Head of Education

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and inspirational Headteacher to lead our vibrant and highly respected Boarding school, Queen Victoria School. As a key leadership role within the school, the Headteacher will be responsible for leading change, assessing progress, and bringing children, staff, and parents on the journey of continual school improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Direction and Development
   Work with Defence Children Services (DCS) and His Majesty's Commissioners (HMC) to develop a strategic view for the school and analyse and plan for the future needs and further development of the school within the local, Scottish, and MOD context.
2. Leading Teaching and Learning
   Ensure that all pupils receive an outstanding Scottish education through a programme designed to promote a stimulating and healthy learning environment, meeting the expectations of Education Scotland.
3. Providing a Unique Thriving Boarding Environment
   Maximise the contribution of staff to maintain high-quality pastoral support to students and ensure that appropriate supportive relationships are formed between staff and pupils.
4. Leading and Managing Staff
   Maximise the contribution of staff to improve the quality of education provided and standards achieved.
5. Safe, Efficient, and Effective Deployment of Staff and Resources
   Work with DCS, HMC, and senior colleagues to recruit staff of the highest quality and deploy and develop all staff effectively to improve the quality of education provided.
6. Quality Assurance
   Meet all requirements of Education Scotland, The Care Inspectorate, and DCS, while also ensuring every young person is provided with exceptional levels of support and challenge throughout their time at QVS.
7. Strengthening Community
   Build within the school a culture and curriculum that celebrates the richness and diversity of the school community.
8. Safeguarding Children
   Be responsible for the safeguarding and child protection of all students at QVS, in tandem with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and House teams.

Person Specification

1. Has attained the Standard for Headship via Into Headship or other pathway (SQH, NPQH, etc).
2. Currently in a senior leadership role within a Secondary school with a proven ability to lead outstanding teaching, learning, and/or pastoral care, including:

• Evidence of strategies for raising achievement and achieving excellence.
• Successful senior leadership that supports, motivates, challenges, and develops students and staff.
• Evidence of supporting the provision of pastoral care within a school environment.

Be registered with the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS).Evidence of strategic leadership, including:

• Contributing to the strategic direction and development of the school.
• An understanding of what makes an excellent school under the How Good is Our School (HGIOS) framework.
• Strategic financial planning, budgetary management, and principles of best value for money.
• Leading change.
• Creativity and innovation.

Experience of leading and managing staff so that teams and individuals perform to their best.Experience of managing performance of staff and understanding the relationship between Continuous Professional Development and sustained school improvement.Knowledge and understanding of successful systems to monitor and evaluate a school's performance.Excellent skills of collaboration and networking for the benefit of pupils.Evidence of strong personal/professional skills, including:

• The ability to lead, inspire, challenge, and empower teams/individuals to perform outstandingly.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt your style to a range of audiences.
• Emotional resilience in working through challenges.

Experience of contributing to the development of an extra-curricular programme that would support pupils within a boarding environment.Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status as defined by the Department for Education.
• Evidence of qualification will be required at interview.

Memberships

• Membership with the General Teaching Council of Scotland.

Behaviours

• Leadership.
• Working Together.
• Developing Self and Others.

---