Head of School at a Reputable Secondary School - Maurice Xandra Solutions

Maurice Xandra Solutions Limited - Our client, a transformative free boarding Secondary school committed to developing and equipping young talented children to become tomorrow’s leaders. The Academy aims to provide a progressive and well-rounded education that both challenges and inspires its students to be thought-provoking and valuable members of their communities. The Academy is an initiative of a foundation, with an independent governing board that has the responsibility of leadership and strategic oversight of school management.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of School

Location: Uga, Anambra
Reports to: The School's Academy Governing Board

Job Summary

• Our client is seeking an outstanding Head of School with the experience, skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to shape and lead a transformative free boarding secondary school.
• The successful candidate will be driven by a commitment to creating the best possible educational opportunities for young people in order to raise aspirations and transform lives.
• The Head of School is expected to nurture and grow the Academy’s vision, which inspires and motivates students, staff and all other members of the school community.
• He or she must be forward-focused, committed to collaboration, resourceful and resilient when challenges occur.
• The head of school must be committed to building and delivering the mission of the academy by collaborating with key stakeholders to frame and implement key milestones ahead of the academy’s commencement date - September, 2022.
• He or she must be passionate about student learning, development and understand the unique needs of creating a free progressive secondary school.

Main Responsibilities

• In addition to building on the Academy’s vision, the Head of school will be responsible for but not limited to:
• Develop the Academy as a catalyst for social change, improving the outcomes for students and the community.
• Be committed to supporting students through their learning journey
• Design and develop an outstanding, innovative and creative curriculum comprised of high quality vocational and academic options and utilising the latest technologies.
• Develop in all students and staff versatile skills and attitudes required for lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world.
• Develop positive external relationships at a local and strategic level, in partnership with sponsors and others, to promote the continued development of the Academy
• To recognise and develop sustainable commercial opportunities. Leadership and development:
• Provide effective management and operational efficiency to fulfil the ethos of the Academy.
• Lead effectively and efficiently and ensure the successful implementation of the free school initiative as it develops and grows.
• Work in conjunction with the community, business and industry partners and other local community and educational organisations to identify and develop opportunities to collaborate.

Learning and Teaching:

• Lead the recruitment strategy and implementation for teaching and non-teaching staff
• Design and develop an innovative and motivating curriculum in conjunction with the board, teachers and relevant professional partners
• Drive up expectations and promote an aspirational and inclusive culture.
• Ensure focussed, data driven improvement.
• Develop policies and practices that reflects the values of the Academy
• Promote inspirational teaching and learning around all subjects.
• Manage pastoral care, student welfare, child protection and anti-bullying procedures effectively.
• Maintain effective assessment, recording and reporting systems of student progress, and establish challenging targets.

Leading and Managing Staff:

• Promote the Academy’s vision and values and an ethos in which the highest achievements are expected from all members of the Academy’s community.
• Establish and develop effective team working practices.
• Develop rigorous procedures for monitoring the performance of all staff including setting objectives and individual personal development plans.
• Ensure an aspirational and motivational culture is developed, sustained and celebrated.
• Efficient and effective use of staff and resources:
• Advise the academy Board on the formulation of the annual budget to enable the Academy delivers on its objectives.
• Ensure that the allocation and use of accommodation provides a positive and safe learning/living environment that promotes the highest achievement for all.
• Ensure that the available IT resources meet the needs of staff and students in an ever-changing technological age.

Accountability:

• Work effectively with the Board to enable it to meet its responsibilities for securing effective teaching, learning and high standards of achievement, and for achieving efficiencies and value for money.
• Work closely with the Board of the Academy, the foundation and strategic partners and stakeholders for the effective running of the academy
• Manage all school regulatory requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Certified Teaching qualification
• Minimum of B.Sc Degree or preferred Master’s Degree
• Minimum of 10 years of successful teaching and leadership experience at the Secondary school level
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development relating to school leadership and curriculum development Knowledge and understanding
• Successful leadership experience to at least Deputy/Assistant Head level
• Successful teaching experience within the secondary level
• Knowledge of British and Nigerian school curriculum
• Confident use of a range of ICT skills
• Understanding of the principles of Assessment for Learning
• Knowledge and understanding of data analysis and the ability to use data to set targets for improvement
• Knowledge of school administration processes and national educational regulations
• Understanding of how children learn and effectively apply their learning Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Leadership experience at the secondary school level
• Ability to effectively articulate clear educational vision and direction
• Ability to inspire and motivate all stakeholders (teachers, community & board members)
• Evidence of developing effective strategies and implementation of school improvement
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation procedures leading to clear impact
• Ability to work in partnership with senior leaders and governing board
• Ability to set challenging targets for children and staff
• Successful experience in creating and embedding effective school culture
• Leading Teaching and Learning
• Successful experience in monitoring, evaluating and improving the quality of teaching and learning
• Understanding the role and impact of assessment in children’s learning
• Knowledge of statutory requirements relating to curriculum and assessment
• Experience in leading curriculum innovation
• Successful experience of developing effective learning behaviours Leading and Managing Staff
• Ability to lead, manage and motivate across the school community Ability to establish positive working relationships
• Ability to plan, allocate, delegate, support and evaluate work undertaken by individuals and teams
• Successful experience in identifying the need for, and leading in-service training
• Significant experience of taking a lead role in performance management of staff including leading lesson observations
• High expectations of self and others
• Experience in working with governors, board of trustees, etc.
• Managing Resources
• Effective budgetary management at the whole-school level
• Experience in recruiting and deploying staff
• Ability to manage, monitor and review available resources, ensuring value for money.

Personal Skills and Qualities:

• Strong commitment to raising standards
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships, including with parents, community leaders, etc
• Able to remain positive and enthusiastic, including when under pressure
• Good communication skills
• Adaptability to changing circumstances & ideas
• Reliability and Integrity.

Remuneration
Numeration Package:

• The Head of school will be offered an initial contract for 3 years, renewable thereafter by mutual agreement, and an attractive salary/benefits package including the following elements:
• A competitive salary (to be negotiated with the Board’s preferred candidate) Furnished accommodation on the school campus, rent-free with all utility’s bills paid by the school
• Insurance to cover the living premises
• Pension cover
• Official vehicle
• Comprehensive medical insurance.

Application Closing Date
15th November, 2021.