Headteacher

Thank you for your interest in the position of Headteacher at Poole Grammar School for 1st September 2024.

We are seeking an inspirational Headteacher and leader to ensure that Poole Grammar School remains true to its ethos. We aspire to be an inclusive community dedicated to delivering the broadest education possible to boys from all backgrounds in an environment where students and staff alike are respected, valued and celebrated.

At Poole Grammar School we believe passionately that a good education is the key to unlocking every child's future potential.

The successful candidate will share our belief in grammar schools; what they can offer; and must demonstrate a commitment to achieving the best possible educational outcomes for all our students. He or she will share our belief in focusing on the core business of Teaching & Learning whilst extending the cultural horizons of all our students.

We are justifiably proud of our reputation for providing high quality teaching, coupled with excellent pastoral support, to ensure the best possible outcomes for each and every one of our students. School leaders put this ethos at the centre of their decisions and actions and this approach permeates throughout the school. We offer not only a broad academic curriculum, but one which is complemented by a wide and expanding range of extra-curricular activities.

Poole Grammar School is a selective boys' school (Years 7-13) with a little over 1,200 students including 300 in the Sixth Form. We are a stand-alone academy, but working in collaboration with Parkstone Grammar School

for girls allows us to offer an extended range of A level subjects. We are also part of an informal network of grammar schools in the South West (South West Academic Trust - SWAT). When Ofsted inspected in March 2024, we were rated as Good in all areas and have seen consistent improvement in examination results at both GCSE and A level over the past three years.

Poole Grammar School is not just focused on its academic outcomes but is wholly committed to all our students experiencing the widest possible range of intellectual, cultural and sporting opportunities. We place great importance on providing opportunities for sport, music, drama and travel to name but a few. We aim to send our young men out into the world with the best academic results possible and a range of interests that will last them a lifetime and sustain them throughout what will be extended working lives. They will have the confidence to succeed; and memories to last a lifetime.

This is not just a school, but a cohesive community where every student matters, not just the brightest and best. Furthermore we actively seek, wherever possible, to extend our offer to students with special educational needs and disabilities. It is truly humbling to see how well many such students have achieved with us, despite these challenges, and to witness how our able-bodied students support them - one of the aspects of this school of which I am most proud.

We aim to admit able boys from all sections of the local community, particularly those less advantaged, and this is reflected in our admissions policy.

Despite the funding challenges faced by all schools in recent years, improvements have been made to the fabric of the building, most notably the opening of the new Sports Hall which was completed in September 2023.

Working relationships throughout the school are excellent and we seek a Headteacher who will be appreciative of the contribution made by all staff, both teaching and support. He/she will be positive in promoting the professional development of all staff and maintain the collaborative culture ingrained within our school.

The Headteacher and Leadership Group enjoy a strong and collaborative relationship with the Governing Body. I am privileged to lead an experienced team of governors who provide effective levels of support and challenge, and assist in setting the strategic direction of the school.

We are ambitious for the future. We have developed a strategic plan focused on the revitalization of the Sixth Form, narrowing the attainment gap for disadvantaged students and wide spread curriculum review which is ongoing.

We therefore welcome applications from enthusiastic leaders with a passion for education who are keen to accept the challenges of a senior leadership role in a dynamic, successful and high achieving school. We encourage applications from candidates currently working in all sectors of education.

Potential applicants are very welcome to visit the school, to meet us and discuss our ambitions for the future.

Next Steps:

If you are interested in joining our professional and friendly team then please visit our website and complete the online application form. Full details of the post can also be found on our website.

Poole Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS application. Poole Grammar School also promotes equal opportunities for its workforce.