THE ROLE

We are looking to recruit an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to take a key role, leading on whole school attendance, alternative provision and the safeguarding responsibility around these vulnerable learners, outcomes and provision for those students in receipt of Pupil Premium, and the pastoral overview of a year group.

We can offer the opportunity:

•        to be part of an exceptional Senior Leadership Team, rich in talent, experience, teamship and shared ambition

•        to work with a highly motivated team of supportive and committed staff who are very proud of their school and passionately believe in the best interests of young people

•        to continued professional development to shape the future of a school with a distinctive all boys’ context and a large mixed sixth form in a successful Trust and a diverse community

•        work within a restless and dynamic school on its exciting journey from good to great

ST BIRINUS SCHOOL

We are hugely proud of our school community. Outcomes for our students since the pandemic are in the top 5% of schools nationally for Boys’ Only progress and the compelling ethos of this school is literally written all over the walls.  We pride ourselves in creating a vibrant and visceral environment in which boys thrive and accrue the knowledge, skills, experience and character that will realise their potential and allow them to seize any opportunity they seek, now or in the future. The mantra of “Be the boy that you want to be” echoes a powerful commitment to a modern, progressive masculinity.

Our infinite goal - We aspire to be a national centre of excellence for all boys’ state education.

As a member of Ridgeway Education Trust, St Birinus School (Ofsted Good, February 2025, with Leadership and Management judged as Outstanding) works in very close partnership with Didcot Girls’ School (Ofsted Outstanding, November 2022) and a 400 strong mixed Didcot Sixth Form (Ofsted Good, February 2025) which is based predominantly at St Birinus, along with six primary schools locally. 

Employing great staff is key to the success of our school: the Headteacher is actively involved in every interview process.

We understand that valuing and developing our staff is the best way to release and realise their potential. In return, we seek staff who are passionate about working with young people, resilient, and with a truly growth mindset. If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you!

St Birinus School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.  

Quotes and soundbites from SBS staff in the recent Stakeholder Surveys ... 

• "I love this place!"
• "Despite only having joined the school recently, I have found it to be a positive and supportive school, with a clear vision and values that students and staff understand"
• "St Birinus is the best managed school that I have ever worked in or been associated with"
• "I love working at St Birinus and intend to root myself here for the foreseeable future"

What SBS staff say that they value about their school ... 

• "Relationships with colleagues and the community feel"
• "A strong sense of community and pride" 
• "The positive influence we have on students and inclusion of all students no matter their need"
• "The strong leadership and vision from the Senior Leadership Team"
• "The focus on staff wellbeing" 

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. For Early Careers Teachers this takes the form of a carefully designed mentoring programme. For experienced teachers, and those returning to teaching, there is a comprehensive CPD provision in place with a focus on department based development and collaboration.

We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives so are happy to consider part-time applications. 

We are looking for an inspirational and innovative teacher with a real passion for ensuring excellence in teaching for the benefit of all students to join our effective and well-resourced department.

You will need to demonstrate that you:

• are passionate about raising levels of engagement and achievement
•  want to make a positive difference by going the extra mile for the benefit of your students
•  have the desire and enthusiasm to play an active and collaborative role in contributing to a strong culture of sharing best practice, resources and ideas
• have the interpersonal and leadership skills required to inspire and motivate colleagues and students 
• are keen and able to embed enjoyment and success in learning

Benefits of working with us:

• Loan of laptop and mouse for all teaching staff
• Employee centred and family friendly policies and practises
• Opportunity for flexible working arrangements to support with work life balance (wherever possible)
• Comfortable staffrooms with tea, coffee and workspaces 
• Cycle to work scheme and sheltered secure bicycle sheds

Application process

Please refer to the job description and person specification for this post and then complete the application form, paying particular attention to Part 7: supporting statement, to include your relevant skills and experiences.

To ensure we conduct a fair shortlisting process we use blind shortlisting whereby personal information (such as name, email address, gender & ethnicity) are not made available to the short-listing panel.

Please note that the school reserves the right to interview on receipt of applications, and to appoint prior to the deadline, so early application is recommended.

We encourage visits to our school in advance of applications; please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like a conversation and/or tour of the school with the Headteacher, Mr William Manning by contacting Mrs Helen Cliff, PA to the Headteacher, via email hcliff@St-birinus.oxon.sch.uk or by calling 01235 814444. 

Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks.  All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check.  The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.  

To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: http://www.st-birinus-school.org.uk/1852/sbs-policies.  Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.

St Birinus School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced. 

Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.

We are committed to expressing our values of high quality learning, respectful relationships and an inclusive environment in the day to day experience of staff and students throughout the school.

St Birinus School is an equal opportunities employer.