HeadCANDIDATE INFORMATION

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in our unique and wonderful school. Our current Head, Del Cooke, is retiring next summer, after seven very successful years at the helm.

The Henrietta Barnett School is a selective girls’ grammar school that combines outstanding academic results with a very strong focus on the whole person. Drawing students from a diverse range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, our school prepares students to become confident, capable women by fostering their curiosity, creativity and independence of mind within a caring and supportive community.

Even before the ongoing disruption arising from the pandemic, the last few years presented challenges in terms of ensuring student wellbeing and managing financial pressures. The Henrietta Barnett School weathered those challenges well, with a strong and happy school community and consistently strong academic outcomes. We also received confirmation of our ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted in late 2019.

We would like to hear from candidates who feel they could fall in love with the school, its community and culture, and want to bring their own energy, ideas and enthusiasm to help us tackle the opportunities and challenges of a changing world. You will be able to lead by example, inspiring and motivating students and staff, and building a secure and resilient future on the foundation of the school’s many strengths.

Applications will be assessed by reference to the requirements set out in the job description and the person specification, and evidence of a good fit with the culture and ethos of the school as outlined in the school information document (and more generally on our website).

If you are as excited by this opportunity as we hope you will be, please follow the instructions in the pack on how to apply, noting the dates and structure of the application process.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Peter Cosmetatos Chair of Governors

School InformationThe Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) is an academically selective girls’ grammar school founded by Dame Henrietta Barnett in 1911. It became an academy in 2012 and currently has 802 students with 282 in the Sixth Form. Housed in its fine original Lutyens-designed building in a leafy North London suburb, HBS has good public transport and road links.

HBS has been consistently rated as an ‘Outstanding’ school by Ofsted, with our most recent inspection having taken place in November 2019. Our academic achievement, as shown through GCSE and A level results, means that we are invariably at or near the top of national league tables.

“One of the best academic state schools in the country, providing a gentle, inspiring education in a wonderful setting for clever girls”.The Good Schools Guide

Over the last decade the school buildings have been refurbished and added to as part of a rolling programme to improve facilities. This has included a complete refurbishment of the main building and science wing and the provision of a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in landscaped grounds for hockey, netball, tennis, and football.

An art, design and technology wing including two art studios has also been added together with a workshop and computer aided design studio. A music and drama wing with individual spaces for peripatetic lessons and small group work has been built that also includes space for orchestra rehearsals and drama productions. There is a computer lab for music composition and a café for older students to enjoy.

In 2015, the library was extended and is now much loved as a favourite venue for all year groups. The school’s café and canteen offer high quality and varied catering for students and staff.

Our CommunityIn addition to a continuously high level of academic achievement, the school is proud of its cohesive, diverse and supportive community. There is a strong culture of promoting intellectual curiosity amongst students, aiming to widen their horizons and develop them holistically. Students are encouraged to engage with a huge range of extra-curricular activities and trips and the school is renowned for its music and drama performances.

Students at HBS are motivated, polite, friendly and proud to be part of their school community. They are eager to learn and the school encourages an independent approach to managing studies, which sets them up for success in higher education and beyond. There is a diverse student body with respect shown for all. The school is committed to academic selection, and at the same time has taken steps to increase applications from Pupil Premium students with the admissions policy amended to encourage this. As a result, the number of students from less advantaged backgrounds is increasing.

Pastoral care at HBS is excellent, recognising the need for happy and productive relationships within an open, trusting and caring environment. Students are highly motivated, and the school supports them in managing the stresses they encounter. The school runs a range of mental health and wellbeing activities, courses and talks for students and parents, as well as highlighting the support on offer. As part of our strong focus on wellbeing, students are offered a range of support including one-to-one mentoring, access to counselling and the knowledge that staff are always willing to listen to and support them.

Our staff are committed and talented with a low turnover. The school is keen on offering continuing professional development opportunities to staff, and support and mentoring is offered to all. There is a small but effective senior leadership team, with Ofsted commenting after our most recent inspection in 2019 that...

“A strong leadership team fosters a culture where high achievement permeates the school.”

The school community is so much more than just the staff and students. An involved parent/carer body is supportive of the aims and ethos of the school. There is an active parents’ association which fundraises for the school through events. Parents and carers also support the school financially through voluntary donations, enabling the school to maintain its buildings and purchase equipment that might not otherwise be affordable.

There is a strong governing body that has excellent relationships with senior staff and works closely with them. The school has been forging links with local residents and involving them in the school. Alumnae are another important loyal element of the school community. Notable former students include Baroness Ros Altmann, former Pensions Minister; Dame Ingrid Simler, Lady Justice of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales; Ameila Freeman-Miller CBE, founder of the Nash Ensemble and Head of Classical Music at South Bank; Sarah Solemani, actor who played a leading role in ‘Bridget Jones’s Baby’ amongst other film and TV appearances and Debbie Wiseman, Classic FM’s Composer in Residence.

Our CurriculumHBS offers a curriculum designed to stretch and challenge its students. Teachers are encouraged to use imaginative methods to develop students’ intellectual curiosity and content is often well beyond what is required for a particular stage. A full range of subjects is offered at KS3 with students studying three modern foreign languages. Class sizes at KS3 are never larger than 26. At KS4 students currently study 11 GCSEs to ensure breadth, which must include at least one modern foreign language, history and/or geography and a creative subject, as well as the core subjects including three separate sciences.

Approximately 50 students from other schools join the Sixth Form. All students start with four A level subjects and the school encourages students to pursue subject choices that they prefer and best suit them. Whilst in Sixth Form, students are supported in developing leadership skills, with a wide range of opportunities including supporting younger students, being ambassadors for departments, joining the wellbeing team, or running activities and societies.

HBS enjoys excellent GCSE and A level results. Between 2017 and 2019 there was an average of 95% at grade 7 - 9 at GCSE and for A levels 75% at grade A* - A. In the unusual Covid year of 2020, more than 87% of A level grades were A* or A and over 98% of grades were A* - B. At GCSE, 63% of GCSEs were awarded grade 9 and 87% awarded grades 8/9. 97% of grades were 9 - 7.

Our Attainment 8 and EBacc scores have been top of all schools nationally in every year since they were introduced, with our Progress 8 score in the top category. Students continue to flourish, with the vast majority going on to attend Russell Group universities and a significant number obtaining an Oxbridge place (35 in 2020). Our focus on building confidence and intellectual curiosity undoubtedly feeds into the level of success at securing places at the most competitive universities and courses. A thorough, innovative careers programme assists students with choosing their route after HBS.

Extra-curricularThe school places great emphasis on extra-curricular activities and all students are encouraged to participate in activities that are of interest to them.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES: there is a wealth of weekly clubs and societies. Run by teachers, Sixth Formers and a range of external specialists, they include: Art and DT, Chess, Greek Club, Current Affairs, Physics Society, Classics Society, History, LGBT+, Green Team, Politics and Debating, Economics, Mock Trial, Chemistry and Biology, English and Creative Writing, Beginners’ Sanskrit, German Club, Computer and Programming, English Extension, Cryptic Crosswords, Robotics, French Debating, Animation, Gardening, and Book Club.

PE AND SPORT: students are encouraged to lead active, healthy lives. They participate in two lessons of Physical Education per week to challenge them physically and mentally through a range of individual and team sports and receive feedback to help them continually improve and excel. Netball is the most popular sport but in addition, the students can take part in fencing, fitness, hockey, Zumba, gymnastics, athletics, basketball, multi-gym, volleyball and Tang Soo Do.

The school enters teams in local competitive fixtures, tournaments and leagues and the Barnet Partnership for School Sports (BPSS) organise a broad range of opportunities within the borough. The school also offers the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to every student from Year 9 upwards at Bronze and Silver levels with DofE expeditions to the Chiltern Hills, Shropshire and the Peak District.

MUSIC: the school’s thriving Music department offers a rich variety of musical experience and learning. Music is taught in all its forms – by performing, composing, arranging and listening creatively. Dedicated facilities include purpose-built teaching rooms, a rehearsal studio, and a music technology suite. The students form musical ensembles and bands that rehearse weekly – often working towards performances in masterclasses with eminent professionals, and at concerts, festivals and competitions. There is a school symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, jazz band and clarinet and oboe ensembles. There is also a range of choirs and vocal groups and the Henrietta Barnett Choral Society including students, parents and staff annually performs a large-scale choral work, accompanied by the school orchestra. Many formal concerts take place in the beautiful setting of St Jude-on-the-Hill in Hampstead Garden Suburb. The school also offers an organ scholarship in conjunction with the church.

Expert tuition is available for students who form their own bands as singers, guitarists, bass players, drummers, keyboard players and also offers individual music tuition on a wide range of instruments including: recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, brass, violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, drums and singing. Around 200 students have weekly in-school instrument lessons. There are also trips to live music performances: concerts, musicals and opera.

DRAMA: students are encouraged to become confident and creative communicators through scripted and devised work. The study of influential texts from a range of genres gives students an overview of theatre history and improvisation. A supportive and experimental atmosphere enables the students to develop their performance and interpersonal skills.

Drama is offered as a GCSE subject and students can enhance their performance skills through practical workshops and visits to live theatre performances. There are performances and annual inter-form competitions including Greek Theatre, Melodrama and Shakespeare. The Main School Production is one of the highlights of the school year and involves up to 100 students in the cast or backstage. Recent productions have included: ‘Broadway’, Magic of the Musicals, Grimm’s Tales and ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Our New Head

Person SpecificationWe are searching for a new Head who shares our values and will build upon the current culture, adding to what we have and taking us forward with new energy, ideas and enthusiasm. We need a calm and approachable leader who can maintain academic standards while continuing to focus on the wellbeing of students and their personal development in all-round education. We look forward to welcoming an individual who can inspire and motivate both students and staff and be positive, resilient and an asset to the school in the face of future challenges.

JOB TITLE Head

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

QUALIFICATIONS • Good Honours degree • QTS, NPQH and/or other higher educational leadership qualifications e.g. MA or MEd

EXPERIENCE

• At least 10 years’ successful teaching experience in the secondary education sector Senior leadership experience at Head or Deputy Head level or equivalent

• Experience in managing staff and supporting their professional development

• Experience in financial management

• Experience of working with school governors

• Experience of developing links with the local and wider community

• Experience of Sixth Form education

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of wider educational and social issues

• Understanding of legal frameworks governing schools/academies

• Excellence in leading teaching and learning

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to innovate, manage and respond to change

• Skills to develop and implement strategy

• Experience of pastoral care for students

• Creative thinking, problem solving and identifying opportunities

• Strong analytical and decision making skills

• Ability to balance efficiency and operational resilience

• Managing and supporting all student learning at high standards

• Experience of developing a broad and balanced curriculum

• Effective team working and strong track record of SLT and MLT management and development

• Experience leading a school through an inspection

• Ability/experience of effective delegation

• In-depth and current curriculum understanding

ATTITUDE & DISPOSITION • Inspirational leader and manager

• Proactive and adaptable

• Ambitious and self-motivated

• Approachable and empathetic

• Calm under pressure and resilient

Core job information

Job Description

To provide professional leadership and management for The Henrietta Barnett School, to achieve the highest educational standards in all areas of the school’s work.

Main Responsibilities • Create a shared vision and strategic plan that inspires and motivates students, staff and all other members

of the school community.

• Lead teaching and learning to ensure continued high standards of student achievement.

• Lead pastoral care and safeguarding, supporting staff wellbeing and ensuring the wellbeing of all students, so that they achieve their full potential with self-confidence and self-belief.

• Provide effective organisation and management of the school, seeking ways of improving organisational structures, functions and finance based on rigorous self-evaluation.

• Be accountable to the governing body for collective responsibility within the whole school community, and for contributing and adhering to wider educational and social values.

Leadership and Management • Oversee an organisational structure that reflects the school’s ethos and values, and enable the management

systems, structures and processes to work effectively in line with legal requirements.

• Produce and implement clear, evidence-based plans and policies for the development of the school and its facilities. Ensure that all appropriate policies are in place and up-to-date.

• Oversee financial and human resources to achieve educational goals and priorities.

• Recruit and deploy staff and facilitate the management of their workload to achieve the vision, ethos, and goals of the school.

• Oversee performance management processes for all staff.

• Oversee the management and organisation of the school environment to ensure it meets curriculum needs and health and safety regulations.

• Oversee the range, quality and use of all available resources and ensure that it is monitored, evaluated and reviewed to improve the quality of education for all students and provide value for money.

• Oversee the use and integration of a range of technologies effectively and efficiently to manage the school.

• Ensure strategic planning takes account of the equality and diversity values and experience of the school and community.

• Develop and encourage new initiatives and opportunities for the school to increase its resources and impact.

Teaching and Learning • Ensure learning is at the centre of strategic planning and resource management.

• Ensure a consistent and continuous school-wide focus on students’ achievement.

• Provide a wide range of opportunities for students to discover their talents and develop their strengths, including extra-curricular and enrichment activities.

• Explore creative, evidence-based and effective approaches to teaching and learning.

• Promote a culture of challenge and support where all students can achieve success and engage with their own learning.

• Demonstrate and articulate high expectations and set stretching targets for the whole school in a way that allows individuals to thrive.

• Lead strategies that secure the highest standards for the whole school community.

• Lead strategies that maintain high standards of behaviour and attendance.

• Lead the implementation of a diverse, flexible curriculum and implement an effective assessment framework in line with national guidelines.

• Take a strategic role in the development and implementation of new technologies to enhance and extend blended learning experiences.

• Lead the monitoring, evaluation and review of classroom practice and promote improvement strategies.

• Recognise and challenge underperformance and ensure effective action to improve teaching and learning.

Strengthening Community and Engaging Stakeholders • Build a school culture and curriculum that takes account of the richness and diversity of the

school’s communities.

• Create and promote positive strategies for challenging prejudice and supporting equality and diversity.

• Ensure a range of community-based learning experiences.

• Continue the school’s long tradition of charitable work.

• Collaborate with other agencies in providing for the academic, spiritual, moral, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of students and their families.

• Create and maintain an effective partnership with parents and carers to support and improve students’ achievement and development.

• Seek opportunities to invite individuals and organisations into the school to enhance and enrich the school and its value to the wider community.

• Co-operate and work with relevant agencies to safeguard students.

• Present a coherent, understandable and accurate account of the school’s performance to audiences including governors, parents and carers.

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing • Lead the whole school community (staff, students and parents) in promoting pastoral care and

safeguarding in our school.

• Develop safeguarding and pastoral care policies and practices which can be mapped against the school’s strategic plan.

• Manage staff capacity and resources to deliver a safeguarding and pastoral care plan and ensure this is put into practice.

• Enhance staff wellbeing through professional learning and by celebrating staff strengths and achievements. Develop policies to prevent and reduce staff stress, and provide access to professional advice.

• Promote health and wellbeing, resilience and cultural capital among students and staff within the school community.

Application ProcessInterested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics by email or telephone, to arrange a confidential discussion with Holly Fitzgerald who is leading the search or Andrea Berkeley the senior advisor handling this appointment:

Holly Fitzgerald 07801 522913 / hollyfitzgerald@rsacademics.com Andrea Berkeley 07894 140301 / andreaberkeley@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10:00am on Monday February 1st 2021

Candidates should complete their application form electronically and email it to RSAcademics, together with covering letter, addressed to the Chair of the Governors, Mr Peter Cosmetatos, 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 the Project Coordinator Julia Coffey at applications@rsacademics.com.

Julia 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.

• Selected candidates will be invited to a Zoom meeting with Andrea Berkeley and Holly Fitzgerald on Monday February 8th or Tuesday February 9th.

• Precise dates have not yet been fixed for two further rounds of interviews with members of the governors’ selection panel, but the aim is for the first to take place in the last week of February and the final round shortly after.

The Henrietta Barnett School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to receipt of a completed application form, satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

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.com for more information.