Principal

Autumn 2019

King’s Academy Ringmer

Lewes Road, Ringmer East Sussex, BN8 5RB

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Welcome

Dear Candidate, Thank you for your interest in the position of Principal of King’s Academy Ringmer. If appointed you will be leading the school at a very exciting time in its development. King’s Academy Ringmer has been part of the King’s Group Academies since December 2016. In this period, the school has undergone a significant transformation, the quality of education has improved markedly and it is ready for the next stage in its development. We are looking to appoint a Principal, from September 2019, who is passionate about excellence in education and can inspire and empower others to achieve demanding targets. We are looking for a Principal who is positive, energetic, resilient and driven with high expectations. We require someone who is committed to success for all, making a real difference to young people; someone who has vision and ambition and the ability to think and work strategically. With the support of the King’s Group Academies you will ensure that learning stretches, inspires and challenges every student to exceed their expectations. We are keen to recruit someone who shares our commitment to improving outcomes for all students, regardless of background or ability. Our offer to you includes significant support from the King’s Group Academies and you will have access to unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with our global network of schools, as part of the wider King’s Group. The aims of King’s Group Academies are to develop all our current schools to be Outstanding, to continue our steady growth with the incorporation of additional schools and to develop the international dimension with an emphasis on language teaching. King’s Academy Ringmer has huge potential and we look forward to receiving applications from candidates who would relish the opportunity to work with staff, students and the entire Ringmer community to take the School on its journey to Outstanding. I look forward to receiving your application. Yours faithfully Nick Cross

Designate CEO King’s Group Academies

“Opportunity and Success on a Global Stage”

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Welcome from the Designate CEO of KGA 2 KGA Mission 3 About KAR and Statistics 4 Our Students 5 Learning and Performance 5 Staffing 6 Facilities 7 Finances 8 Partnerships 8 Application process 8 Appendix 1 Job Description 9 Appendix 2 Person Specification 12

King’s Academy Ringmer joined King’s Group Academies (KGA) in December 2016. KGA is a Multi Academy Trust created to bring the outstanding King’s Group global brand to English Maintained Schools. Our mission is to provide high quality education within a small community of outstanding schools in the UK that will deliver a transformative learning experience to all our students within the context of a global community of schools. KGA has at its core the pursuit of the very highest standards both inside the classroom and beyond. We believe all students can exceed their expectations no matter what their prior attainment and experience. In a KGA academy no student will be labelled, we will treat them all as intelligent individuals. Through our ethos, our extended curriculum, our entrepreneurial approach and international dimension, we will ensure students develop into confident, rounded individuals, equipped for life in an ever changing world.

“Opportunity and Success on a Global Stage”

Contents

KGA Mission

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The school joined King’s Group Academies (KGA) in December 2016. King's have over forty years of experience in enhancing the education of young people both in the UK and abroad. The school’s motto is “in Pursuit of Excellence” and it strives to make sure all students are well rounded individuals who strive to be the best academically and personally. We absolutely believe that student learning and progress is our core purpose. However, we are equally determined that King’s Academy Ringmer students will have the skills and attributes to live and work in the global society of tomorrow, and will be confident in their morals and values in order to lead good lives. The overarching aim of King’s is for opportunity and success on a global stage. We are proud to be part of King’s Group Academies. We are a school that caters for individual talents and strengths. We believe in the importance of enabling every student to achieve to the extent of their ability.

Our Intent: “in pursuit of excellence.” To have well-rounded individuals who strive to be the best academically

and personally.

Our Ethos: Academic Success, Progress for all, A Global Perspective

Values: Integrity, Resilience, Leadership

Vision: We believe in the importance of enabling every student to achieve to the extent of their ability.

We are always striving for excellence in everything we do.

About King’s Academy Ringmer

School Statistics Type of School/ Academy:

Academy converter, within a MAT

Location Ringmer, East Sussex

Date School established 1958 converted 2011

Age Range 11-16

Denomination None

Total Number of Students 420

Gender: Girls / Boys 196:225

Minority Ethnic Backgrounds 36

Year group total(s) KS3 Year Group totals KS4 (Average Class Size) KS3

289 201 22

Students on free school meals 79

Nos. Attracting Pupil Premium 123

Nos. looked after children

Number of students identified with SEN Number with Statements

115

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Students with EAL

% unauthorised absence 1.46

Attendance Rate 94.6%

Number of teaching staff 30

No. of Education support staff 33

Total number of staff 63

No. of newly qualified teachers

Our Values

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The families in Ringmer and its surrounding areas comprise an eclectic mix, including commuting professionals and those working in very rural village communities. Features attracting this variety of people to King’s Academy Ringmer were its smaller size, which allowed each student to be known as an individual, and its reputation for good pastoral provision. This encouraged both loyalty from local primaries in Ringmer’s more discrete geographical community and students from a broader catchment area including Lewes, the South Malling estate, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield and Newhaven. Over the last two years the ethos and esteem in which the academy is held has been rebuilt and is the key to ensuring its future longevity enabling it to capture and benefit from the increase in the regional rise in population. Attainment on entry is broadly average and significant work has been done work in raising aspiration and extending horizons as part of the academy’s journey towards out-standing. This is supported by the academy which has a strong pastoral support system focused on meeting individual needs. KGA’s motivating influence, strong moral imperative and international links offer a sound backdrop and additional dimensions offers further support for the work of the academy.

As an 11-16 academy, we are committed to excellence, offering a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students and ensures that all students are stretched and challenged to achieve to the very best of their ability. The curriculum is reviewed annually in response to any changes required at the national level and also to ensure it meets the particular needs of each cohort that passes through the school.

Learning & performance

Our Students

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At King’s Academy Ringmer all students access EBacc subjects and Progress 8.

Actual results

2016 2017 2018

Number of Pupils 119 92 102

Progress 8 (Overall) -0.4 -0.5 0.01

Progress 8 (English) -0.8 -0.3 -0.2

Progress 8 (Maths) -0.2 -0.1 0.25

Progress 8 (Ebacc) -0.2 -0.6 0.22

Progress 8 (Open) -0.5 -0.8 -0.2

% English & Maths (Grade 4+) 49% 60% 65%

% English & Maths (Grade 5+) - 37% 39%

% Ebacc (Grade 4+) 20% 5% 27%

% Ebacc (Grade 5+) - 5% 11%

% 5+ GCSEs (Grade 7+) 13% 5% 12%

Average entries per pupil - 7.9 8

Average entries per pupil (GCSE only) - 7.9 7.9

% Pupils taking 3 single sciences - 2% 27%

Disadvantaged Attainment Progress

Pupils Attainment 8 (Overall)

Change

Progress 8 (Overall)

Change

FSM6 Not FSM6

FSM6 Not FSM6

Gap FSM6 Not FSM6

Gap

18 84 3.7 4.8 -1.1 -0.74 0.17 -0.91

Leadership Team Mr Paul Burchett

Vice Principal

Mrs Louisa Loney

Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning

Mr Mark Magriaga

Assistant Principal

Progress and Behaviour

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Facilities

The original building has been well maintained and kept some of the traditional features that give the school character, including beautiful polished wooden parquet floors in the reception and main hall. Additional modern and fit-for-purpose blocks complement the original in style, providing all the standard facilities expected in a modern secondary teaching environment. This includes a full suite of science labs, 3 IT rooms, music and recording studios, dance/ drama studio with a sprung floor, DT labs, also open for wider community use is the indoor swimming pool. There is a well-stocked and managed library and cooking and dining facilities are onsite. One important future development is the £1.5m investment from Ringmer Football Club, who are relocating to use the school grounds as their base, and will be constructing a 3G floodlit, standard drained grass pitch, with associated clubhouse and indoor gym. These assets will be made available to students during school hours at no cost. Planning permission has been granted and completion of the project is due to be completed by October 2019

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The financial situation has been carefully monitored since KGA assumed responsibility for King’s Academy Ringmer and this is under the control of the KGA Finance Director . The ESFA has cleared the way forward and a funding arrangement is in place for the next five years and the future financial stability will depend on a continued increase in student numbers.

There is a wealth of potential in this area to be further explored and developed. King’s Academy Ringmer is part of a strong local network of schools across phases from EYFS to Key Stage 4.

For a confidential discussion on any aspect of this vacancy please contact our Interim CEO Di Smith on 07960 513474 or e- mail di.smith@kingsacademies.uk Please complete the school’s application form (provided) and return this electronically with the requested supporting documentation to amanda.french@kingsacademies.uk If you would like to visit us please contact Amanda French 01273 815460 . In compliance with Safer Recruitment Guidelines CVs will not be accepted. Information mornings and opportunity to visit the academy will be held on March 21st and March 25th Closing date: 27th March 12 noon Invitation to Interview: 29th March Interview dates: 3rd and 4th April King’s Academy Ringmer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Partnerships

Application procedure

Finance

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Appendix 1 - Job Description

KING’S ACADEMY RINGMER PRINCIPAL – JOB DESCRIPTION

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Trustees/Local Advisory Committee of Governors

CORE PURPOSE: To realise the Trustees’/Local Advisory Committee of Governors vision for the Academy

STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACADEMY Devise, agree and implement a strategic plan that realises the Trustees’ vision of a small KGA

Academy at the heart of its rural community

Fully embrace the benefits of global connectivity as a KGA Academy

Ensure that learning is the cornerstone of everything the Academy does

Create a culture of openness and respect which celebrates success however it may be revealed for students staff and wider stakeholders

Develop a culture that promotes inspired teaching and outstanding learning and where success is the norm

Develop and implement policies and practices that promote effective learning in a safe and secure environment

Take a strategic role in the development and use of existing and emerging technologies to ensure continuous improvement in the learning experiences and outcomes of students

Continuously monitor, evaluate and review every aspect of Academy life and take any and all action necessary to achieve successful outcomes

Ensure that an entrepreneurial approach is at the heart of the Academy

Utilise the power of the King’s Brand to deliver true global connectivity, opportunity and aspiration

LEADING AND MANAGING

Provide leadership that will inspire, motivate and develop students, staff and all involved with the Academy

Encourage openness and a culture in which the opinions of all in the Academy community are listened to and valued

Provide opportunities for all staff to develop their professional skills to improve performance and student achievement

Maximise the Professional Development opportunities for all staff arising from our

partnership with the King’s Group of International Schools

Encourage a culture of teamwork, partnership and continuous improvement in all aspects of Academy life

Develop and implement an effective Performance Management system to ensure that all staff are appropriately developed and supported

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Ensure that teaching and learning are of the highest standard, enabling all students to achieve the ambitious strategic targets set by the Governors

Appoint, develop and retain inspirational teachers dedicated to instilling high aspirations in all our students

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Monitor ,review and evaluate the implementation of our innovative Entrepreneurial curriculum that matches the vision and ethos of a KGA Academy and maximises learning opportunities

Promote our Global curriculum to ensure every student benefits from our partnership with the

King’s Group of International Schools

Continue to ensure that curriculum design maximises the unique location of the Academy

Continue to develop and sustain an ethos of mutual understanding, respect and co-operation between students , teachers and everyone involved with the Academy

Continue to raise high standards and expectations for the whole Academy community in terms of learning, behaviour and attendance

Continue to develop and sustain an outstanding extra-curricular offer in terms of sport, clubs and societies, personal development opportunities, trips and exchanges

Continue to ensure that learning experiences are matched to the needs of individuals through personalising their learning and that each student develops a firm foundation on which to build the next phase of their life and achieve their individual targets

Monitor, evaluate and review the quality of teaching and learning to ensure that the highest standards are maintained

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Deploy resources efficiently and effectively to meet the objectives of the Academy whilst providing excellent value for money.

Appoint, develop, deploy and retain staff of the highest quality

Maintain effective financial controls, prioritise the allocation of funds, monitor income & expenditure and secure value for money in line with agreed budgets

Manage the site, premises and equipment effectively and in line with legislative requirements, ensuring the security of buildings, contents and grounds and the safety of people at all times

Ensure that all resources and facilities are maintained in good order

Seek funding from external sources whenever and wherever possible

Upgrade, develop and extend resources in order to improve facilities and opportunities for students , staff and the wider Academy community

ACCOUNTABILITY

Be accountable to the Trustees for all aspects of the management and development of the Academy

Create and develop a culture in which students, staff and governors recognise that they are all accountable for the success of the Academy

Provide appropriate reports, information and advice to the Local Advisory Committee of Governors

Ensure that Parents and other stakeholders are well informed about students’ achievements and the Academy’s progress and develop opportunities for parents voice to be heard.

Develop opportunities for student voice to be heard and to share in the decision-making processes of the Academy so that they develop a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Develop and sustain an outstandingly high reputation for the Academy that is validated by external accreditation, kite-marks and awards

To support the MAT CEO in his accounting officer role

To have overall responsibility for student welfare and safeguarding

Cont.:

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Note to applicants

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and

young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The ‘essential criteria’ are the qualifications, experience, skills and knowledge you must

have to be considered for the job

The ‘desirable criteria’ will be used to help decide between candidates who meet all the

‘essential criteria

March 2019

Cont.:

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King’s Academy Ringmer

PRINCIPAL – PERSON SPECIFICATION Candidates need to be committed to the core mission of a KGA academy KGA has at its core the pursuit of the very highest standards both inside the classroom and beyond it. We believe all students can exceed their expectations no matter what their prior attainment and experience. In a KGA academy no student will be labelled, we will treat them all as intelligent individuals. Through our ethos, our extended curriculum, our entrepreneurial approach and international dimension, we will ensure students develop into confident, rounded individuals, equipped for life in an ever changing world.

Category Criteria Essential/ Desirable

Qualifications Qualified Teacher Status

NPQH

Degree

Relevant Personal professional development in last three years

E D E E

Leadership Style Strong and visionary

Inspirational and forward looking

Inclusive

Outcomes focused

Hands on decision maker

Empowering team builder

Excellent communication skills

Approachable and empathetic

Committed to building strong Community links

All Essential

Experience Significant leadership and management experience

A track record of raising standards with students of all abilities

Demonstrable use of innovative approaches to development of teaching and learning

Relevant curriculum development and development of monitoring and evaluation strategies

Developing and retaining the skilled effective KAR team and continuing to motivate the team to achieve its full potential at all times

E E

E E

E

Appendix 2 - Person Specification

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Astute financial and resource management experience of large complex budgets and

programmes

Experience/acumen in business management and

marketing

Experience of HR management and employment law

Successful partnership working with other school

agencies and stakeholders

Leadership experience in more than one education setting

Headteacher, Principal Deputy Head or Vice Princi-

pal experience

E D D E D D

Knowledge and Values

Ability to articulate a sound educational philosophy

consistent with the KGA Trust vision, aims and objectives

Passion for learning

A natural empathy with children and young people

Knowledge of recent and planned curriculum devel-

opments

Understanding of effective practice in teaching of all are-

as of the curriculum and cross curricular themes

Knowledge and understanding of education policies and practices relating to the education and training of children

and young people aged 11-16 in the 21st century

Business acumen

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding proce-

dures

E E E E E E D E

Personal Qualities Strong organisational skills and ability to plan and manage time effectively

Strong personal resilience

Emotional and academic intelligence.

Possess integrity and strong moral purpose

Can inspire commitment , enthusiasm and confidence from staff and young people, parents/ carers , governors and wider stakeholders community

Strong negotiating and influencing skills

All Essential

Cont.:

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Cont.:

COMMUNITY

Build an Academy culture that celebrates diversity and mutual respect

Involve parents in all aspects of Academy life

Forge and sustain links with a range of organisations in the local community

Maximise the opportunity of the Academy’s unique location for community-based learning for students

Develop grow and maintain high levels of employer engagement and support for the Academy so stu-dents benefit from these relationships

Provide as many opportunities as possible for community involvement in order to ensure maximum use of the Academy facilities

Develop strong mutually beneficial links with local nurseries, primary secondary schools and post-16 providers that enhance learning opportunities and the effective use of resources

Seek opportunities to invite parents, community figures, business leaders and others to the Academy to enhance learning opportunities for students and strengthen links with the community

Work in partnership with other agencies in providing for the academic, spiritual, moral, social and emo-tional well-being of students

March 2019