Subject to the successful transfer of Ernest Cookson School, we are seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of School to work with our Executive Headteacher; someone who will promote a culture of excellence by providing leadership capacity to enhance the strategic direction, vision and operational management at Ernest Cookson. Providing specialist expertise and highly visible leadership, our ideal candidate will contribute in securing and driving forward the educational experience for our students and present as an outward facing professional within the school. You will ensure that vision and priorities are clearly articulated, shared and translated into agreed objectives and operational plans which permeate all aspects of academy life to promote and sustain school improvement.

We welcome applications from individuals with senior leadership experience in a special school or alternative provision setting who are ready to take the next step in their career. If you’re a committed educationalist with a strong grasp of school improvement and a belief in the power of co-operation to achieve great things, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal chat about the role and the school, and/or to arrange a visit, please contact Ian Berryman, Executive Headteacher via ian.berryman@coopacademies.co.uk.

Why us?

At Ernest Cookson we offer an exceptional and inspiring learning environment for pupils aged 5 to 11. With provision for up to 70 children with social, emotional and mental health needs, we are committed to making Ernest Cookson a truly inspiring place to work and learn, where every pupil receives personalised support within a caring, inclusive and nurturing setting. 

All our values are based upon the values of the Co-op Group, which will inform our behaviours.

Self-help: We do not expect to be spoon fed – we will try to do things for ourselves in the right way and at the right time.

Self-responsibility: Everyone should act in a responsible way around the academy site and in the local community. We take responsibility for our own learning; we want to become independent learners.

Equality: We are proud to be part of a very multicultural academy, with students from all over the world; it is important that we treat each other with respect and accept that others may be different from ourselves. We should all have equal chances to succeed.

Equity: We want to look for the best in each other. Rewarding others fairly to encourage all types of achievement.

Democracy: We will contribute our ideas to make the academy a success.

Solidarity: We can achieve more by working together, rather than as individuals.

Our Values

Being part of the Co-operative Group, we are both guided and driven by the Co-op values which are embedded in everything that we do within our Academy - We strive to demonstrate the following ethical values in everything we do - they are our ‘Ways of Being’:

Succeed together

Do what matters most

Be yourself, always

Show you care

So, if you believe in our values, we would love to hear from you! 

We offer a wide range of benefits and rewards to recognise the part you play in our success:

Benefits include:

Our employee benefits package includes:

• You’ll get being a Co-op member, you’ll get a Co-op colleague discount card. This gives you a 10% discount in our Co-op Food stores. 
• Co-operative flexible benefits (discounted line rental and broadband package, family care advice and cycle to work scheme)
• Discounted gym membership and leisure activities which includes discounts on Merlin Entertainments (Sea Life, Legoland etc), Virgin Experience Days, SuperBreak and many more!
• Co-operative Credit Union: save directly from your salary and receive a competitive dividend. Borrowers can benefit from very competitive interest rates & terms (in comparison with other high street lenders)
• Co-op Funeralcare benefit
• Season ticket and rental deposit loans

And More! 

For more information about the Co-op Academies Trust, please visit: www.coopacademies.co.uk

The Trust is also committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage or civil partnerships.