excellent; the M6 is just a few miles to the west of Holmes Chapel, and the West Coast mainline puts Crewe within an hour and a half of London. These links place Terra Nova within easy reach of international connections, whether from London or Manchester, and this is reflected in the school’s growing appeal to parents who live overseas or in the South.

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THE CAMPUSThe school occupies an idyllic 35-acre site, whose grounds contain a number of playing fields, tennis courts, an AstroTurf pitch, a mature forest, an indoor shooting range and a swimming pool.

The very heart of the school is 18th century Jodrell Hall, which is home to the administrative offices as well as the dining room, kitchens, library, music studio, common rooms and boarders’ accommodation. Further buildings to the east of Jodrell Hall provide space for classrooms; specialist facilities such as the performing arts centre and art block; staff accommodation; and the two buildings housing the Nursery and Reception classrooms.

There is a range of on-site accommodation for staff, including flats for house parents and boarding staff, and a number of cottages for other staff members. There is also a secluded, four-bedroomed house for the Head and their family, which was created three years ago, and which remains in excellent repair.

The whole site provides a safe, secure environment for pupils and the extensive grounds offer excellent opportunities for outdoor learning, where the children can explore and enjoy the natural environment. The Governors are constantly looking to improve the quality of the facilities and there are ambitious plans in place for future developments, including the creation of a dedicated indoor sports hall and numerous further enhancements to the school’s capacity and facilities generally.

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SCHOOL STRUCTUREThe school naturally divides into three separate sections; the Early Years (housed in the Nursery and the Reception) which has around 60 pupils; the Junior Prep Department for Years 1-4, which numbers around 140, and the Senior Prep Department for the 160 pupils in Years 5-8. At present there are nineteen full-time boarders (against a capacity of 25), while many day school pupils take advantage of the flexi-boarding option available from Year 3 upwards.

AdmissionsThe key points of entry are the Nursery, Reception and Year 3 and in each year group there are two parallel forms. All new pupils from Year 1 upwards are assessed as part of the application process. Most pupils are from a range of professional families in the East Cheshire area and live within a ten-mile radius of the school, but there are a growing number of international pupils as well as those from families further afield, who board full-time.

House SystemFrom Year 1, the pupils are allocated to one of the four school houses, Tatton, Gawsworth, Dunham and Capesthorne. These vertical groupings of the pupils allow for very close relationships to be developed and encourage a family atmosphere throughout the whole school. Pupils are given many opportunities to take on responsibilities through peer mentoring, becoming sports captains and through the house system. House Captains are elected annually, and the school elects a Head Boy and Girl and a deputy head boy and girl each year.

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TEACHING & LEARNINGThe whole focus of the learning experience at Terra Nova is based on developing the confidence of each individual child. This is encouraged in many practical ways, including providing plenty of opportunities to perform for an audience. The younger children can be the ‘teacher for 10 minutes’ and lead the class in their area of expertise, while the older pupils are expected to take the lead in productions and school events. The development of confidence underpins everything in the curriculum offer.

Early Years & ReceptionThe younger children are incredibly well supported in their early stages of learning and are simply encouraged to ‘have a go’. The excellent staff ratio ensures that one-to-one attention can often be given, and the staff have the time to get to know each child as an individual. By creating interesting learning environments both indoors and outdoors, the children are motivated and inspired as they begin their learning journey. The school offers a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities, as well as easy access to nature via the well-developed outdoor classrooms, which the Early Years pupils really enjoy.

Junior Prep (Years 1-4)In Junior Prep, pupils are taught essentially by their class teacher supported by specialist teachers in French, Music, PE & Games, Information Technology and Art & Design Technology.  

Senior Prep (Years 5-8)Here pupils are taught exclusively by subject specialist and the challenges become even more exciting and interesting. Pupils study three separate sciences and in modern languages there are opportunities to learn Spanish, German and French and Mandarin. A focus on STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) is used to develop digital literacy, digital safety and coding and robotics. Uses of the latest technology to enhance learning is embedded throughout the curriculum. Pupils in Year 5 and 6 have their own Chrome Books whilst children in Year 7 and 8 are allowed to bring their own device. With increased focus on the child’s secondary school, Terra Nova supports its pupils in preparing for both day and boarding school entrance.

Forest SchoolThe Forest School is a resource that is used fully by the whole school. Terra Nova is not an accredited Forest School, but uses its approach. Early Years children venture into the woods to toast marshmallows, make ‘windy wands’ and observe the changing seasons. Being in an outdoor environment enables the children to develop their independence, engage with and develop their understanding of nature as well as taking increased responsibility for themselves in a natural environment.

Leavers’ DestinationsMost pupils transfer to their chosen public schools at the end of Year 8, though a proportion (fewer in recent years) leave to go to senior day schools at the end of Year 6. The school is highly successful in winning scholarships, with around half of Year 8 pupils gaining awards to the schools of their choice in 2020. In recent years, Year 8 leavers have gained places to Shrewsbury, Repton, Sedburgh, Denstone, Rugby, Uppingham, Cheltenham Ladies College, Malvern, Radley, Winchester, Fettes, Stonyhurst and Ampleforth. Year 6 leavers transfer to the may excellent grammar schools in the region, such as The Grange, King’s Macclesfield, Stockport or Manchester Grammar Schools, Cheadle Hulme and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR PURSUITSWith a focus on developing confidence and nurturing talents in all their forms, Terra Nova prides itself on providing a strong co-curricular programme for all the children to enjoy.

Clubs & ActivitiesFor the Junior Prep children, many clubs run after school, delivered either by their teachers or specialist coaches. The subjects are as diverse as Construction, Drama, Football, or Ballet. A different range of clubs and activities are offered to the senior pupils and either take place after school or during break times. The range of clubs is always evolving, often in response to the pupils’ suggestions. Senior Prep Clubs currently include Chamber Choir, Chess Club, Fencing, Shooting, Art, goalkeeping, netball, striking and fielding, drama and the ever-popular Cooking. Staff also provide scholarship preparation during activity time.

Activity WeekThe school has traditionally run an activity week for the older pupils in June. Children have the opportunity to take part in adventurous activities in the UK and across Europe. Children also have the opportunity to engage in language learning and history. In recent years children have visited northern France, Berlin and Switzerland.

Creative ArtsThe Creative Arts play a key part in the life of the school. The Art Department is highly successful in winning scholarships and there is a biannual Art Exhibition, which celebrates the work of the pupils. The Performing Arts Centre with its folding racked seating, well-equipped stage and full theatre lighting allows the school to create high-quality productions. In recent years the pupils have performed the School of Rock, Bugsy Malone, Sound of Music and Oliver, as well as many smaller productions and revues put on by individual year groups.

MusicThere are eleven visiting music teachers who support the pupils’ musical ambitions, working under a dedicated Director of Music. The school’s modern music studio is the perfect location for music-making and all pupils use Cubase, a digital suite for composition, editing and recording. There are a range of choral groups in the school, a string orchestra and a full orchestra. The School Chamber Choir has performed in a variety of events including the local Alderley Edge, Heaton Mersey and Bowden Festivals. Children in Year 2 all learn the recorder, in Year 3 all children learn the violin and in Year 5 all children learn the trumpet.

SportTerra Nova has always enjoyed a national reputation in Sport. Pupils are fiercely competitive, but they also learn, inevitably, to lose with grace. Under a full-time Director of Sport, a dedicated team of coaches manage and deliver a comprehensive sports program, with a wide range of activities alongside the major sports of hockey, netball, soccer, rugby and cricket. There are traditionally many competitive fixtures with other schools and although this is currently in abeyance, fixtures will resume as soon as practicable. Alongside the “major sports” there are also opportunities for pupils to take part and be coached to a high standard in athletics, cross-country, dance, ballet, riding, golf, swimming, tennis and shooting.

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PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral StaffTerra Nova sets and achieves the highest standards of pastoral care. The Deputy Head has day-to-day responsibility for the pastoral welfare of all children, and is assisted by a dedicated Head of Boarding who is also the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. The teaching team are fully integrated into the school’s pastoral and safeguarding frameworks, which were adapted and strengthened during the recent lockdown period. A school counsellor was appointed to the staff in early 2020, and is available to support both pupils. Pastoral matters are raised and addressed in the daily contact time with their form tutors. The pastoral team further comprises a school medical officer and nurse, matrons, and an independent listener.

BoardingTerra Nova’s boarding provision has undergone significant development and investment in recent years. Full-time boarding was relaunched in 2017, and the growth in uptake of this core part of Terra Nova’s offering has been a significant achievement in its own right. Full time boarding is available to all pupils from Year 3, and flexible boarding is also available to families who, while living within easy reach of the school, appreciate the special role that boarding can play in the development and social lives of their children.

There is the capacity for twenty-five full-time boarders, and accommodation for up to fifty-two boarders in total. Most flexi-boarders stay a few nights each week, but there are currently eighteen permanent boarders, several of whom are from overseas. Boarding facilities are located in the main building and dormitories vary in size from eight beds to three. Senior pupils in Years 6 to 8 relish the opportunity to experience life as a boarder, which is seen to be the perfect preparation for the children who are looking then to transfer to senior boarding schools.

Boarders are supervised at all times by a team consisting of the Head of Boarding, teaching staff who undertake boarding duties, the matrons and other junior staff. Home contact is important and both staff and children are available to be contacted by parents at any reasonable time during the day and evening.

Day School Wrap-Around ServiceFor day pupils the school opens at 7.30am and closes at 6.30pm, with no extra charge for this extended care. This service encapsulates the after-school clubs and activities available to the children. Terra Nova families are busy and the school is able and happy to help with last-minute changes of plan and diary challenges.

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SCHOOL COMMUNITY The wider Terra Nova community is warm and inclusive. There are opportunities for parents to become involved with aspects of school life, through a parents’ support organisation and as year -group representatives. There is an online weekly newsletter, which provides parents with a review of past events and details of forthcoming activities, as well as regular assemblies open to parents and relatives. The Friends of Terra Nova organizes events for parents to meet socially, whilst raising money to develop the facilities and resources of the school. Regular FOTN events include the School Ball, the Sports Awards dinner in the autumn, a well-attended Christmas Fair, a summer Sports Day and many other occasions throughout the year.

In the wider sense of participation, the school organizes regular events for parents to learn more about the educational approach in the school and about the principles on which the school runs. There is a Code of Conduct which parents are expected to follow, and parents are encouraged to consult and raise concerns with staff in a systematic and respectful approach which is laid out in the relevant policies for staff and parents alike.

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GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Governing BodyThe school has a committed and enthusiastic Governing Body led by a Chair who maintains regular contact with the Head. Governors operate through Finance and Education Committees and have good links with the staff through regular meetings and discussions. The Governors’ responsibilities, for safety, strategy, stewardship and standards, are discharged in close consultation with the school’s Senior Leadership Team.

Currently there are ten Governors including four with extensive educational experience and current responsibilities at leading senior schools in the UK and, for the first time this year, internationally also. The Governing Body has fully taken on the virtual model, and has met more frequently and productively this year than ever before.

Senior Leadership TeamAt present, the Senior Leadership Team comprises the Head, the Bursar, the Deputy Head, the Head of Early Years, the Head of Boarding/DSL, the Assistant Head Teaching and Learning and the Assistant Head Assessment. They meet collectively and separately with the Head on a weekly basis.

SCHOOL FINANCES Terra Nova’s finances are very healthy as a result of prudent control and provision over recent years. The school has significant cash reserves and these were not affected significantly by the school closures in the first half of this year. This strong position has provided a firm basis for plans to reinvest in new and exciting facilities for the school over the next years, and has allowed the school to attract and recruit well-qualified staff of the highest calibre.

APPOINTMENT CONTEXT

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After four years of exceptional leadership, current Head Phil Stewart is leaving to take up an exciting position as the Vice Principal of Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok. He leaves the school in an excellent position and poised for the next stage in its development, having transformed its teaching practices and recruited its first international students and full-time boarders in twenty years. He has recruited and led an impressive senior leadership team, who this year developed a world-class distance learning program in response to lockdown and Covid 19, while maintaining the school’s intense focus on pastoral care and the wider development of its pupils.

The Governors now seek a new Head, who can continue this pro-active, forward-thinking approach: an innovative, attractive and dynamic leader who will embrace new educational ideas and respond to the changing times we live in with energy, rigour and enthusiasm.

JOB DESCRIPTION Terra Nova School is committed to being the leading independent preparatory school in the North West of England. This aim is reflected in this description of the Head’s role. The Governors recognise that no individual will possess all the abilities and experience described here. Nonetheless the role of Head of a leading independent school is a uniquely challenging position: exceptional character, ability and commitment are required for success.

The Head is individually accountable for all operational aspects of the school’s function and development. The Head shares accountability with the Board for the school’s strategy and all related planning and development activities.

The Head is appointed by the Board of Governors and reports to the Board through the Chair of Governors. The Head and Bursar attend meetings of the Board of Governors and its committees.

Role Summary1. Leadership

To lead, motivate and direct the school so that it meets the academic, pastoral and wider developmental needs of pupils, parents and staff by providing an exciting and progressive adventure in education in line with the school’s ethos and mission.

2. Safeguarding & Welfare

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff at all times, in accordance with all relevant standards and regulations, and, beyond this, in line with the developing understanding of the needs of individuals and families in all stages of their lives.

3. Governance & Compliance

To enable, in partnership with the Chair, the Board of Governors to fulfil its duties and responsibilities, ensuring that the Board receives timely advice and appropriate information and that compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory requirements is maintained at all times.

4. Management, Administration & Finance

To carry out the general and ad-hoc duties required for the smooth running of the school and the achievement of its goals for admissions, financial performance, physical development, staffing, recruitment and maintenance of the highest possible professional standards.

5. Promotion & Advocacy

To act as the principal ambassador for the school and the Terra Nova community, both on and off site, fostering relationships with client and feeder schools, businesses and the local community, and promoting the school’s values, aims and achievements among parents, staff, other schools and the educational community more widely.

6. Progression & Contribution

To develop the school’s ethos, mission, values and policies so as to ensure that Terra Nova becomes, in its life and its practices, a leading school in its approach to equality and diversity, stewardship of the environment and promotion of the rights and opportunities of all members of society regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion or religious heritage, upbringing or economic status.

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Detailed Duties & Responsibilities1. Leadership

To lead, motivate and develop the school so that it meets the academic, pastoral and wider developmental needs of pupils, parents and staff by providing an exciting and progressive adventure in education in line with the school’s ethos and mission.

The Head is responsible, directly and by delegation for:

• The leadership and management of the school;

• The education and development of each pupil, ensuring that every child can develop their own unique talents;

• Defining and maintaining excellent academic and wider educational standards within the school;

• Appointing, leading, managing, developing and motivating the Senior Leadership Team, and, with them and through them, directing all academic and support staff;

• The recruitment and appointment of teaching and support staff;

• Development and execution of a comprehensive recruitment strategy to ensure a full complement of pupils and covering all admission and entrance procedures (assisted by the AMC department);

• Planning and implementing an effective curriculum, ensuring effective timetabling and academic organisation of the school, reviewing these as appropriate;

• Ensuring effective systems are in place for monitoring pupils’ progress and ensuring that parents are provided with regular and appropriate feedback;

• Ensuring that all children, regardless of age or means, with SEND or HLP (Higher Learning Potential) are identified at the first opportunity and fully provided for, both in and out of the classroom, throughout their time in the school;

• Advising parents on suitable choices for their children’s senior school, and managing preparations so as to ensure that all children access the school chosen for them;

• Sustaining, improving and promoting Terra Nova’s boarding provision in the school, as an essential and integral part of the school’s educational framework, now and in the future;

• Setting a personal example of continuous personal development, participating in appropriate training in order to maintain an up-to-date professional expertise.

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2. Safeguarding & Welfare

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff at all times, in accordance with all relevant standards and regulations, and, beyond this, in line with the developing understanding of the needs of individuals and families in all stages of their lives.

The Head is responsible, directly and by delegation, for:

• The physical safety at all times of all members of the school community and of visitors to the school of whatever kind;

• The pastoral care and welfare of all pupils and staff;

• Achievement of the necessary standards in safety and safeguarding at all times;

• The appointment and supervision of qualified and competent individuals to critical posts including Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of EYFS and Head of Boarding;

• The provision to staff and Governors of effective training in all safety and safeguarding matters;

• Timely and effective management of all safeguarding and safety incidents, reporting these to Governors and all relevant external authorities;

• Effective record keeping in all safeguarding and safety matters;

• The provision of effective support and counselling to pupils and staff;

• The development of a culture within the school that minimises at all times the risk of distress and inappropriate tension among pupils and staff alike.

3. Governance & Compliance

Together with the Chair, to enable the Board of Governors to fulfil its duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the school and to ensure that the board receives timely advice and appropriate information on all relevant matters.

The Head is responsible, directly and by delegation, for:

• Reporting regularly to the Board of Governors on the achievements, events, strengths and weaknesses of the school;

• Developing and maintaining, with Governors - an appropriate long-term strategy and plans to ensure the school meets its developmental objectives and financial targets;

• Ensuring that the school meets all its legal obligations including compliance with Child Protection and Health and Safety regulations and other legislation as appropriate;

• Ensuring that the school is, at all times, at an appropriate level of readiness for inspection, in line with current ISI or Ofsted policy, including the National Minimum Standards for boarding provision;

• Submitting policy proposals for the approval of the Board and implementing and monitoring these policies;

• In partnership with the Chair, ensuring that the Board receives sufficient and timely information and advice in order to make informed decisions on matters of policy, expenditure, development and other significant matters;

• Implementing Board decisions and reporting regularly on progress in all initiatives sanctioned by the Board.

4. Management, Administration & Finance

To carry out those general ad-hoc duties required to ensure the smooth running of the school and the promotion of its aims, achievements and values among parents, staff, client schools and the educational community more widely.

• Creation and execution of the school’s development plan, implementing the changes required to meet the targets for the school’s development initiatives;

• The overall financial performance of the school, in which he/she will be assisted by the Bursar, so as to meet the annual budget agreed by the Governors and other goals as agreed and required;

• Any other duties appropriate to the general purpose of the post which may from time to time be reasonably assigned by the Chair of the Board of Governors;

• To promote awareness of trends in education, the requirements of the senior schools that TN serves, educational policy and of the National Curriculum and, where appropriate, recommend policy changes to the Governors;

• To represent the school in IAPS and on other bodies which the Board of Governors deem suitable;

• Promoting Terra Nova’s approach and methods to other schools, establishing these methods as “best practice” and ensuring their acceptance as such.

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5. Promotion & Advocacy

To act as an ambassador for the school, staff, children and the Terra Nova community both on and off site, fostering relationships that will enhance opportunities for the community, for client and feeder schools, businesses and the local community.

The Head is responsible, directly and by delegation, for:

• Developing cordial and appropriate relationships with the parents of pupils, ensuring their full participation in their children’s education and life at Terra Nova, and ensuring also that parents’ behaviour and dealings with staff at all levels reflect the respect due to their professionalism and commitment;

• Developing and maintaining cordial and effective relationships with Terra Nova’s client schools, drawing on their support, and understanding and shaping their expectations and entry requirements;

• Maintaining an appropriate and effective media profile for the school and its achievements, as an aide to recruitment, marketing and future development;

• Positioning and representing Terra Nova to the local community, to ensure that Terra Nova makes, and is recognised for, a substantive contribution to communities and businesses;

• Maintaining good communications and relationships within the school and with key stakeholders including local schools, the local community, professional bodies and former pupils;

• The promotion of the school, and, with the support of the Admissions, Marketing and Communication (AMC) team, the production of publicity, literature and any advertising, the public relations profile, management of the school website and the establishment of positive relations with prospective parents;

• The development of appropriate strategies and policies for the use of social media within the school and for its use in the wider AMC strategy.

6. Progression & Contribution

To develop the school’s mission, culture, policies and public position so as to ensure that Terra Nova becomes, in its life and its practices, a leading school in its advocacy of equality and diversity, stewardship of the environment and promotion of the rights and opportunities of all members of society regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion or religious heritage, upbringing or economic status.

The head will be responsible, directly and by delegation, for:

• Developing the belief that diversity and inclusion brings strength in staff, school and pupils, ensuring that this is visible throughout all aspects of school life and that its results are celebrated and sustained;

• Creating the appropriate balance between all areas of school life and activity, including those not leading to formal examinations such as art, drama, music, sport, community involvement and other co-curricular activities;

• Develop and maintain, with the Governing Body, progressive and effective policies for bursary support and scholarship awards in support of the school’s mission to increase equality and diversity;

• The inculcation in staff and pupils of an awareness of the privileges and concomitant responsibilities of the school, staff and pupils to the community and to society more widely, in line with the Charitable Purpose of Terra Nova School Trust;

• Demonstrating, by example, by promotion and participation in relevant educational forums and settings, the value that Terra Nova creates for its pupils, its community and in society more widely.

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EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE The Head will require the wide range of professional skills, abilities and experience to manage and develop the school effectively, and specifically will:

• Possess relevant leadership experience, developed as a Head or a Deputy of a Preparatory School, in a position of executive responsibility in an equivalent school or in the Preparatory Department of a Senior School;

• Possess sound management experience coupled with the knowledge of how to establish clear standards and expectations, know how to manage and evaluate performance and how to delegate appropriately and manage time effectively;

• Be a well-qualified, experienced and successful teacher, with a love of teaching, a high degree of awareness of developments in the educational world, and a demonstrated ability to introduce new methods and approaches in delivering education;

• Have demonstrated the ability to achieve success in the development and planning for the future of a school or a key domain within a school;

• Be a competent administrator, be computer literate, and a confident user of IT for communications and management purposes;

• Have the knowledge and experience to market and represent the school effectively to all its stakeholders, both in the UK and abroad;

• Have the experience and skills required to ensure that the school is able to recruit pupils in a competitive market, understanding and shaping the aims and aspirations of prospective parents and demonstrating the school’s ability to meet their expectations, express or implied;

• Understand the ethos, attitudes and expectations of the range of Senior Schools that Terra Nova serves, including their procedures for admissions;

• Through acquired senior management experience, be able to be the confident, ‘public’ face of the school and in so doing, be a superb ambassador for the school at all times;

• Have a clear understanding of the school’s commercial model, financial targets and viability, and be able to shape and make effective financial decisions in regard to all costs, investments and contingencies;

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• Have the ability to plan and think strategically, and actively contribute to board discussions on organisational strategy, priorities and imperatives;

• Have the experience required to provide robust leadership in discussions with Governors on matters relating to Child Protection and Health and Safety Regulations, to inspection and legal compliance.

QualificationsThe Head will be required to have:

• A degree from a good university;

• Postgraduate or ab initio teaching qualification(s);

• A record of appropriate, continuing professional development focused on the critical duties of a senior manager or head in a school of this kind.

Individual Qualities & CharacteristicsThe Head will have the personal qualities to lead, motivate and inspire the school, and will be able to demonstrate natural authority, leading by example, and commanding the respect of pupils, staff and parents.

In addition the Head will:

The Head will have the personal qualities to lead, motivate and inspire the school, and will be able to demonstrate natural authority, leading by example, and commanding the respect of pupils, staff and parents.

In addition the Head will:

• Have a passionate commitment to the academic, personal and social development of the pupils, understand the needs and concerns of every part of the age group and have a natural empathy with them;

• Possess the ability to deal with people and matters of all kinds on a direct personal basis, being confident in their own abilities and standing as leader of a substantial and respected educational institution;

• Display energy and imagination, have a vision for what the school should achieve in the future, with the courage to innovate, and an unwavering commitment to the continued development of the school;

• Be prepared to set, articulate and hold others to the critical standards and expectations, leading by personal example and being prepared to support others to meet those standards also;

• Have an open, participative, collegiate style, with an inclusive and empowering approach to management, and an ability to build trust and foster team spirit, based on positive relationships with the Governors, the Senior Leadership Team and all other colleagues regardless of role or seniority;

• Demonstrate personal strength of character and resilience, and the ability to help others to become resilient and resourceful also;

• Be a confident, effective communicator at all levels of the school community: especially in relation to Governors, staff, pupils, parents, former pupils, other schools both independent and maintained, and the local community;

• Be at entirely at ease with the mission and purpose of an independent school and its continued relevance in the UK and global educational domains.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONSThe Governing Body is prepared to offer an attractive and competitive salary with extensive benefits to secure the right candidate. Accommodation in The Headmaster’s House will be offered as part of the package. Candidates will be able to discuss terms further with the RSAcademics consultant.

The current Head is a member of IAPS.

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APPLICATION PROCESSInterested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics by email or telephone to arrange a confidential discussion, with either:

Angela Short angelashort@rsacademics.com / 07786 134195

OR

Charlotte Faber charlottefaber@rsacademics.com / 07769 740479

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 19th October 2020

Candidates should complete their application form electronically and email it to RSAcademics, together with a covering letter addressed to Mr Will Sillar, Chair of Governors, which explains their reasons for applying. There is no need to submit a CV.

The completed application form and covering letter (both as PDF files, please) should be emailed to Jonathan Barnes, Operations Manager (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com

Jonathan can also be reached by calling the Head Office on 01858 383163.

The process is as follows:

• All applications will be acknowledged by email. If a candidate has not received acknowledgement that his or her application has been received within two working days of sending it, applicants should, please, contact the Head Office by telephone.

• Selected candidates will be invited to a first round interview with Angela Short and Charlotte Faber of RSAcademics via Zoom during the week commencing Monday 26th October 2020.

• Longlist interviews will take place at the school, where there will be an opportunity for a tour and a panel interview, on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th November 2020. Candidates will only be required for one of the days.

• Shortlist interviews with members of the panel will take place at the school on Thursday 26th November 2020. The day will include an interview and presentation plus various other activities.

• Candidates will be reminded to bring with them the documents for a Safeguarding check and the originals of their academic qualifications certificates.

Terra Nova School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Founded in 2002 by Russell Speirs, RSAcademics specialises in schools, in the UK and internationally. The company advises on business strategy and strategic marketing, development and fundraising, leadership consultancy and the search and selection of Heads, Chairs of Boards, Bursars and other senior staff. Comprising a team of exceptional talent and experience, RSAcademics provides a high quality service to schools with rigour, expertise and warmth. Please visit www.rsacademics.com for more information.