Appointment of

HEAD for Foremarke Hall School

from January 2019

Information for Candidates

CONTENTS

The School• Introduction

• A Personal Note from Alastair Land

• The Schools - Foremarke Hall School, Repton School and the International Schools

• The Curriculum

• The Facilities

• Governance and Senior Management Structure

• Inspection Report

The Post• Job Description (Role and Responsibilities)

• The Candidate (Person Specification)

• Terms and Conditions

• General

• Child Protection

• Equal opportunities

• How to apply

• Dates for the selection process

• More information

INTRODUCTIONThere are few headships in the prep school world that can match that of Foremarke Hall. It combines leading a large, successful and fantastically resourced prep school with participating in the reshaping of the Repton/Foremarke all through education under the inspiring leadership of Alastair Land. In addition, there is an opportunity to be involved in the development of prep and junior schools in the international market. This role is at the cutting edge of prep school leadership.

A Personal Note from Alastair Land, Headmaster of Repton

“The effectiveness of the relationship between Foremarke Hall and Repton in working together on all aspects of pupil development is central to their growth towards the middle of this century. Building on the legacy of my predecessor and the wonderful fusion of contemporary practice and heritage of Repton and Foremarke Hall, I am very excited at the prospect of collaborating with the next Head of Foremarke Hall to move both schools to the forefront of all-through independent boarding education in the 21st century.

I hope that together we will pioneer new developments in the curriculum and in pastoral care that will demonstrably prepare our pupils outstandingly well to be happy and fulfilled individuals in this ever more competitive and fast changing world. Above all, I believe that by starting with three-year-old children, most of whom will remain in our care for 15 formative years, we have the amazing privilege of nurturing deeply held values that will impact society.”

The Schools

Foremarke Hall School                The school was established in 1940 at The Cross in Repton with just eight boys. By 1947 there were over 100 boys in the prep school and, fortunately, Foremarke Hall, an elegant Georgian mansion some two miles from Repton, became available. In 1967, the school was able to purchase the freehold of Foremarke Hall which meant new buildings could be erected, day pupils could be accepted, and the school could become co-educational.     

Today, Foremarke Hall is a day and boarding prep school of around 420 pupils (plus 45 children in the Nursery), aged 3 to 13, set in the grounds of this Palladian mansion in South Derbyshire. The area surrounding the school is known as a ‘hidden gem’ with access to cities, culture and beautiful countryside.

The school offers a stimulating education; one that is broad and balanced and enables children to enjoy their childhood, whilst benefiting from the wide range of opportunities open to them both in and out of the classroom. Foremarke is passionate about providing a values-led educational journey for children which allows them to achieve their greatest potential in a community founded on Christian values.

There is a wonderful uniqueness about the ambience of Foremarke where children are encouraged to explore the wonderful grounds, climb trees or even go boating on the lake!  

Repton SchoolRepton is a fully co-educational school with a strong boarding ethos and educates 650 pupils aged 13-18 years. Founded in 1557, the school is an integral part of the village of Repton. It combines the best of the traditional boarding character and the modern broad-minded ethos. Individuality flourishes within the context of a real community, and every Reptonian is encouraged to discover those areas in which he or she can excel.

Academic work is at the heart of the school and the overall aim is to allow each pupil to develop his or her potential to the maximum. Each year around 10% of pupils are offered places at either Oxford or Cambridge Universities.

Repton is recognised as one of the top sporting schools in the UK and excels at Hockey, Football, Tennis and Cricket. The school also has very strong Music and Art departments and an outstanding record in Drama. Repton’s education addresses the whole person through a rich balance of the three primary facets of school life: the educational, the pastoral and the co-curricular.

The school’s values underpin the work of the school. All the school’s policies, initiatives and day-to-day endeavours have a touchstone in the values. By using them in this way, everyone at Repton is working with a common purpose. For pupils, this leads to educational outcomes with integrity and coherence. For colleagues, the values get them up in the morning, are a handrail for the day, and allow them to sleep at night.

Wholeness of the person in moral, intellectual, social and physical endeavours

Truth achieved through a life-long pursuit of learning

Excellence as an aspiration for all, in every pursuit, both individual and collaborative

Respect founded on a deep regard for common humanity and the unexceptional in each other

In April 2016 Repton welcomed its 35th Headmaster, Mr Alastair Land. Previously Deputy Head Master at Harrow School, Mr Land is committed to ensuring that values, character and education remain as important as academic outcomes.

The Relationship between Foremarke Hall and Repton SchoolWith this appointment Repton and Foremarke will move towards a more ‘through school’ arrangement with the aim of securing the very best pupil outcomes. This will be enabled by allowing the executive to develop and implement a co-ordinated strategy across the two schools. It will make possible the development of full curriculum mapping and sustained academic progress as well as a completely coherent and integrated approach to admissions, communications and marketing.

The outcomes intended from this approach are:

• A Mastery approach to education;

• A curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11 of collective design;

• Embedded work in core subjects (Maths, English, Science, Modern Languages);

• Progression and collaboration in Music, Sport, Art and Design Technology.

International SchoolsRepton was one of the first British schools to establish an overseas school with the establishment of Repton Dubai in 2007, and Foremarke was the first British prep school to establish an overseas school. Repton Dubai now educates around 2,400 pupils aged from 3 to 18, most of whom are day students. Foremarke Dubai opened in 2013. It is a 3-11 co-ed junior school, not formally linked to Repton Dubai, and has a capacity for 1,200 pupils. Repton Abu Dhabi is a day school, founded in 2013, with an eventual capacity of 2,000 pupils. The latest project is Repton Bangalore, India, with three nurseries currently open, a Primary School opening in September 2018 and a Secondary School in 2019. Future Repton Schools are planned across China, South East Asia and Eastern Europe.

There is a significant exchange of staff and knowhow between the schools and senior staff at Repton and Foremarke in the UK play a major part in the development and quality control of all that goes on under the Repton International banner.

The CurriculumForemarke Hall School aims to build confidence and nurture self-esteem - qualities at the root of happiness and success. To this end the curriculum is broad, giving every child the opportunity to find and develop their own talents. There is more scope for linkage between Repton and Foremarke in bringing the curricula more in line to enhance the children’s development and this will be a key priority for the new head.

ValuesForemarke Hall emphasises the importance of a broad and balanced academic education that allows children to enjoy their childhood in and out of the classroom whilst developing qualities of independence, responsibility and respect for others. The Repton Values outlined above build upon the character education at Foremarke. As the benefits of all-through education are developed, the plan is to integrate Values across both schools.

AcademicThe Pre-Prep includes the Nursery, Reception and Years 1 and 2 where children cover the EYFS curriculum in small classes with Teaching Assistants supporting the class teacher. In addition to the normal academic syllabus they have lessons in music, swimming, drama, French (from age 5), PE (from age 5) and DT (from age 6).

At the end of Year 2, boys and girls move up from the Pre-Prep to the Lower School. Here they are taught for Year 3 and Year 4. The core curriculum is taught by class teachers and the pupils’ education is enhanced by a greater involvement from specialists.

In the Upper School the academic curriculum follows the ISEB syllabus with pupils sitting Common Entrance in Year 8 for entry either to Repton School or other boarding schools. Specialist subject teaching starts for some children in Year 5 and for the whole of the year group from Years 6 to 8. From Year 5 children with academic scholarship potential are identified and their learning is accelerated to allow for attempts at academic scholarships at Repton or elsewhere. Forms are streamed by general ability, allowing each child to work within a group of children of a similar level. In addition, children are grouped in sets by ability for key subjects, such as Mathematics, English and French. These sets are reviewed on a regular basis and changes of form made when necessary.

From Year 3 upwards there is a rich co-curricular provision covering sport, music and drama, art, DT and a wonderful variety of other activities using Foremarke’s outstanding facilities and grounds.

Learning Enhancement is a thriving, integral part of Foremarke available to all children, staff and parents.

Pastoral Care and Boarding The happiness and safety of every child is the school’s top priority. The provision is appropriate to the age of the children, and the relationships with parents are continuously maintained to be close. This ensures that the school staff understand each child and its family situation. There is a Medical Centre on site and stringent Safeguarding procedures. Members of the Foremarke Hall pastoral team liaise effectively with internal constituencies and external agencies.

Boarding lies at the heart of Foremarke Hall, building a unique sense of community and ensuring children receive the very best start in life. The boarding houses play a key role in developing the school’s strong sense of family values, encouraging children to live and work together harmoniously, build friendships and develop their independence. Children flourish in comfortable surroundings where they are offered the attention, care and guidance they need.

There are four boarding houses and each house contains several family-style “bedders”, small dormitories with resident staff always at hand. The school offers parents the option of full, weekly, ‘Home and Away’ and flexi boarding. Boarding numbers are steady at around 50 children and flexi boarding is growing in popularity. The school is keen to expand boarding numbers to make the most of the excellent facilities to be enjoyed.

SportForemarke has a long tradition of sporting excellence with both regional and national success, and is passionately committed to maximising pupils’ potential at whatever level they play. The school’s top sports teams have built a strong reputation for the quality of their play, sportsmanship and determination and are proud to feature among the top prep schools in the country. Emphasis is put on providing a wide range of sporting opportunities for all pupils, whatever their standard and pupils are actively encouraged to participate at the best level they can.

Football, Hockey, Netball and Rounders are the major sports played throughout the year and other competitive sports on offer include Swimming, Athletics, Fencing, Cricket and Tennis. Hockey has a particularly strong tradition at Foremarke with both boys’ and girls’ teams regularly qualifying in regional competitions to represent the school at national level.

The sports facilities are superb and in the most delightful setting to allow all pupils the chance to take part as well as to train to a high level:

• A full-size floodlit sand based astro-turf

• Six-lane, 25m indoor heated swimming pool

• Sports Hall with three indoor cricket nets and a climbing wall

• Hard Netball Courts

• Six Cricket pitches – four Grass Squares, one Artificial Wicket and a Cricket Pavilion

• Nine Football Pitches

• Six Rounders Pitches

• One Rugby Pitch

• Grass Running Track and Cross-Country Course

• Four hard Tennis Courts

• Lake for Sailing and Canoeing

• Low ropes course

Repton School’s outstanding facilities are also utilised by Foremarke.

MusicMusic plays an integral part of life at Foremarke Hall using the recently built music school. From Nursery through to Year 8 all pupils are given the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of classroom and extra-curricular music activities. All Prep School children receive weekly class music lessons in which a broad syllabus is covered, encompassing music of the Western European classical tradition, world music, jazz and popular music.

A connection with Charles Jennens, without whom there would have been no Handel’s Messiah composed, was discovered recently, resulting in the naming of the Charles Jennens Music School.

Children from Foremarke Hall participate in a very active music and choral programme both within the school and out in the community, with a highlight being the Foremarke Young Musician of the Year and several pupils qualifying for the National Children’s Orchestra.

ArtForemarke has a ‘state of the art’ art and ceramics department which opened in September 2013. It is colourful and full of light and a high standard of work is produced by all age groups. This provides children with outstanding creative facilities which are likely to be the envy of many prep and senior schools.

Drawing and painting are the main activities although every child can work in the busy ceramics department which involves them in at least one project in each school year. Mixed media projects are also a regular part of the curriculum.

Design and Technology The school offers wonderful workshop facilities from year 2 to year 8 which surpass what would be expected for a prep school.

Year 8 scholarship projects are highly successful from the design of a ‘Reading Buddies’ bench for Pre-Prep children to the development of a device to raise the Foremarke Greenpower cars off the ground to carry out final checks before the cars are wheeled to the starting grid!

Foremarke are particularly proud of their Greenpower F24 racing team with a record number of pupils participating during the recent season. The team has the amazing opportunity to take part at iconic venues such as Goodwood and Rockingham race tracks and this would not happen without the pupils assisting in the maintenance of the cars at the school.

After School Activity ProgrammeForemarke offers an exciting and extensive range of activities from physical, cerebral, reflective, relaxing, creative and artistic. They run around 40 activities each term for Upper School pupils and 28 activities for those in Lower School. The activities that are available often reflect staff interests and enthusiasm, but the children have a voice too and many activities have been set up at their request. Warhammer and Girls’ Football are the most recent of these.

HousesForemarke has four houses: Tedder, Alexander, Mountbatten and Wavell, named after great British military figures. Staff and children take part in a range of house competitions including: house hockey, football, cricket, netball, and rounders, general knowledge quizes, and tugs of war with great enthusiasm.

The FacilitiesForemarke Hall occupies its own beautiful 55-acre estate complete with a lake and woodland areas in the Derbyshire countryside, providing children with a wealth of opportunities both in and out of the classroom.  

Located two miles from Repton School, Foremarke’s facilities are outstanding and include a six-lane, 25m heated indoor pool, a full-size AstroTurf pitch, a large sports hall and a fully equipped theatre that seats over 180 people.

In recent years there has been investment of over £8 million in facilities including the Quad, Music and Humanities and outstanding studios and workshops for Art and Design Technology in which electric racing cars are built by pupils to race at Goodwood and Rockingham! In the last five years 60% of the classrooms at Repton and Foremarke have been rebuilt or subject to major upgrade.

The current project is a stunning new dining hall which is currently under construction, looking out over the gracious buildings and grounds – a perfect place to enjoy the school food, which was awarded the ‘Best School Food Award’ by Tatler Magazine in 2014. The Development Plan for the next five years allows for continuing investment.

The Pre-Prep department has its own dedicated building, courtyard and secure play areas including an amazing new adventure trail, spacious multi-purpose hall, a dedicated library and a computer suite. A sensory garden has recently been created which provides an interesting and tranquil environment for children to enjoy.

Governance and Senior Management StructureForemarke Hall School Ltd. is owned by the Repton School Trust which also owns Repton School. All three entities have the same board of governors. There is also a legal entity called the Repton Foundation which raises funds for bursaries and development of both schools. The ultimate holding company is the Sir John Port’s Charity. The Governor sub-committees include:

• The Repton Standing Committee which meets termly;

• The Foremarke Hall Standing Committee which meets termly;

• The Finance Committee and Development Committee;

• The Academic Policy Advisory Committee which meets termly;

• The Pastoral Policy Advisory Committee which meets termly;

• The Corporate Governance Risk Analysis Committee.

These report to the Full Board of Governors, chaired by Sir Henry Every Bt DL.

The Head of Foremarke Hall will report to the Head of Repton School, though will retain recourse to the Chair of Governors. The Heads of Repton and Foremarke will collaborate closely to secure the very best pupil outcomes. The Foremarke Head will attend Governors’ meetings of Repton School (including the following sub-committees – Foremarke Standing, Academic Advisory, Pastoral Advisory, Risk Management, Repton Standing) and will keep the Governors directly informed about the activities and performance of Foremarke Hall School. The Head, in close collaboration with the Head of Repton School and the Governors, will have a very significant degree of autonomy to propose strategies to develop and enhance Foremarke’s prospects and reputation.

In addition to regular informal contact, there will be a formal fortnightly head-to-head meeting and a formal twice-termly Senior Teams plenary. Separate scheduled, minuted meetings of joint teams/pairings will take place covering the following activities: (*to some degree in place already)

• Admissions & Marketing*

• Bursary & Finance

• Scholarships* (& SEN, EAL)

• Heads of Departments*

• Safeguarding & Pastoral

• Sport

• Music & Drama

• ICT

Within this structure the actions below will be reserved to the Repton Headmaster, in full and detailed consultation with the Foremarke Head:

• To set the capital projects agenda

• To approve the curriculum and co-curriculum

• Marketing Strategy

• To set some matters of policy such as (but not exclusively): purchasing, ICT and website

• Constitution and membership of the Foremarke SLT

• Authorisation to dismiss senior staff

The Foremarke Hall Senior Leadership Team is chaired by the Foremarke Head and meets daily. It consists of the following:

• The Assistant Head (Academic)

• The Assistant Head (Pastoral)

• The Assistant Head (Administration)

• The Foremarke Hall Bursar

The Senior Management Team meets weekly and includes the SLT plus:

• The Head of the Pre-Prep

• The Head of Lower School

• The Director of Music

• The Director of Sport

• The Head of Boarding

FinancesForemarke Hall School Ltd is a free standing legal entity with its own accounts. There is a bursar who responds to the Foremarke Head and works closely with the Repton Bursar. Most of the day-to-day financial and estates activities are run from Foremarke. The finances are sound with trading surpluses justifying an ongoing investment programme. In practice, all surpluses are paid to Repton School Trust which owns the assets, but the school’s accounts provide a clear view of its financial health.

Inspection Report The most recent ISI Educational Quality Inspection took place in February 2017 and the school was awarded the highest accolade of ‘Excellent’ for both the quality of pupils’ achievements, academic and otherwise, and the quality of the pupils’ personal development. The report is full of praise for the commitment, care and quality of the teaching and the outstanding facilities and opportunities that the school provides.

The ISI Compliance Inspection took place at the same time and the school met all the regulatory standards. The last Boarding Inspection was in 2014 and the school met all the National Minimum Standards.

The Post

JOB DESCRIPTION (Role and Responsibilities)

Introduction and the Head’s RoleThe Head of Foremarke Hall will report to the Head of Repton School, though will retain recourse to the Chair of Governors. The Heads of Repton and Foremarke will collaborate closely to secure the very best pupil outcomes. The Foremarke Head will attend all Governors’ meetings of Repton School as set out earlier and will keep the Governors directly informed about the activities and performance of Foremarke Hall School. The Head, in close collaboration with the Head of Repton School and the Governors, will have a very significant degree of autonomy to propose strategies to develop and enhance its prospects and reputation.

The Head will be an IAPS member and will have full autonomy in Foremarke Hall School for all aspects of the day-to-day operational running of the school, including recruitment and management of staff and pupils, budget planning and management and direct responsibility for handling parental issues and links with feeder and senior schools. The Head will be responsible for the academic and all-round progress of pupils and for their moral and social formation. He/she will promote the school regionally and nationally and coordinate activity between Foremarke Hall and the international junior schools, Repton International Schools Ltd.

ResponsibilitiesThis list is not exhaustive, but the following encompass the broad areas of responsibility of the Head. The emphasis is on using leadership and management skills to make things happen and it is expected that many of these responsibilities will be managed by delegation to and shared with relevant colleagues.

1. General• As the public face of Foremarke Hall School, lead the busy and varied life of the school by attending a wide range

of events, including in the evenings and at weekends.

• Promote the aims and values of the school as a selective independent co-educational boarding and day preparatory school, for ages 3-13.

• Lead the development and maintenance of the highest standards of teaching and learning, including independent and personalised learning. Drive an emphasis on raising standards and value-added improvement through a rich academic curriculum in line with agreed educational policies.

• Maintain a broad and balanced programme of co-curricular activities which develops skills, talents and interests and facilitates the moral, spiritual, social and cultural development of each pupil.

• As a member of the whole school executive, to assist in the development of a coordinated strategy.

• Any other aspect of school leadership and management, as required by the Governors, for the effective organisation and well-being of the school.

2. Executive Leadership• Attend all meetings of the Governors and such committees as required by the Head of Repton/Chair of

Governors, providing reports (written and/or oral) as required.

• Keep the Head of Repton School and Governors informed about the work of the school and consult them whenever appropriate; for example, over the formulation of future strategies, the school development plan, marketing and any significant curriculum or organisational changes.

• Keep abreast of national educational policies, practices and likely future developments.

• Ensure that all relevant educational, regulatory and statutory policies are drawn up, revised regularly, approved and applied.

• Provide strategic advice and forward planning, considering likely future changes in good practice, competitors and the market environment.

• Working closely with the Foremarke Bursar, develop and implement an appropriate strategic financial business plan.

• Work closely with the Foremarke Bursar in managing the financial governance (including the annual budget, departmental budgets and capital expenditure programme), resources and estate of Foremarke Hall School.

3. Senior Management Team (SMT)• Lead the Senior Management Team, chair regular meetings, delegate areas of responsibility and provide support.

• In consultation with the Head of Repton, to make suitable appointments to the SMT.

• Write and implement a School Development Plan to turn your strategic aims into practical actions.

• Together with the whole school executive, to develop and implement a Mastery approach to education.

• Meet regularly with the Foremarke Bursar to ensure the smooth running of the school.

• Ensure that the school has appropriate crisis management plans in place.

4. Staff (teachers and support staff)• Lead the appointment, deployment, appraisal, monitoring, development and (if necessary) disciplining of teaching

staff to ensure the highest standards.

• Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring that the highest standards of professional performance are established and maintained.

• Provide support and advice where required to all members of staff, to improve their professional practice and performance and to ensure their best interests and welfare.

• Ensure that all staff set standards both in and out of school appropriate to the ethos of Foremarke Hall School.

• Encourage staff through your personal attendance at a wide range of events and through frequent and positive contact.

• Maintain and develop good relationships and communication between staff to promote an understanding and support of the aims and values of the school.

5. Pupils• Ensure that child protection and safeguarding are given the highest priority at all times.

• Ensure the highest possible standards of education through effective teaching and learning across all sections from Early Years through to Common Entrance.

• Maintain and develop a balanced and broad curriculum but with appropriate specialisation ready for 13+ scholarship examinations, offering a wide range of subjects and preparing students for life at top senior schools/Repton.

• Provide outstanding pastoral care and support within a structure which fosters compassion and understanding and adopt suitable measures which promote self-discipline and a proper regard for authority.

• Provide and promote a wide range of extra and co-curricular activities and ensure the highest standards within them, including: societies, sport, music, theatre and trips.

• Manage pupil behaviour and deal with disciplinary issues including, if required, the suspension and expulsion of pupils.

6. Parents & Alumni• Maintain strong relationships with the parent body.

• Ensure that communication with parents is frequent, effective and efficient.

• Support the work of the Foundation Director and attend events as necessary.

• Build up and maintain good relationships with potential benefactors or donors to the school, including especially former pupils and parents.

• Deal with concerns and complaints with care and sensitivity.

7. New pupils and leavers • Market the school successfully to maintain and improve the quality and quantity of applicants at all age groups.

• Maintain excellent relations with feeder schools.

• Work in close collaboration with the Admissions and Marketing Teams to manage the admissions process.

8. Outside organisations• Represent the school as a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) and any other

appropriate professional organisations.

• Maintain warm relationships and, where appropriate, partnerships with the Heads of all local schools including ISA, HMC and GSA schools about transition at 13+ through Common Entrance and Scholarships.

• Establish appropriate links with the media, both locally and, where appropriate, nationally to promote the interests of the school.

THE CANDIDATE

Person SpecificationThe successful candidate will be an outstanding professional communicator who can engage with current and future parents and their children in such a way as to inspire from a position of substance. He/she will be well-qualified and a first-rate teacher with a proven leadership record. He/she will probably have several years’ experience in a Senior Leadership role, such as a Head or Deputy Head, in either a successful Preparatory/Junior School or a Senior School.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring, thoughtful and reflective leader who will demonstrate evidence of success in initiating and leading change. He/she will need to analyse stringently the appropriateness of the current curriculum from Years 3 to 8, show the dynamism to engage pupils and ensure that the academic structures underpin everything.

He/she will be a leader who will balance external relations, academic and co-curricular with insight and long-term vision to further build on Foremarke Hall’s reputation as one of the country’s leading Preparatory Schools.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate empathy with and commitment to the ethos of an academic, independent, co-educational, boarding and day, 3-13 preparatory school fit for the 21st century. Above all, the successful candidate must care about the education of young people and the welfare and performance of staff.

The successful candidate will:• Have a passion for the intellectual, co-curricular, pastoral, moral and spiritual development and well-being of each

pupil, supporting the Christian values of the school, taking a role in the assemblies and chapel services.

• Be an inspirational leader who is a strong, visible and active presence in all parts of the school, and in the wider community.

• Demonstrate a clear educational philosophy, sound expert knowledge and vision with the skills to communicate that to others.

• Be highly effective in working collaboratively, promoting others and bringing out the best in them whilst maintaining clear leadership.

• Understand the need to drive continuous improvement and can demonstrate an ability to deliver cultural change effectively and smoothly.

• Be economically and commercially aware, capable of analyzing and acting upon opportunities or threats.

• Have a clear commitment to the well-being and professional development of all teachers and support staff.

• Demonstrate a fair approach to maintaining standards with both pupils and staff and have the ability and personal resolve to make tough calls when necessary.

• Show a style of approach which can inspire current and future parents to act as enthusiastic advocates to promote and support the school’s vision, values and aims.

• Be an enthusiastic networker, keen to work closely with the Foundation Director and Marketing Department to develop fundraising for new projects and bursaries.

• Able to balance and value the autonomy of being an IAPS Head with the security, strength and advantages of working in partnership with a Senior School Head.

In addition to the above, he or she is also likely to possess, and be able to demonstrate, most of the following:

Key Knowledge• Knowledge of marketing techniques and PR strategies.

• An obvious commitment to pupil welfare and safeguarding and a clear understanding of Child Protection issues.

• Experience and an awareness of regulatory requirements in terms of Health & Safety, charitable status, employment, safer recruiting, etc.

• Knowledge, experience, analysis and understanding of all aspects of educational issues from Early Years through to Common Entrance and 13+ Scholarship levels.

• An understanding of the business and financial aspects of running a school and an ability and willingness to gain greater acumen in these areas.

Leadership and Management • Clear and decisive leadership skills demonstrating an ability to see the ‘whole picture’.

• A strategic vision with a flair for innovation and the ability to inspire others.

• Confident, firm when required, and willing to take difficult decisions.

• Excellent delegation skills, empowering staff with delegated authority in decision making.

• An inclusive, collaborative, collegial and consensual style of leadership and management which encourages and enables everyone to contribute to and feel part of the school’s success.

• A first-class role model, a standard-setter, someone who inspires self-discipline.

• High expectations and exceptional planning and organisational skills.

• An ability to build confidence in others, even in difficult circumstances.

Qualities• Calm under pressure, quietly determined and an ability to handle crisis management.

• Energy, efficiency, enthusiasm, dynamism, flexibility, tact, resilience, commitment, a warm sense of humour, ability to work under pressure for sustained periods.

• The initiative to work on his or her own, but the sensitivity to work as part of a team, recognising and encouraging the strengths and contribution of others.

Personal• An open, cheerful, empathetic and easily approachable manner, with a genuine humility in knowing

one’s limitations.

• Experience of excellence in preparatory school education, with vision and ideas to contribute.

• An understanding of, and sympathy with, the demands and ethos of a selective independent co-educational boarding and day school.

• Good work/life balance with interests other than work.

TERMS AND CONDITIONSA formal contract, recognised by IAPS, detailing terms and conditions will be drawn up on appointment. The following notes provide guidance, without prejudice, on the likely main provisions.

General notes:• A highly competitive remuneration package is available with, for the right candidate, a salary to match the best.

The Governors review the compensation (salary and/or bonus) annually, having set agreed targets for the academic year in September.

• For the better performance of his/her duties, the Head will be required to live in accommodation provided by the school which will be agreed as part of the appointment process. All reasonable costs and services are met by the school. Full arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate.

• There is a 75% discount on fees for the Prep (excl. Pre-Prep) and Senior School for the Head’s children as day pupils at the school (Foremarke and Repton).

• Private Medical Insurance is provided for the Head (which is a taxable benefit) with an option to purchase cover for partner and family.

• The school is part of the Government’s Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

• The appointment is subject to two terms’ notice.

• Holidays are by arrangement with the Head of Repton, but the Head should expect to be available for some periods outside term-time, especially during the summer holiday period.

• The Head’s performance will be subject to a regular appraisal.

• Longlisted candidates will be asked to undertake identity and qualification checks which conform to the school’s Safeguarding Policy. They must also agree to references being taken up at that stage and checks made with past employers.

• The appointment is subject to satisfactory references, clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service, proof of identity and qualifications and a satisfactory medical declaration.

Child Protection Foremarke Hall is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All applicants should read the school’s Child Protection policy, which is available on the website, and are required to declare any criminal convictions or cautions, or disciplinary proceedings related to young people. The successful candidate will be required to complete an application for Enhanced Disclosure, to initiate a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (working with children) in accordance with the school’s Recruitment Policy which may be obtained from the Bursar upon request. The school is registered for the processing of personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Equal opportunitiesForemarke Hall is an equal opportunities employer. The school is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from suitably qualified individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Foremarke Hall encourages all candidates to ensure that the school is aware of your requirements should you be invited to interview.

HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics, by email or telephone, to arrange a confidential discussion with Anthony Goddard, the lead senior advisor handling this appointment, or Angela Short who is leading the search:

Angela Short: 07786 134195 or email her on AngelaShort@RSAcademics.co.uk

Anthony Goddard: 07860 530534 or email him on AnthonyGoddard@RSAcademics.co.uk

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Wednesday 31st January 2018.

The entire application process is completed electronically. Further information may be found by going to www.rsacademics.co.uk

Candidates should complete the following forms electronically:

• The Application Form (found on the RSAcademics webpage above), including the names of three referees, with full contact details and email addresses. (Referees will not be contacted until after candidates are notified that they have been selected for short list interview).

• A letter of application of not more than two sides of A4, stating why you are interested in the post and what relevant skills and experience you would bring to it, with reference to the Candidate Brief. Please address the letter to Sir Henry Every Bt. DL, Chairman of Governors at Repton School.

Please email your completed application form, supplementary information form and covering letter (as PDF files please) to Alice Matcham at: applications@rsacademics.co.uk

Alice can also be reached by calling RSAcademics’ Head Office on 01858 467449.

The process is as follows:

• All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgement that your application has been received within two working days of sending it, please contact RSAcademics’ Head Office by telephone.

• Selected candidates will be invited to a confidential preliminary meeting with Anthony Goddard and Angela Short in central London on either Tuesday 20th or Wednesday 21st February.

• Long list interviews with members of the Governors’ selection panel will take place at Repton School on 26th or 27th February, which will include an opportunity to visit Foremarke Hall.

• Final round interviews will take place at Foremarke Hall School on 7th and 8th March.

MORE INFORMATION For more detailed information on Foremarke Hall School, please visit the website: https://www.foremarke.org.uk/

Founded in 2002 by Russell Speirs, RSAcademics specialises in schools, in the UK and internationally, advising on marketing strategy and research, leadership consultancy and the search and selection of Heads and senior staff. Comprising a team of the best schools’ marketing professionals and respected former school leaders, RSAcademics provides a high-quality service to schools with rigour, experience and warmth. Please visit www.rsacademics.co.uk for more information.