CANDIDATE INFORMATION FOR THE POSITION OF HEAD

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL, WINDSOR CASTLE

THE SCHOOLSt George’s School, Windsor Castle was founded in 1348 to educate the boy Choristers of St George’s Chapel. The School remains true to that foundation, operating as a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, incorporating a residential Choir School.

Originally housed within the grounds of Windsor Castle, the School moved to its current site at the foot of the great walls of the Castle in 1892 and began to admit non-Chorister pupils in the same year. In 1996, the School established a pre-prep department and widened its admissions to include girls. There are currently approximately 330 children, of whom 19 are Choristers.

The School’s status as a leading Choir School rightly means that music is a prominent part of School life for all pupils, and as such, offers opportunities and experiences not readily found elsewhere. The School plays a key role in the College of St George in its responsibility for the education of the Choristers. This relationship with the College is the very reason for the School’s existence and the privileges it enjoys.

The School is very proud of its heritage and the children develop a keen sense of place. The links to Windsor Castle are fundamentally entwined and there remains a wonderfully special ambience to this learning environment. Children are inspired and encouraged to respect the centuries’ old traditions whilst embracing a broad-based education. Speech Day and other school events take place in St George’s Chapel, and extra-curricular opportunities take advantage of this unique setting, including sports in Home Park Private.

As a Christian school, we also welcome those of other faiths and none. The School is passionate about providing children with a friendly, supportive environment which encourages mutual respect. A guiding tenet is for all members of the School community to be valued for their contributions and have a sense of belonging. The School’s philosophy is to provide a caring, happy and stimulating community where ambitious academic success, excellent pastoral care and a rich breadth of opportunities combine to create a first-class education for every pupil.

THE POSITION OF HEADThe Governors of St George’s School invite applications for the position of Head from candidates who preferably could take up the post from January 2019. They seek to appoint an exceptional educational leader with a commitment to instilling a love of learning through a creative yet rigorous curriculum.

The successful candidate will have an appreciation of the complexities of a Choir School, the role that the School plays in the musical life of Choristers and the relationship with the College of St George. The new Head will need to have the confidence and diplomacy to embrace, and encourage others to embrace, this USP of the School. He/she will know how to balance the different requirements of the Choristers, who as ‘professional’ musicians have a commitment that can necessitate them ‘working’ over 20 hours per week more than the other pupils. To this end, he/she will be expected to build a strong connection with the Dean and Canons of Windsor, the Director of Chapel Music and other members of the College. The Head, as a member of The College, is expected to be fully involved in the life and activity of the Choristers, and this brings with it certain obligations such as attendance at, amongst others, Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Day and Ascension Day services.

Able to offer calm, measured and patient leadership, the successful candidate will be an excellent communicator who inspires children, parents, staff and Governors, and works collaboratively with them with self-assurance and strength of character. Relationships with Senior School Heads and knowledge of the Year 8 transfer market, particularly in the South East, will be very important.

A strong leader is sought who is willing to support, encourage, develop and celebrate excellence whilst enjoying the full life of this community, in which music, sport and culture play a significant part, and who has the energy to meet the added demands of a boarding school and Choir School. The Head of St George’s School is a member of the Choir Schools’ Association and IAPS (District 10).

In 2015, the Governors and the Senior Leadership Team developed a Strategic Plan, the four Strategic Intents of which are: ‘Great School, Great Music, Great Community and Great Support’. The new Head will have a clear vision, and will be able to liaise with the Governors, staff and community to deliver on these intents. He/she will have the ability to build on this plan, to assure all stake holders of the uniqueness of the School and make it the ‘go-to’ school in the area and beyond.

LOCATION, CAMPUS AND FACILITIESOccupying an iconic setting nestled below Windsor Castle, St George’s is perfectly situated with direct access to the Castle via a stairway through the ramparts, and right at the centre of the bustle of the historic town. Just steps across the road from the School is the Windsor and Eton Riverside train station which enables easy travel to the local area and London within an hour. Both Heathrow airport (12 miles) and Central London (22 miles) make it a prime location for busy parents.

The impressive original building, which once served as an alms house for Naval Knights, boasts a colonnaded walkway providing a sense of the history of the location. This opens out onto the Headmaster’s Lawn, the Chapter Garden, the large grass play areas, the hard surface playground with tennis/netball courts, a wooden adventure trail and an outdoor classroom.

Venturing through a secure door from the playground, the children have access to the stunning open space of Home Park Private in the Castle grounds. Her Majesty the Queen, continuing in the tradition of her predecessors, generously grants the School permission to use an area as playing fields. These secure and private fields are used for a broad range of sports, including inter-school Rugby, Cricket, Athletics fixtures and tournaments, as well as for the occasional nature walk. Plans are underway for the sports pavilion renovation (subject to planning) which will include changing facilities and a kitchen to prepare match teas.

The buildings have grown with the School and have undergone significant renovations and sympathetic extensions over the years, including specialist teaching areas for many subjects.

In the main building, at the heart of the School, is the Boarding House for both Choristers and other pupils who wish to take advantage of flexi-boarding accommodation, including accommodation for Boarding House parents and matrons. A recently refurbished Computing and ICT laboratory boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including touchscreen workstations to complement the classroom iPads in use around the School. Two fully equipped Science laboratories, preparation room and external teaching area, completed in 2010, provide the necessary equipment to teach Biology, Chemistry and Physics including a large fume cupboard and a solar telescope. The art studio provides natural light for a broad and popular curriculum, including the use of a kiln. The well-stocked library is fitted with desk units which incorporate integral computers for research. Older pupils are able to develop key kitchen skills in the Food Tech laboratory, completed in 2012.The immaculately equipped and spacious Design Technology room allows pupils to learn about woodwork, plastics, light metalwork and soldering electronics. The original school hall, ‘The Victoria’, with its raised stage and stage lighting, holds drama performances, evening concerts, nativities and morning Choir practice. A small central gym is used for Physical Education. The School’s indoor swimming pool enables all pupils to have weekly swimming lessons. Boarding pupils use the pool for activities at weekends and in the evening. A central and light Dining Room with bright, colourful tables and walls adorned with Honours and Chorister boards provides the children with hot and cold buffet lunches, including a salad and fruit bar, and boarders with breakfast and supper.

The purpose-built Lower School for Nursery through to Year 3, located at one end of the main school building, was completed in 1996 and provides a warm and inspiring space for the younger children. A bright central hall offers a large area for Lower School assemblies and events. Nursery and Reception

classes lead from the hall and have direct access to the impressive and stimulating Early Years outdoor playground, complete with wormery and mud kitchen.

Directly adjacent to the Lower School, is the Head’s house built in 2006. It is a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom family house with sitting room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, small private garden and access to the Castle.

Old Bank House, acquired by the School in 2006, is home to Years 4 and 5 classrooms which lead from the original grand staircase of the building. It also houses a dedicated Modern Language Room with listening laboratory. There are eleven Music practice rooms all equipped with a piano. The most impressive recent addition is the 2016 installation of a high-tech Music Room furnished with an iMac suite of computers and keyboards, and a recording facility in what was once the main safe of Old Bank House. Complete with mixing desk and a linked system to the Music office, this new teaching facility allows pupils to explore the technical side of Music production and editing.

THE SCHOOL STRUCTUREUsual points of entry are into Nursery, Reception, and Year 5. When a place becomes available from Year 1 and above, the prospective pupil is invited to visit the School for a day when a number of informal assessments are carried out. In the majority of cases, children joining the Lower School transfer to the Upper School.

Choristers are normally admitted between the ages of 7 and 9. They may have attended the Pre-Prep Department or come from another school. Auditions for Choristerships are held annually and the Chorister for a Day initiative is a useful recruitment tool, inviting children and their parents to experience the life of a Chorister. Once surpliced all Choristers board at the School, and all children from Year 4 onwards are able to take advantage of flexi-boarding.

After boarders’ breakfast and instrument practice, the school doors open to the day pupils at 8.00am. The children start the day with registration, form time and Choir practice, before coming together in Assemblies, House meetings or PSHE lessons.

Lunch is taken in two sittings in the Dining Room (Reception to Year 3 and Years 4 to 8). After School Care is available for Reception to Year 2 pupils from 3.30pm to 5.45pm. Two supervised Prep sessions are also held each day (except Wednesday) from 4.10pm - 4.55pm and 5pm - 5.45pm. The extensive after-school activities and clubs for Year 4 upwards also take place from 4.10pm to 5.45pm.

Year groups start as two forms per year in Reception through to Year 5 where the capacity per class is 20 pupils. A further intake in Year 5 allows a split into three parallel classes with a capacity of 16 per class, keeping the classes small to enable optimal learning.

The Senior Leadership Team consisting of the Head, Deputy Head, Assistant Head - Academic (Upper School), Assistant Head - Pastoral (Upper School), Assistant Head (Lower School), and Business Director is supported by a large and committed staff of form teachers and highly qualified specialist subject teachers, many of whom are experts in their fields.

DESTINATION SCHOOLSDestination schools in 2017 included: Ardingly College, Bradfield College, Eton College, Hampton School, Holyport College, Leighton Park School, Luckley House School, Merchant Taylors’ School, Rugby School, St George’s Ascot, St James’s Ashford, St Mary’s Ascot, Wellington College, Winchester College, and Windsor Boy’s School. Several Scholarships were awarded to leavers, e.g. Academic Scholarships were awarded last year to Hampton School, Leighton Park School and Luckley House, along with a Music Scholarship to Rugby School and a Music Exhibition to Winchester College.

ACADEMIC MATTERSThe aim of St George’s is to provide a high-quality education which fully prepares children for the next stage of their learning whilst inculcating a love of learning and developing enquiring minds. Central to this ethos is the belief in developing happy, self-confident children. The teaching staff’s ultimate objective is to identify and nurture in each child their individual skills and talents to enable them to achieve their potential. To this end, the curriculum is broad, giving every child the opportunity to find and develop their own talents.

The vibrant and happy Lower School houses the Early Years (from age 3 to 5) with a morning Nursery class and two Reception classes, along with Years 1 to 3. The spacious, purpose-built Nursery and Reception classes allow a broad range of inspiring and engaging activities to be taught by experienced teachers. The Early Years setting is exempt from the Early Years learning and development requirements of EYFS. However, the Early Years profile is still undertaken with a large majority of pupils reaching, and several exceeding, the Early Years Goals. The 2016 Inspection described the teaching in Nursery as ‘inspirational’.

Years 1 to 3 experience an enhanced curriculum designed to stimulate and challenge, giving them the confidence for a life-long love of learning. The Inspection celebrated the positive approach instilled in the children from this age and beyond: ‘Pupils consistently demonstrate extremely positive attitudes towards learning and take great care over the quality and presentation of their work. They work together extremely well and support each other’s progress… Their entirely positive approach to learning contributes substantially to their excellent achievement.’

At the end of Year 3, the children move to the Upper School and the classrooms in Old Bank House. The children in Years 4 and 5 are encouraged to develop more independent learning skills.

When the pupils enter Year 4 they are taught by their class teacher in core subjects. In a number of subject areas, such as Art, Design Technology, Modern Languages, Science, Sports and Music, they are taught by subject specialists.

As pupils move on to Year 6, lessons take place in the main school building and as the pupils move through Years 6, 7 and 8, enhanced demands are made on them in terms of the quality and depth of the work which they produce. Their work, development and wellbeing are carefully monitored by a designated Form Tutor supported by the Assistant Head - Academic and the Assistant Head - Pastoral.

Science teaching is exceptional whilst critical reasoning, evaluation of evidence and data analysis is instilled. Classroom learning is extended by talks from visiting scientists and astrophysicists, along with trips to museums such as the Winchester Science Centre and stargazing evenings. St George’s School is part of the National Schools Observatory which allows the pupils to study some of the amazing things that can be seen in the night sky for themselves with access to the world’s largest fully-robotic telescopes, based on the Canary Island of La Palma and the Faulkes Telescope in Hawaii. The pupils can access pictures from the telescopes and manipulate the images using photo editing software. The Science department also runs a popular Astronomy club.

The Humanities syllabus frequently incorporates fieldwork in the outside classroom and school grounds. The Christian heritage of the School forms an integral part of the Humanities work in Religious Studies, where pupils are encouraged to be open-minded and tolerant towards other faiths and beliefs.

French is taught from the Nursery upwards with lessons increasing in number for the older year groups. Spanish is introduced in Year 6 and is offered as a conversational subject for those pupils who wish to continue in Years 7 and 8. Latin begins in Year 5 and continues through to Year 8 with an increasing curriculum entitlement. In Years 4, 5 and 6 pupils have the option of learning German as a co-curricular activity after school.

THE CHORISTERSThe musical tradition of a Choir School pervades the ethos and personality of St George’s. The Choristers fulfil a vital role in the daily life of both the School and the College and are part of the very DNA of this special place.

St George’s has up to 23 Choristers and these boys are normally appointed between the ages of 7 and 9 after an audition. In addition to the excellent musical grounding that they receive from the Director of Chapel Music, the Assistant Director of Music and Organ Scholar, they receive regular singing lessons. Within the School, Choristers also take music theory lessons and learn to play at least two instruments.

The Chorister focus is scheduled before and after School, and at weekends. Each morning they undertake rehearsals with the Director of Chapel Music at School. A second practice each afternoon takes place in the Song School within the Castle grounds in preparation for Evensong. The Choristers live in the School’s Boarding House from Sunday morning to Friday evening, singing in services on most days. In addition to singing the regular round of St George’s Chapel services, Choristers take part on special occasions such as Garter Day, and either remain in School or return during the holidays in preparation for their performances on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas.

The surplicing of Probationers when they graduate to full Chorister status is celebrated by the whole School. The boys receive their surplices in front of family and friends during a service in the Chapel and are given a school Chorister tie. Choristers undertake engagements across the UK and represent St George’s Chapel on tours abroad. A recent trip took them to Haarlem in The Netherlands, where they sang at St Bavo’s Cathedral.

MUSICThe busy Music Department is led by the Director of Music, supported by a dedicated team of Visiting Music teachers. Music is part of the very fabric of St George’s and plays an integral part of School life. 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, allowing them to find their individual strengths and flourish as musicians if they so choose.

All children receive weekly class Music lessons and have further opportunities to learn the full range of orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, drums and organ. Additionally, they can play in ensembles, sing in choirs, take part in concerts, and learn music theory, composition and technology.

The choral tradition is not only reserved for the Choristers and the School runs various choirs which are extremely successful and popular: The Supers’ Choir, open to all girls and boys from across Years 4 to 8 who wish to join, currently has around 70 members. As well as singing regularly in Chapel, the choir sings for many concerts, often as outside engagements. Most recently, the choir sang at the Cadogan Hall, London as part of the Children’s Trust Christmas Concert, alongside the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department. A smaller Chamber Choir of around 25 children sings for Chapel services and concerts alike. This choir works at a more intense pace and rehearses twice weekly with all members learning to sight-read their music. All members of the Chamber Choir also sing as part of The Supers’ Choir. Boys and girls in Years 3, 4 and 5 all participate in the Training Choir and learn the foundations of good vocal technique as they prepare performances for Chapel, assemblies and other school engagements.

Last year, the Directors of Music of both the School and Chapel brought together 150 musicians to produce a concert in St George’s Chapel.

A packed audience of parents, pupils and friends were treated to a variety of choral items, interspersed with instrumental solos and ensembles, demonstrating the quality and depth of music making at St George’s.

The House Music Competition involves every House member from the Reception class to Year 8, and regular informal concerts performed by individual music pupils demonstrate the wealth of musical talent at the School.

The 2016 Inspection confirmed this musical excellence of the School and recognised the achievements of the children in public exams: ‘Pupils demonstrate considerable success in music, with a very large majority of pupils learning musical instruments and many attain Grade 5 or Grade 6 by the time they leave the School. Many pupils achieve excellent national music examination results.’

PERFORMING ARTSDuring the course of the school year, every child in the School is involved in one or more drama productions, showcasing their acting, dancing and singing talents. Years 3 and 4 have a weekly Drama lesson within the curriculum and Years 5 to 8 are offered optional LAMDA classes and examinations as a co-curricular activity. Ballet is also offered as a co-curricular activity for children from Nursery upwards.

Drama and Music are brought together in an annual, large-scale musical theatre production for Years 5 to 8 involving a full cast and orchestra, which takes place in Eton College’s 400-seat Farrer Theatre.

ART AND TECHNOLOGYThere is a dedicated Art Room where children experiment in a wide range of techniques and media for artistic expression, including drawing, printing, textiles, and painting. The school kiln brings the children’s creations in sculpture and pottery to life and enables them to fully understand the artistic process.

Both Design Technology and Food Technology are extremely popular for pupils from Year 3 to Year 8 with investment in these wonderful facilities paying dividends. The children’s hands-on learning and development of key skills and processes within these dedicated teaching environments have been greatly enhanced and extended to provide the children with an understanding of traditional crafts and exciting technological advances.

SPORTSport is particularly strong at St George’s as observed by the Inspectors: ‘proficiency in games and sports is very high’. The Sports Department works hard to provide opportunities for all pupils to play competitively, be part of a team, embrace a variety of sports and learn the benefits of a life enriched by physical activity. In the recent Autumn (Michaelmas) Term alone the pupils played no less than 165 Football matches, 10 Football tournaments, 40 Hockey matches, 35 Netball matches, 2 Netball tournaments, several Swimming galas, a Golf competition and numerous House events. Last October, St George’s hosted its biggest tournament to date, attended by 23 U10 teams from local Prep schools.

The Sports teachers are passionately committed to advancing sporting opportunities and maximising pupils’ potential at whatever level they play. Emphasis is placed on a wide range of sport for all pupils, with Football, Netball, Hockey, Rugby being the major sports played throughout the year and other competitive sports on offer including Swimming, Athletics, Cricket, Lacrosse, Tennis and even Triathlon. The co-curricular programme enables children to learn from a range of other diverse physical activities such as Fencing, Judo, Golf and Yoga.

Many of the children have achieved both regional and national success with boys’ and girls’ teams and individuals regularly qualifying in regional competitions to represent the School nationally. For example, in 2017, the Under-11 boy’s six-a-side Football team became the ISFA National champions – a first for St George’s. Three athletes represented the School in the IAPS London Area Athletics, coming first in their events and in the National Finals took two silvers and one gold. There were top ten finishes for members of the Fencing team at the IAPS National Fencing competition and pupils represented the School at the IAPS National Swimming gala.

St George’s is fortunate with the facilities it can use for Sport, including the gym, indoor swimming pool and the playing fields in Home Park Private. The School also works with local leisure facilities and Eton College, enabling the School to host swimming galas or benefit from astroturf pitches.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND CLUBSWith a host of over 60 after-school activities and clubs, children are encouraged to extend their aspirations, skills and range of interests beyond the classroom. Every day, except Wednesday, the children can choose activities from a balanced and stimulating programme run by both teachers and

appointed external experts, which take place between the end of lessons and 6pm, including: Choirs, Music Theory Club, Instrumental Ensembles, Gymnastics, Judo, Ballet, Scrumys Rugby and Football, Rugby, Golf, Yoga, Fencing, Tennis, Power Pilates, Cricket, Indoor Games League, Triathlon, Cross-Country, Chess Club, Lego and Board Games, Sewing and Patchwork, Astronomy/Science Club, Arts and Crafts Club, Cooking and Baking, Painting, English Club, Debating/Philosophy Club, Stop Motion Animation, Design Technology, Maths Minds.

Every year group enjoys educational visits to historic sites, farms, museums, theatres and galleries which tie in to their topics and project work. The younger children visit Windsor Castle, the RHS Gardens at Wisley, the Florence Nightingale Museum, the Polka Theatre, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Wellington Country Park and the Henley River & Rowing Museum. Once a year, pupils from Years 3 to 8 head out on an ‘Expeditions Day’ to destinations including the Natural History Museum, Rugged Earth Adventures, Sutton Life Centre, the Chiltern Open Air Museum, Whipsnade Zoo, the Victorian Schoolroom at Guildford Museum, Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium and Warwick Castle.

Trips further afield include Year 5’s PGL adventure in Merchants Hill; a week in France for Year 6; a day of leadership challenges at Bray Lake in Year 7 and indoor rock climbing at Craggy Island. Year 8 depart on a residential expedition to the South of France after Common Entrance exams have taken place.

Visits to the School from inspirational speakers and performers are welcomed, such as the recent assembly and workshops using percussion instruments by Brian Moses, the renowned children’s performance poet, writer and percussionist; a visit by the French theatre company, Onatti, who performed a play in both French and English called ‘Le Château’ for Years 5 and 6; and the opportunity to meet the Osiligi Maasai Warriors who described their life in Kenya and performed songs and dances.

The daily life of the children is packed with projects, initiatives and workshops that enhance the curriculum. Everyone participates in whole School events, such as dressing up to enjoy World Book Day. Year 3 recently experienced life as an Egyptian on Egyptian Day where The Victoria was transformed into a market place in Ancient Egypt and children learnt crafts such as making lamps with olive oil, writing on papyrus using hieroglyphics and making canoptic jars, followed by an Egyptian banquet. Dance workshops with an instructor from Perform UK; guide dogs visit to Nursery and Djembe drum workshops have also enriched the children’s school days over the last term.

PASTORAL CARE AND BOARDINGThe happiness and safety of every child is the School’s top priority. From Nursery to Year 5 pupil development and wellbeing is closely monitored by the class teacher. In Years 6 to 8 the Form Tutor meets with pupils on a daily basis. Children are encouraged to be open and talk about anything that may be concerning them and Assemblies and PSHE lessons are group time to enable the children to discuss the issues that they may face in today’s society.

The Pastoral Committee, chaired by the Assistant Head – Pastoral and attended by the Assistant Head – Lower School, the School Chaplain and one of the House Parents, meets weekly to monitor children’s wellbeing and pastoral support needs.

Boarding is overseen by House Parents, who live in the onsite Boarding House together with their two sons and two dogs, creating a comfortable family atmosphere. The Boarding House is the term time home of the Choristers and there are also boarding and flexi-boarding opportunities for girls and boys from Year 4 upwards. This is a real area for growth.

After school has finished for the day, and the Choristers have celebrated Evensong, there are a variety of additional evening activities available after supper. The children head to the Boarding House at 8pm where they are supported by their House Parents, a Boarding Assistant, two Matrons, two Graduate Assistants and a Gap Year Student.

THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY With the core belief in educating and nurturing the “whole child”, the School aims to provide each pupil with a wide range of learning experiences. There is a strong focus on encouraging mutual respect and the 2016 ISI Inspection report highlighted the School’s achievements in this area: ‘The pupils’ personal development is excellent. Pupils relate extremely well to each other and to staff and demonstrate loyalty and compassion. They leave the school with outstanding personal skills and convey a substantial awareness of right and wrong.’

The self-confidence of the pupils is evidenced by their willingness, from even the very youngest, to engage in an articulate and open manner. The children are taught to care for and support each other and to work together harmoniously. A ‘Friendship Bench’ is often effectively used by an older child checking up on a younger child who may need attention. There is a mentoring scheme in which Year 8 pupils are assigned to specific class groups.

Mutual respect is at the core of the School and structures such as the House system allow children of all ages to further interact across the age groups, work together and support each other in an atmosphere of healthy rivalry in inter-House competitions. There are House matches in key areas of sport, such as Swimming, Netball, Football, Cross-country and Athletics and other events such as an

annual Music competition, lunches and fundraising for charity events, all aimed at building a sense of belonging to a House. Cups are awarded for successes in major House competitions. As a member of one of the four Houses, children can earn House points for effort, attainment or outstanding behaviour. Points are awarded in the form of coloured tokens with collection points in the Lower School and Upper School, each House having its own token collection column to enable the children to see how well their House is doing. The four houses are Revenge, Rodney, Vindictive and Victory, named after famous Royal Naval ships, reflecting the fact that the main school building once housed the Naval Knights of Windsor.

The Senior Prefect team plays an important part in running their House and acting as role models for other pupils. As pupils reach set goals throughout the year, they are awarded a Bronze certificate for attaining 30 points, a Silver certificate for 50 points and a Gold certificate for 80 points. The Head of House presents the Bronze and Silver certificates and the Head presents the Gold certificates. Pupils reaching 100 points are presented with a ‘100 Club’ certificate by the Head at the end-of-year assembly.

The children are also encouraged to take on responsibility and to develop their leadership and inter-personal skills as they move through the School. This includes opportunities to represent the views of their year group on the Pupil Council which meets once every half term. When they reach Year 8, pupils are able to take on further responsibilities, such as mentoring younger pupils, or becoming a Prefect, a House Captain or a Captain of Sport.

There is a strong sense of the importance of helping not only those within the School community but those in the wider community. The School has recently chosen the charity ‘School in a Bag’ which supports poor, orphaned, vulnerable and disaster-affected children throughout the world.

This ‘deep sense of social responsibility’ led to the ISI Inspectors rating the social development of the pupils to be ‘Excellent’. The happy and friendly environment is enhanced by a variety of community-wide get-togethers and a sense of fun is maintained in the busy life of the School, with events such as ‘St George’s Got Talent’.

Parents are supportive and dedicated to working collaboratively with the School. Parent readers assist the children in class and, where appropriate, give talks to year groups. Reception puts on a special breakfast for Dads and Grandfathers, giving them the opportunity to better understand their children’s school life and parents are pitted against children in the annual Golf tournament.

The St George’s Parents’ Group of volunteers organises a calendar of events each year, bringing everyone together to have fun and raise money for charity and school projects. Over the last year a host of successful events took place including quizzes, the May and Christmas fairs, Christmas card sales and the June summer party. The 2016/17 activities enabled the group to donate £9000 towards the extension of the play equipment on Chapter Lawn and £1000 to the ‘School in a Bag’ charity. The second-hand uniform shop raised around £4500, which was used to revamp the long jump.

Parents have access to a parent portal on the website, receive termly diaries, detailed parent information booklets, bi-weekly newsletters and are invited to transition meetings, and curriculum and parent evenings.

THE SCHOOL FINANCESGenerally, the financial position of St George’s is good, with cash deposits held to support operating expenses and a positive balance sheet. The School has been able to finance recent capital additions, including investment in a music recording suite, from operating cashflow, but any major project work would require additional sources of finance. The School leases its buildings and site from the Dean and Canons of Windsor and has responsibility for maintenance and repair of these.

Fee increases have been 3-4% in each of the last four years. Day fees include lunch and most day trips and events. The School aims to award fee remission of 5% of gross fees and this has been achieved for each of the last four years. In addition to the fee remissions funded by the School, Choristers receive a 50% contribution to fees from the Dean and Canons of Windsor.

GOVERNANCE The School is a charitable trust which is administered by a board of Governors. The Governors, chaired by the Vice-Dean of Windsor, Canon Dr Hueston Finlay, are extremely supportive and ambitious for the School. The Chairman is joined by the Dean of Windsor, the Canon Chaplain, the Canon Steward, along with well-respected and highly involved Governors bringing expertise from the Business and Education sectors.

The Governors meet termly as sub-committees, to discuss specific matters, and all together as the School Council.

JOB DESCRIPTION You will be:

• A visionary, innovative leader with a strong record of achievement in educational management and a clear understanding of the commercial skills required to run an independent school. Experience of managing the statutory and regulatory requirements for independent day and boarding schools will be essential, and experience of a Choir School desirable

• A passionate and caring educator, a communicator who is able to inspire children, parents, staff and governors, and work confidently and collaboratively with them and alongside them, leading by example and building a strong sense of community

• An experienced and well-qualified teacher with a comprehensive understanding of the educational and pastoral needs of children in EYFS and Key Stages 1-3, in both day and boarding environments. A good understanding of the particular features and current pressures of the educational system, including innovative curriculum development for Years 7 & 8, and how to develop and maintain strong links with senior schools, is desirable

• A member of a Christian church recognised by the Church of England, fully in sympathy with the Christian mission and values of St George’s Chapel and its School and willing to engage fully with St George’s Chapel life and worship with the Choristers and as a member of the community

• A musical background is desirable though not essential, but you will be wholly committed to the importance of choral music, with an understanding of the Anglican choral tradition, and empathetic and supportive of all Music making in the School including continuing further development of this specialism.

• A proven leader with diplomacy and confidence to work effectively with many diverse people and groups, and effectively represent St George’s Chapel and its School to the wider world including its marketing and recruitment

• Adept at handling practical and personal issues raised by challenge and change, with a track record of effective change management

• Someone who appreciates the benefits of developing and maintaining links with Alumni, and encouraging philanthropic support of the School and have the ability and desire to drive this engagement

• An inspirational and resilient person of energy and enthusiasm, innovative, imaginative, patient, sensitive, consistent, reliable, open and honest, supportive, rejoicing in others’ gifts, able to confront when required and deal with occasional challenging behaviour, and to consult appropriately with others before coming to conclusions or making decisions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONSThe formal contract, detailing terms and conditions, will be drawn up on appointment. The main provisions are likely to include:

• A highly competitive remuneration package with a salary commensurate with the seniority of the post and the experience of the successful candidate. The Governors review the salary annually, effective from 1st September

• Provision of a house within the School curtilage free of council tax and utility charges

• A discount on fees for the Head’s children as pupils at the School

• Private medical insurance for the Head

• Pension provision

• Appointment subject to two terms’ notice.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Long-listed 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 successful applicant will be required to complete a self-disclosure Medical Questionnaire.

The appointment is subject to satisfactory references, clearance from the DBS, proof of identity and qualifications and a medical report. Applicants must also be willing to undergo and pass a security check.

APPLICATION PROCESSInterested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics, by email or telephone, to arrange a confidential discussion with Angela Short or Louisa Barham who are leading the search in respect of this appointment:

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

Louisa Barham 07770 928537 or email her on LouisaBarham@RSAcademics.co.uk

Diana Watkins is the senior advisor for this appointment.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Wednesday 28th February 2018

Candidates should complete their application form electronically and email it to RSAcademics, together with a covering letter, addressed to Dr Hueston Finlay, Chairman of Governors, which explains their reasons for applying. There is no need to submit a separate CV.

Please email your completed application form and covering letter (both as PDF files please) to our Project coordinator Hilary Battye at: applications@rsacademics.co.uk

Hilary can also be reached by calling our 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 our Head Office by telephone

• Preliminary Interviews will take place with RSAcademics on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th March 2018

• Long List interviews will take place at the School on Thursday 15th March 2018

• Short List interviews will take place at the School on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd March 2018.

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.