Head of Secondary

Description

Join our Team as a Head of Secondary

Are you enthusiastic about shaping the future of education? Do you excel in building strong teams that foster growth and excellence? We are seeking an outstanding Head of Secondary Recruitment to become part of our vibrant educational community starting from September 2024.

Purpose of Role

This role plays a crucial part in the School Leadership Team and involves close collaboration with the Deputy Head of School and Head of School. The Head of Secondary at Lady Elizabeth School needs an experienced educator with a profound understanding of international curricula, a dedication to student-centred learning, and exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively work with students, faculty, parents, and administrators. The Head of Secondary will offer guidance, motivation, and direction to the Leadership Teams, aiming to sustain and continually enhance the learning environment to establish LES as the School of Choice.

Responsible to:

• Deputy Head of School
• Head of School
• ISP Vision

Our vision is to become the leading international schools group in terms of quality and scale, with renowned schools within local communities and the global education sector for exceptional learning experiences, ambition, and advancement.

ISP Principles

• Begin with our children and students. Our success is directly linked to the success of our children and students. Prioritizing well-being and safety is fundamental for both learners and learning. Therefore, we are diligent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and taking appropriate actions to address all concerns.
• Treat everyone with care and respect. We support each other, embrace diversity, and nurture the well-being of both ourselves and others.
• Operate effectively. We concentrate on the most essential aspects that will have the greatest impact. We adhere to school policies and procedures while embodying the shared values of our community.
• Are financially responsible. We make mindful financial decisions based on the needs of the children, students, and our schools.
• Learn continuously. Our drive for improvement propels us forward. We actively engage in personal and professional development as well as school enhancement.

ISP Leadership Competencies

• Collaboration. Actively leads their school or region, fosters cooperation, and is a genuine team player, establishing positive relationships with colleagues to address challenges and seize opportunities.
• Learning & Getting Better. Consistently displays personal dedication and enthusiasm for learning and improvement using feedback and evidence; supporting others in their continuous learning, growth, and development.
• Innovation Leadership. Proficient in creating an environment that fosters the generation of ideas for educational initiatives and services, motivating and inspiring others throughout the creation process.
• Outcome driven. Reliable in finding solutions, constantly striving to surpass goals and emphasizing key performance indicators.
• Resilience. Capable of handling setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
• Community Focus. Committed to meeting and surpassing the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
• Integrity & Ethical Management. Demonstrates the ability to work ethically and with integrity, promoting the appreciation of others; upholding and exemplifying the ISP Vision, Purpose, and Principles.
• Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, motivates, and inspires students, colleagues, and teams to perform at their best.
• Understanding People. Proficient in assessing talent, objectively articulating the strengths and motivations of individuals within or outside the organization.
• Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences, and inspires students, parents, and colleagues through timely and effective communication.
• Agile. Adapts and responds to changing circumstances, adept at solving problems and providing solutions in uncertain situations.
• Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Skilled in applying industry and business knowledge to enhance effectiveness and profitability.
• Planning & Decision Making. Makes informed decisions and plans, organizes, and prioritizes resources to achieve desired outcomes.
• Diversity & Equity. Possesses the sensitivity, awareness, and ability to understand the values, behaviors, attitudes, and practices across cultures that support effective learning and work for all children and adults.

Key Accountabilities

• Curriculum Development and Implementation: Supervising the development, evaluation, and execution of the secondary curriculum to ensure alignment with educational standards, school objectives, and student requirements.
• Faculty Management and Development: Recruiting, training, managing, and assessing secondary school educators. Providing opportunities for professional development to enhance teaching skills and instructional approaches.
• Student Academic Progress and Achievement: Monitoring student academic advancement and performance through data analysis, assessments, and evaluations. Implementing strategies to bolster student learning and academic success.
• School Culture and Discipline: Cultivating a positive and inclusive school culture conducive to learning and advancement. Establishing and enforcing disciplinary protocols and procedures to maintain a secure and respectful learning environment.
• Parent and Community Engagement: Collaborating with parents, caregivers, and the community to bolster student learning and growth. Facilitating communication and partnerships to enhance parental involvement and support.
• Administrative Leadership: Providing leadership and guidance in the daily operations of the secondary school, including scheduling, budgeting, facility management, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Student Support Services: Supervising the provision of counseling, special education, and other support services to address the unique needs of secondary students. Coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support for student well-being.
• Extracurricular Activities and Enrichment Programs: Developing and supervising extracurricular activities, clubs, and enrichment programs to enhance the overall educational experience and encourage student engagement and personal growth.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Establishing and implementing systems for assessing and evaluating student learning outcomes, teacher effectiveness, and overall school performance. Using data to guide decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
• Professional Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborating with other school leaders, administrators, and stakeholders to promote a unified vision and objectives for the secondary school.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessment and Evaluation:
  • Commissioning and overseeing assessments such as baseline testing and examination results analysis to inform educational strategies.
  • Leading the target setting process and monitoring pupil performance, ensuring continual improvement aligned with school objectives.
  • Collaborating with the Head of Admissions to assess applicant suitability for school placements.
  • Supervising entrance testing procedures in coordination with Department Heads.
  • Compiling and presenting annual academic achievement reports to the Whole School Senior Leadership Team.
  • Managing the Future Pathways program to offer comprehensive career and university guidance to secondary students, empowering them to make informed future decisions.
• Staff Recruitment, Onboarding, and Development:
  • Working closely with HR to streamline staff recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with school requirements and goals.
  • Overseeing the onboarding of new staff members, organizing academic induction sessions, and providing necessary assistance.
  • Developing and implementing continuous staff development programs to enhance teaching skills and professional growth.
  • Responsible for implementing the Teacher Learning Self-Evaluation and setting learning targets for ongoing improvement.
  • Providing strategic guidance to MLT members to maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and achievement.
• Curriculum Development and Implementation:
  • Creating and finalizing the annual curriculum plan in accordance with the school's Learning Improvement Plan.
  • Developing efficient academic timetables to maximize learning outcomes, prioritize teacher preferences, and optimize learning opportunities.
  • Managing subject selections and facilitating student class assignments across all year groups.
  • Chairing MLT meetings, actively participating in relevant meetings and conferences, and contributing to school inspections and responses.
  • Generating reports for stakeholders and the senior leadership team to analyze student data, including attendance, academic performance, and behavioral indicators, identifying trends and areas for intervention.
• Parent and Community Engagement:
  • Managing academic progress reporting to parents, ensuring transparency and clarity.
  • Organizing and conducting parent meetings, providing platforms for discussions on academic matters and school policies.
  • Ensuring timely dissemination of information related to the curriculum, subject selections, and content as needed.
  • Collaborating with Marketing and Admissions to arrange community events.
• Budget Oversight:
  • Accountable for presenting staffing, academic, and stationery budgets, ensuring alignment with school priorities and financial directives.
  • Working closely with pertinent stakeholders to develop and finalize other school budgets, offering detailed analysis and recommendations as necessary.
  • Monitoring expenditures against allocated budgets, identifying areas for optimization and efficiency enhancement.
• Student Support Services:
  • Leading and supporting the implementation of English as an Additional Language (EAL) and multilingual programs to address diverse student needs and encourage inclusive learning environments.
  • Ensuring comprehensive counseling services are provided to address the social, emotional, and academic requirements of secondary students. Overseeing the implementation of counseling programs and initiatives to assist students in navigating personal and academic challenges.
  • Coordinating special education services and accommodations for students with various learning needs in collaboration with special education teachers and support staff.
  • Facilitating the integration of support services, including counseling, special education, and academic support, to provide holistic student support.
  • Implementing initiatives to promote student well-being and raise awareness of mental health within the school community.
• School Culture and Discipline:
  • Ensuring the overall welfare and well-being of secondary students within the school community.
  • Implementing policies and procedures to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
  • Developing and enforcing a positive behavior management system that encourages respect, responsibility, and accountability among students.
  • Overseeing the implementation of disciplinary protocols and procedures to address misconduct and maintain order within the school. Collaborating with staff, students, and parents to manage behavioral issues and promote positive behavioral changes.
• Professional Collaboration and Leadership:
  • Developing, maintaining, and executing an academic curriculum development plan aligned with school objectives and standards.
  • Staying informed about national curriculum policy changes and adjusting school strategies accordingly.
  • Fostering collaboration with senior colleagues to propel overall school development.
  • Working in partnership with the Schools Senior Leadership Team to uphold the school's leadership position in educational performance, innovation, and thought leadership on local, national, and international levels.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• Master's degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year experience in Head of Secondary management.
• Extensive background in secondary education, preferably in an international context.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including strategic planning, team building, and change management.
• Thorough comprehension of international education frameworks, curriculum standards, and assessment practices.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills.
• Proven capacity to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, encompassing students, parents, faculty, and community members.
• Dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of school life.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

Lady Elizabeth and ISP are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All individuals in these positions are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the past 10 years of employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is focused on enhancing our inclusive culture by identifying, recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing team members irrespective of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodiversity, socio-economic background, or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who resonate with our vision and principles and are keen on contributing to ISP's success through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.