Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated House Leader to join our team.

The Oke Way:

At Okehampton College, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. We are dedicated to creating a strong sense of belonging, where students, staff and families work together to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. The Oke Way underpins everything we do: inspiring our students to care about themselves and others, take ownership of their learning, and treat each other with care and compassion.

Our Trust comprises of 19 schools, 3 Colleges, 15 Primaries, and one All Through SEMH Special school. Established in 2018. We are situated in beautiful Devon on the out the outskirts of the stunning Dartmoor National Park. The schools vary in size and are all unique. Our schools are a large part of their local communities, and we value those relationships with families and locals.

Our vision and values are what we build our schools upon, with Ambition, Co-operation & Transformation being at the heart.

As an established Trust, DMAT can offer a wide range of benefits for our employees:

Cycle to work scheme Tech Scheme Eyecare Vouchers Access to Discounts CPD opportunities Extensive Health & Wellbeing Package Long Service Days On site Parking - In some locations Excellent Training Package Employee Recognition Scheme

Why choose DMAT?

DMAT are an inclusive and forward-looking trust, who seek to nurture our children and employees to be the best they can be.

Summary of Role:

The Head of House is responsible for setting and ensuring high standards of behaviour and for leading a positive culture of learning and inclusion which enables every young person to have a strong sense of belonging and care. They ensure high standards of personal tutoring and supportive academic mentoring. They are also responsible for ensuring clear connections between curriculum outcomes and inclusion so that there is an holistic understanding of a young person's experience and how they are best enabled to be successful.

They develop and ensure a strong House ethos through assemblies, cultural events and competitions as well as community service within the school and beyond. Heads of House create and drive strong, trusting relationship with families and the community and ensure that the school is an inclusive and welcoming place where all young people are valued and are able to flourish.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. Discussions will take place on a regular basis to clarify individual responsibilities within the general framework and character of the post as identified below.

You may be required to carry out any other duties within the capacity which the Employer may reasonably require.

Core duties and purpose:

Contribute to the values and beliefs of the school and the Trust Provide strategic leadership and vision to the House Be responsible for the operational leadership and management of the House, its staff and students, in line with policies and procedures Consistently role-model and uphold a relational approach and hold colleagues to high standards in their own practice Develop a strong House identity and ethos which actively creates a sense of belonging and pride and which celebrates diversity and inclusion. Contribute to whole School self-evaluation and ensure that House plans are in line with School expectations Ensure smooth transition from year 6 into year 7 and between key stages Lead House assemblies and use these as a powerful vehicle for setting expectations, building culture and sharing key messages. Act as a powerful advocate for young people in the school and in the wider community Work closely with Academic Directors and their teams to ensure a clear synergy between the work of the inclusion teams and the curriculum teams to support all young people to be successful To monitor and track multiple data points which expose the quality of inclusion across curriculum planning and implementation.

House structures and Personal Tutoring

Organise and lead training of the tutor team, hold regular House Team meetings with effective and timely action points, and monitor and evaluate tutor time and tutoring Develop and manage the House tutor time programme Ensure that tutors in the house are following the school's tutor time programme Organise and lead House competitions programme (e.g. sports, creative arts, outdoor education, activism) Organise House celebrations to include, prize giving events including prizes for academic achievement as well as wider contribution to school life Lead and set high expectations for student leadership in the house to contribute to a positive culture across the house and to create a sense of belonging and pride

Relationships with stakeholders

Establish and maintain positive working partnerships with families Initiate meeting with parents/carers to inform, consult and liaise with them regarding student progress, achievements and concerns according to School policy and procedures Be the first point of contact for students and their families and external agencies supporting them and ensure that queries/concerns from home are dealt with rapidly and appropriately Attend and organise appropriate Consultation Evenings, Awards Evenings, Open Evenings, and other parent/carer partnership events

Attendance and Safeguarding

Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead Work closely with the Strategic Attendance Lead to ensure the robust implementation of the school's attendance policy and practices Check daily attendance and start of the day punctuality of students in the House Closely monitor and eradicate lateness to lessons Maintain accurate and up to date records for students in the House and ensure efficient record keeping in line with statutory requirements Ensure that the House meets all its legal obligations, including compliance with Child Protection and Health and Safety regulations Undertake regular safeguarding training as required Ensure that statutory and Ofsted requirements for Safeguarding are met Ensure high levels of student attendance and punctuality in the House Work in close partnership with curriculum and inclusion leaders in the school including the SENDCo to ensure the highest quality provision for all young people

Behaviour and Culture:

Ensure a calm, purposeful learning atmosphere Ensure all students have high standards of behaviour and conduct, that they are rewarded, that they feel safe, that their talents are nurtured and developed Ensure excellent behaviour for learning and behaviour and safety around the Academy site of all students in the House by being a visible presence during and beyond the school day, visiting lessons on a daily basis, and organising and assisting with appropriate behaviour and inclusion procedures Support every student in the House in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and welfare Ensure the success of all students in the House by overseeing a programme of 1-1 mentoring, including mentoring selected students in the House Ensure and monitor continuously the impact of intervention plans with individual students Ensure that all students know that anything they report, e.g. occurrences of bullying, will be followed up robustly Be responsible for maintaining high standards of uniform within the House Lead new student induction to the House to ensure smooth transition Ensure students know how to keep healthy and stay safe Devise and implement anti bullying strategies.

Person Specification:

Professional Qualifications and Learning

GCSE English and mathematics -

Essential

Good level 3 qualifications such as A-Levels -

Desirable

Good level 3 qualifications such as A-Levels -

Desirable

Good degree or relevant vocational qualification -

Desirable

Level 3 safeguarding training -

Desirable

Experience as a DDSL -

Desirable

Experience

Ability to set clear vision and direction with appropriate implementation planning -

Essential

Ability to deliver consistently high-quality lessons to students of all ages and abilities -

Essential

Proven record of establishing and maintaining cultures of inclusion and belonging rooted in relational practice -

Essential

Proven commitment to continued professional development and a readiness to reflect and self-evaluate to change, improve and develop -

Essential

Good knowledge of current educational developments and initiatives -

Essential

An understanding of the ways children learn and how individual needs may be assessed and met -

Essential

An understanding of the strategies needed to establish consistently high aspirations and academic / behavioural standards and a commitment to relentlessly implementing these strategies.-

Essential

Experience of delivering staff training and undertaking the professional development of other professionals -

Essential

Clear and robust understanding of all the frameworks and expectations which inform the role -

Essential

Experience of having designed, implemented and evaluated ambitious and impactful change-management projects -

Desirable

Experience of leading a team in the development and implementation of initiatives -

Desirable

Skills, Knowledge and Capability

Excellent interpersonal and listening skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence -

Essential

A proven ability to use data confidently to inform and diagnose weaknesses that need addressing, and an ability to plan effectively -

Essential

The ability to develop positive relationships with all young people -

Essential

An effective leadership and management style that encourages participation, innovation and develops colleagues' confidence -

Essential

The ability to lead, coach and motivate staff within a performance management framework, providing professional development and effectively challenging and managing any underperformance, whilst developing the leadership skills of others -

Essential

Well-developed planning and organising skills including time management, prioritisation, delegation and administration -

Essential

A clear passion for education and inclusion -

Essential

The ability to enthuse and inspire others -

Essential

Passion, resilience, maturity and optimism to lead through day-to-day challenges while maintaining a clear strategic vision and direction. Confidence and self-motivation to work well and be decisive under pressure -

Essential

A high level of honesty and integrity -

Essential

A firm and constant belief in the unlimited potential of every student and a commitment to inclusive educational provision -

Essential

A relentless approach to securing the improvement of provision for young people -

Essential

Committed to teamwork and working collaboratively with colleagues within the school and across the Trust -

Essential

A commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students -

Essential

Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

All schools in The Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

'This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974.'

Your application form will be processed by My New Term who act for DMAT as a data processor- please see our Privacy Notice for more information about how we process job applicant personal data.

Visit our website: - www.dartmoormat.org.uk to apply for this position.

Training Details:

Location:

Central Head Office (Wardhayes) 8 Simmons Way, Okehampton, EX20 1PY

Purpose:

To provide comprehensive training on company policies, procedures, and systems necessary for successful integration into the role.

Training Schedule:

Daily sessions from 9am to 4pm, with breaks provided.

Benefits of Training Week:

To gain valuable insights into our company culture and values.

Interact with key stakeholders and team members.

Acquire essential knowledge and skills to excel in your role.

Establish a strong foundation for your career growth within Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From 29,572.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 12/06/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025