Copthorne Prep SchoolInformation for candidates applying for the position of Head

Develop ConfidenceProvide OpportunityRealise Potential

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Children are unique and every child deserves a school that is dedicated to developingindividual abilities and confidence.

This is an ethos that informs everything we do here at Copthorne Prep; a local independent prepschool nestling in 55 acres of beautiful West Sussex/Surrey countryside. Currently a Nursery, Pre-Prepand Prep school for children from 2-13, Copthorne will expand year on year from September 2023 tooffer an all-through education right up to Year 11. The first Year 9 cohort of children will begin inSeptember 2023, progressing into Year 10 in September 2024, Year 11 in September 2025 with thefirst GCSE exams in the summer of 2026.

We believe in offering our boys and girls the very best all-round education, together with a stimulatingrange of sports and activities. This structured approach gives every one of our children the freedom tolearn and grow within a safe nurturing environment.

To achieve this, a close partnership is established between each child and their teacher while ensuringthat our class sizes remain small. Our commitment to providing exceptional pastoral care is alsoreflected in the strong sense of community that children enjoy at the school, coupled with a culturethat encourages trust, tolerance and achievement.

Currently a non-selective, co-educational two form entry school of around 310 children, Copthorne isethnically, culturally and internationally diverse, reflecting the real world as opposed to a privilegedbubble.

Our mission is to:

Instil a desire for excellence in all areas of learning, celebrating effort as well as achievementOffer a well-considered, stimulating curriculum which provides opportunities for children to bechallenged, to be curious and to develop as independent learnersSupport talented and enthusiastic staff who seek to enable children to fulfil their potentialProvide a nurturing environment where all children are happy, valued and encouraged to develop asindividualsDevelop a strong sense of school community that is kind, inclusive and reflects the increasinglydiverse and international dimension of school lifeProvide strong pastoral care based on traditional Christian values of mutual respect towards allmembers of the communityDevelop a partnership with pupils, parents and staff to promote a culture of trust, ambition and highachievement

Founded in 1902, the school was all boys and all boarding and a feeder school to Winchester, Eton,Harrow, Rugby etc. and all the top boarding schools in the country. The first Head of Copthorne(Bernard Rendall) was the brother of the Head of Winchester, so the schools enjoyed a very closeassociation in those early years although Mr Rendall chose to send his sons to Radley, notWinchester. Copthorne remained an all-boys, boarding Prep School until the 1970’s, when the schoolstarted accepting girls, and day pupils. Consequently, it started sending children to more local SeniorSchools as opposed to Winchester, Eton Harrow etc. It moved from all boys from 7 – 13, to a co-educational 7 – 13, then 5 – 13, then 3 – 13, and is now 2 – 13, and soon to become 2 – 16.Full boarding has subsequently ceased, but flexi, weekly “Hotel” boarding is still very popular.Chris Jones started as Headmaster in 2005, so will have completed 17 years by the end of his tenure.Pupil numbers have increased from 170 to 310. Much of the school has been re-organised tomaximise use of the space. Dining, Art, Science, IT, SEN, the Pre-Prep and Nursery have all beenexpanded, and new classrooms have been created as boarding has been rationalised. A full-size,floodlit astro hockey pitch is currently being built, that will be ready by half term in October 2021.

OUR VALUES

We developed an outstanding reputation for helping children to realise their full potential. By providingopportunities for all to succeed, children leave us as confident individuals, well prepared for theirprogression to senior schools of their choice. We inspire all our pupils to become lifelong learners,responsible global citizens and the very best that they can be.

We strive to:

A BRIEF HISTORY

LOOKING AHEADThe decision to expand Copthorne to GCSEs, was taken on the back of an RS Academics survey ofcurrent parents, who have been asking “why Copthorne does not expand to 16” for a number of years.The increasingly selectivity of local senior schools, who are only interested in the top 5% of thepopulation, with CAT (IQ) scores of 125 +, was also a consideration. Although Copthorne has enjoyed anenviable reputation for helping children join the senior school of their choice, with over 50% gainingsome sort of Scholarship, this is getting harder and harder as over-subscribed local senior schools keepraising the bar. The Copthorne ethos, of encouraging every child to “be the best that they can be” is justnot compatible with senior schools that are only interested in the top 5% based on academic abilityalone, and reject everyone else.

Copthorne to 16 will phase in Year 9 in September 2023, then year 10 and finally Year 11 in 2025. Thefirst cohort of children will sit GCSEs in the summer of 2026.

OUR CURRENT FACILITIES Copthorne Prep School is situated on the Surrey/West Sussex border and is surrounded by 55 acres ofplaying fields and woodland.

Our main teaching block includes two science labs, one of our IT Suites and 8 light and airyclassrooms. The Special Educational Needs Department is also located in this building and makes use ofthree dedicated rooms for 1 to 1 tuition. Children are taught both French and Spanish from Year 3upwards Art and Design are all taught in dedicated teaching rooms, and are valued just as highly as theacademic subjects on the curriculum.

Our sports facilities boast three cricket pitches and five football and rugby pitches. Our astro hockeypitch area is due for completion in October 2021 and will include one full size hockey pitch or 2 x 7-a-sidepitches on each half. This space can also be used for soccer and cricket. Additionally, our all-weathersurface provides space for three netball courts and four hard tennis courts. The modern sports hallhouses an indoor tennis court, netball court, four badminton courts and two cricket nets. It also boasts adance studio and viewing gallery. The sports hall is used throughout the week for PE lessons and Gamescoaching. It is also used for a wide variety of after school clubs and activities. A small pitch and putt golfcourse and three playgrounds complete the range of outdoor facilities available. Our covered swimmingpool is used for lessons, competitive galas, life-saving courses, kayaking and sub-aqua.

Our theatre provides an intimate atmosphere for the numerous plays, concerts and lectures heldduring the school year. Tiered seating and modern lighting and sound systems all add to the audience’senjoyment and allow pupils to experience a taste of professional theatre.

Over 70% of our pupils learn a musical instrument, and we have choirs, ensembles, an orchestra andconcerts to give the children an opportunity to play together in front of an audience.

OUR CURRENT FACILITIES

Our outdoor learning and Forest School takes place in our own woodland. We know children thriveoutside of the classroom and we actively embed time outdoors into all aspects of our educational offer.We have our own climbing and abseil tower, and can also offer archery and orienteering as activities, withour own suitably qualified member of staff.

The Chapel was built in the early 1900’s and extended in 1919 to accommodate the clock and bells thatchime in remembrance of those Copthorne Old Boys who lost their lives in the First World War. You can enjoy a virtual tour of our school here.

THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Nursery: Our Coach House Nursery is where children will learn to learn. We have 2 classes: Acorns for 2-3 yearolds and Oaks for Rising 4’s. The ratio of staff to children is 1:4 to age 3; and 1:8 for 3-4 year olds. Amid the sea of waterproofs and Wellington boots you will find children using their imaginations, beingabsorbed by new experiences and generally having fun.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum focusing on personal, social and emotionaldevelopment, physical development and communication and language.

The Nursery is open 48 weeks per year: 34 weeks of term-time plus 14 weeks of holiday care. For busyparents, wrap around care is available from 7.30am to 6:00pm.

We accept the Early Years Free Entitlement.

Pre-prep: Reception, Year 1 and Year 2:With small class groups of up to 18 (with a Teaching Assistant in each class), we offer a broad and excitingcurriculum for the liveliest and most enquiring minds.We place great emphasis on learning to read andthinking mathematically and scientifically – Language, Maths and Science are core subjects. Children willalso be introduced to History, Geography, Religious Education, French, Art and Crafts, InformationTechnology, Music and Physical Education.

PREP: YEARS 3 - 8Over these six years children will gradually develop their confidence, their passion for learning and theirawareness of their responsibility as a global citizen. Currently, children in Year 3 & 4 are class teachertaught, with subject teachers delivering the curriculum in Year 5 upwards. Children move around theschool according to the timetable for lessons taught in specialist subject rooms. The basic curriculumincludes, English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, RS, French, Spanish, Art, PSHE, Music, DT, IT, PE,Swimming, Games, Drama, and iSpace (wellbeing programme). Older children start Home Economics inYear 6.

In addition to the broad curriculum, after school clubs and activities include, Taekwondo, kayaking, chess,Lego, arts and crafts, swimming, tennis, drama, HITT, photoshop/Pixir, debating, book club, forest activities,football, musical theatre, touch typing, ICT, mindfulness, ballet, Latin dance, cookery and cricket.

Children are challenged to reach their full potential and, as a result, will be well prepared for theirprogression to the senior school of their choice. Children are prepared for all the Senior Schools in thelocal area and beyond including Reigate, Caterham, Ardingly, Hurst, Brighton, Christ’s Hospital, Lingfield,Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Bedes, Seaford, Eastbourne and Worth. Over 50% of our Year 8 leavers usuallyachieve some sort of scholarship. Copthorne to 16, will hopefully encourage children to stay on to GCSE.

SENIOR: YEAR 9 - 11From September 2021, pupils already at Copthorne or joining in Year 7 will be able to stay with us to Year11. Our first GCSE exams will take place in 2026.Parents have told us they need a quality senior schoolalternative, if moving on to one of the increasingly academically selective independent schools is not rightfor their child. We celebrate the 50% of our pupils who move on to these highly selective schools withscholarships, but we know that all our pupils can thrive given the right environment. You can read moreabout our vision and development plan here.

BOARDINGWe currently offer flexi-boarding at Copthorne. Children can stay for just one night or for the whole week(Monday to Thursday). Our boarding house provides a secure and familiar environment to enjoy being withfriends, the ability to do homework under supervision and make use of the school facilities for eveningactivities. We have space for 12 boys and 10 girls across 4 dorms. Our boarders also have their own cosysitting room sitting room where they all meet to spend time with each other in the evening.

HEAD OF COPTHORNE PREP SCHOOL FOR SEPTEMBER 2022Copthorne Prep School is a coeducational independent non-selective day school of some 300 pupils agedfrom 2½ to13. It has a thriving Day Nursery.

Copthorne Prep offers an outstanding environment in which to work, learn and play. It embraces diversityand provides an education fit for the modern world. An ambitious expansion to 16 is being planned forentry of the first year 9 students in 2023.

Building on the success of the current Head, Chris Jones, the School now seeks a dynamic, ambitious andinnovative leader to guide the Prep School through the next exciting period of development and change.

The Head leads a team of highly skilled, dedicated senior leaders, teachers and support staff. CopthornePrep School is recognized as a special community and family friendly, with each child’s uniquedevelopment at the heart of its activities both academic and co-curricular. The Prep School feeds into anumber of highly selective Independent Senior Schools; however, a highly academic environment does notsuit every child and our plans for expansion to 16 aim to harness the emergent market for a non-academically selective Senior School in the local area. The new Head will build on and enhance presentrelationships with other schools alongside articulating our vision for the expansion of Copthorne SeniorSchool during the next 3 - 5 years. The Head will drive forwards the reputation of the school. They will be an articulate, persuasive and skilledcommunicator able to inspire all stakeholders. A talented marketer, able to articulate the very specialethos of Copthorne Prep to all key stakeholders. The School wholeheartedly believes that emotional andsocial well-being, self-esteem, happiness and confidence are of prime importance and are in themselvesinextricably linked to academic progress.

An influential classroom practitioner with a passion to lead a research-led School to develop the variousstrategies for Learning and Teaching as well as developing the curriculum to meet the demands of the 21stCentury and the needs of our learners is essential.

The next Head will have the full support of an active and supportive Board of Governors, a committedSenior Leadership Team, and a dedicated staff body, each equally eager to build upon the School’s manysuccesses.

As we set out to develop the School to a non-selective 2½ to 16 School under a revitalized School vision,this is a truly exciting opportunity for a forward-looking educationalist and proven leader to enhanceCopthorne's existing reputation and to further develop the curricular to GCSE. This position is ideal for aleader having both Prep School and Senior School experience.

Copthorne is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All posts aresubject to the enhanced statutory checks.

To work with the Governing Body to develop, manage and implement the School’s Strategic andAnnual Development Plan, ensuring that the School’s vision remains central to decision making.

To take an open, collaborative and trusting approach to leadership, empowering colleagues to drivethe operational and academic functioning of the school through a culture of encouragement andsupport.

To oversee the work of the Senior Leadership Team.

To ensure the effective performance of the School staff, ensuring that focused and sustainableaction plans for improvement are implemented and agreed targets achieved.

To build a culture of continual professional development and take a long-term view of staffing,planning effectively for progression and succession.

To report to the Governors on progress and developments in accordance with the School’sStrategic Plan.

To ensure that all members of the School community conduct themselves at all times in line withthe school’s ethos of mutual courtesy and respect.

To value and nurture the well-established ethos of the School and build on its success whilstpreserving its culture.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIESLeadership and Management

To foster effective relationships with parents and pupils in relation to individual pupil performance,behavior and well-being.

To take an active lead in promoting the School to stakeholders, including:

To lead on communication with parents of pupils ensuring;

To represent the agreed views of the Senior Leadership Team to the school community.

To build and maintain effective relationships with the wider community so as to develop thereputation of Copthorne.

To identify strategies to maintain and improve pupil retention and recruitment.

To oversee teaching and learning ensuring:

To maintain a culture that promotes first-class research -led teaching and stimulating, exciting andeffective learning.

To oversee the production and implementation of the academic timetable and extra-curricularprogramme.

To ensure readiness for inspection.

To take responsibility for managing the budget in liaison with the Bursar thereby contributing to thesuccessful and prudent financial management of the School.

Good commercial acumen and financial awareness

To work with the Bursar and other members of the SLT to ensure the appropriate deployment andmanagement of all resources (financial, human and physical) to support the overall vision and plans.

MARKETING, COMMUNICATION & COMMUNITY

- visible involvement in all School events. - participation in recruitment for both pupils and staff. - to prepare and deliver communications about the School for internal and external stakeholders.

- parental concerns are dealt with sensitively and efficiently - effective communications and relations with parent representatives e.g. PTA - parents have the opportunity to be proactively involved with the ongoing life of the School.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

- a challenging, broad and exciting curriculum leading to excellent academic outcomes for all pupils; - a wide variety of stimulating approaches to teaching and learning such that all lessons are effectively paced, rigorous and fully involve pupils in their own learning; - teaching and learning reflect the School’s ethos and caters for the full range of learners, promoting independent learning and creative thinking; - timely, responsive and proactive reporting of progress based upon robust assessment practices, - ensure the School offers a full programme of major and minor sports, art, music, drama and DT, and a comprehensive co-curricular programme

FINANCE & OPERATIONS

Experience of senior level leadership in a school.

Educated to degree level with any postgraduate or leadership qualification an advantage. AMasters in Education or relevant advanced qualification e.g. NPQH

Outstanding teaching track record, with significant pastoral involvement.

Experience of leading successful change and initiatives with the ability to deliver effective solutionsto complex problems.

Substantial general experience across a broad range of educational activities.

Good understanding of education and challenges therein, for the 2-16 age group.

Demonstrable experience of engaging and building relationships with key internal and externalparties.

Experience of the full range of staff management processes, from recruitment, development,retention and performance management to dismissal.

Able to develop and articulate a clear idea of where the School could and should be going, andcapable of demonstrating commitment to the highest academic and pastoral standards.

Successful record of delivering results.

Distinct willingness to take responsibility for the innovations they introduce and a determination tosee them carried through effectively.

Highly articulate, capable of communicating both orally and in written form at all levels, includingpublic speaking.

Outstanding problem-solving skills and the track record to support this.

Able to work with conflicting priorities and timescales.

Able to delegate and motivate others.

THE PERSONThe successful candidate will be an inspirational and innovative leader who can secure the fullengagement of staff and all other stakeholders in the delivery of the School’s strategic aims.

They will have the following key skills, experience and attributes:

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Possess the drive towards achieving academic excellence and educational success, irrespective of theability of the child, with a profound interest in education and the welfare of young people.

Capable of identifying individuals' skills and making the most of them – a team builder and a teamplayer.Possess gravitas and presence, integrity and independence of thought.

Happy being visible – both inside and outside of the School.

Confident of own abilities; and possess the confidence to make difficult decisions.

High level of confidentiality and discretion.

Able to act as ambassador and professional advocate for the School, with strong personal credibilityand the capacity to build relationships.

Strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

In sympathy with, and supportive of, the charitable objects and traditions of the School.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Friday 22nd October – all applicants will be informed on whether or not they have been selected forthe long list interviewMonday 1st November to Friday 5th November – long list interviews and tour of SchoolFriday 5th November – decision on short list candidatesMonday 15th and Tuesday 16th November – short list interviewsTuesday 16th November – decision on final round interviewsFriday 19th November – final presentation to full Board of Governors Monday 22nd November – offer madeTuesday 30th August 2022 – start date for new Head

KEY DATES

HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates are invited to complete an application form (there is no need to submit a CV)together with a short covering letter addressed to Mrs Kathryn Bell, Chair of Governors, which explainstheir motivation for applying.

Candidates should send both documents in hard copy and marked Private & Confidential c/o theBursar and Clerk to the Governors: Mr Paul Flowerday, Copthorne Prep School, Effingham Lane,Copthorne, West Sussex, RH10 3HR.

The deadline for receipt of applications is noon on Friday 15th October 2021.