We are seeking to appoint a forward thinking educationalist with the ability to build relationships and communicate a vision for the School as our new Deputy Head. Following the recent expansion of the Dean Close Foundation, the previous incumbent has moved to the role of Headmaster of Dean Close Senior School.

Dean Close School is a thriving independent, co-educational day and boarding school set on a beautiful 50-acre site. In Cheltenham the School currently has approximately 900 pupils between the ages of 3-18 years. Founded in 1886, Dean Close has a strong Christian ethos and is a happy and supportive working environment.

The Deputy Head Operations and Co-Curriculum reports to the Headmaster and is responsible to him/her for the day-to-day running and co-curriculum programmes of the Senior School; he or she will deputise for the Headmaster on all operational and co-curriculum matters as required. A significant contribution to strategy and to whole-School management will be expected as will involvement in admissions and appropriate budgeting processes.

There is considerable scope for initiative in the development of the role but the main duties include:

Ethos

Supporting the Christian ethos of the School
Ensuring that boarding remains central to the School’s approach
Encouraging the School’s commitment to education of the whole person

Operational Management

Attending Senior Management Team meetings and, in consultation with the Headmaster, driving its agenda.
Chairing ad hoc committees as required by the Headmaster.
Leading development in co-curriculum programme.
Organising and taking part in SMT duties and responsibilities.
Organising and supervising staff duties.
Attendance at Housemasters meetings.
Taking a lead in a crisis.

Operational Routine

Maintaining a visible presence around the school site and pro-actively tackling areas of disciplinary concern.
Supervision of termly calendar and forward planning, including term dates.
Making arrangements for starts and ends of terms.
Responsibility for pupil and staff lists.
Operation of routine: registration, assemblies, breaks, meals, overseeing arrangements for evenings and weekends, school trips and sports fixtures.
Ensuring smooth running of all events to which parents or visitors are invited, and any special occasions.
Oversight of educational visits – both home and abroad (through liaison with Estates Bursar).
Liaison with catering to ensure high standard of food.
Overseeing arrangements for pupil transport.
Responsibility for pupils’ exeat and half-term arrangements.
Overseeing drugs testing as required.

Staff

Assisting the Headmaster in the appointment of co-curriculum staff.
Close liaison with Common Room, both formally through its Committee, and informally.
Liaison with Bursary staff and Prep and Pre-Prep Common Rooms, and with the School’s trading subsidiary, Dean Close Services Limited, over lettings of School premises.
Ensuring the School’s Health & Safety approach is observed and supported by Common Room. Liaison with the Assistant Bursar (Estates) over H&S matters and training, including responsibilities for fire procedures.

Pupils

Giving an overall lead on routine discipline and conduct.
Ensuring that all staff play their part in the maintenance of School discipline.
Arranging for proper supervision of School premises.
Arranging for investigation of serious breaches of discipline and liaison with parents.
First point of contact for parental operational concerns or   complaints.
Overseeing arrangements for pupils’ personal use of cars.
Oversight of prefects’ training.
Undertaking a moderate teaching load to a high standard.

Co-Curriculum responsibility:

All weekly co-curricular activities that happen outside the academic timetable, including Sunday (working with the Directors of those areas).
Quality of the co-curricular programme – including quality of pupil experience (participation and performance).
Chair of calendar committee and responsible for all co-curricular calendar events.
Ensuring an appropriate balance of activities for all pupils.
Resolving co-curricular pupil clashes (one co-curricular activity vs another).
Effective use of co-curricular budgets.
Co-curricular INSET co-ordination.
Regular promotion of co-curricular stories / liaison with marketing.
Member of appraisal team.
Field Day – liaison with Head of Personal Development, CCF & Community Action.
Liaison with teacher i/c of Boarders Activities.
Providing logistical oversight and support for co-curricular events e.g. plays, concerts & tournaments.
Chair of Bacon Theatre planning committee.
Leading working parties and projects as required by the Deputy Head Academic and Operations.

For further information about the role and an application pack, please visit www.deanclose.org.uk/vacancies or Tel 01242 267415.

Completed application forms and a CV, together with a covering letter should be returned to: HR Manager, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE or email: hr@deanclose.org.uk

Closing date: Monday 18 January at 12pm
Interview date: Thursday 28 January 2016

Dean Close School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.