WELCOME

Dear Candidate

On behalf of the students, staff and governors of Christleton High School can I thank you for your interest in our school. It’s a very special place and we are justifiably proud of it. But with your help we know it can be even better.

Christleton High School is a heavily over-subscribed, “outstanding” academy located in the village of Christleton just three miles from the centre of Chester. We are an 11-18 comprehensive school with around 1350 students including a sixth form. Our exam results are amongst the best in the area and we are known for the quality and breadth of our extra-curricular activities. Students, staff and governors share a boundless ambition to be the best we can be, and we are constantly searching for new ways to secure the best possible outcomes for all our young people.

Our school, as it is today, has been shaped by two exceptional individuals. Damian Stenhouse, who is retiring after 15 years as deputy then most latterly as headteacher, has built on and consolidated the success of his predecessor, Tony Lamberton. Tony, now CEO of The Learning Trust, lead the school for 14 years, resulting in an Ofsted judgement of “outstanding” in November 2014.

As a result, we believe that many of the key ingredients for further improvement are already in place:

• a shared ambition to do what it takes to secure further improvement and the best possible outcomes for all our students
• well-motivated students with a passion for learning
• hugely talented and committed staff
• strong tradition of high quality teaching and learning, and of continuing professional development
• active and supportive Governing Body
• collaborative and supportive Trust providing a wide range of experience while allowing individual schools substantial autonomy
• sound finances and heavily oversubscribed (around 700 preferences for 208 Year 7 places)
• good infrastructure which has benefitted from £4.6m of self-generated investment in recent years

But there is much still to do, including:

• continuing improvements and greater consistency in our exam results
• developing our sixth form to become the destination of choice for the area, able to meet a wide range of needs and aspirations
• ensuring we meet the needs of all our students irrespective of background, gender or prior attainment
• further developing our broad-based inclusive curriculum and wide range of extra-curricular activities in the face of a challenging financial scenario
• finding new and innovative approaches to issues such as “The Wasted Years”
• collaborating with the Trust to secure optimum benefits for all its current and prospective students
• strengthening existing and building new partnerships to generate income and mutual benefits
• and much else besides

So an exciting opportunity exists for a dynamic, inspiring and empowering leader, with a clear vision and the ability and drive to turn it into reality, to build on these key ingredients, add a little magic of their own, and take us to the next level. If you believe you are that person and are up to the challenge, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership on 07736791138 or at martin.blair@hays.com for a private and confidential discussion about the role or to arrange a visit to the school.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Paul Heath

Chair of Governors

Dear Candidate

Thank you for expressing an interest in the above vacancy.

Having served fifteen years at Christleton High School, eleven of these as Deputy Headteacher and more latterly as Headteacher, it was an emotional day when I announced my intention to retire from post as at 31st August 2019. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role at the helm but I was very open with Governors on my appointment, that, as I would fast be approaching 60, I would be considering retirement at this time.

I remain incredibly proud, honoured and humbled to have been asked to become only the fifth Headteacher of this great school’s sixty years.

During my time at the school, I have enjoyed the benefits of a strong governing body which offers both challenge and support. Our governors have a wide range of backgrounds and expertise and are always available to offer advice.

Four years ago, Christleton High School became a member of what is now called The Learning Trust. At present, the Trust consists of three High Schools. Tony Lamberton is the Trust’s CEO, formerly Headteacher at Christleton High School. The Trust’s three Headteachers are given considerable autonomy in all aspects of leading and managing their schools. Monthly Trust meetings are held between the CEO, Headteachers and Trust Business Director. The Trust is constantly evolving, working together to promote the best interests of all its students.

Whilst the Education sector has changed considerably during my time at the school, the key constant has been the vast number of amazing young people who have passed through its doors. It is heart-warming to know that so many have achieved great results here, gaining excellent further qualifications and ultimately, have successfully embarked on their chosen careers.

Finally, I would encourage you to apply for the position and wish you every success.

Yours sincerely

A D Stenhouse

Headteacher