Head of Computing Candidate Recruitment Pack
2024/25
Together, stronger
• Letter from the CEO Page 3
• Letter from our Principal Page 4
• About us Page 6
• Our sponsors Page 7
• Role Description Page 8
• Person Specification Page 10
• Staff Benefits Page 12
• Staff Incentives Page 13
• Recruitment process Page 15
• Contact details Page 16
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Contents
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Letter from Jan Shadick, CEO
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Head of Computing.
We are a Trust of nine schools, all based in South-East London. Whilst each of our schools maintains its individuality, we share a common mission: to ensure that every single child and young person in our care is successful at school so that they can flourish and be successful in their lives. We are committed to ensuring this success from 3 to Forever, under our mantra of ‘once a Haberdasher, always a Haberdasher’.
Our People Strategy is key to our success and integral to this is our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.
Please take a look on our website for more information. We want the best people to join our Haberdashers’ community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive student and staff body.
If you are passionate about making a difference and feel that you have the right experience and expertise, I encourage you to apply to join us on our journey.
For a confidential discussion regarding this post, please contact boroughhr@habstrustsouth.org.uk or 0203 7641321.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Jan Shadick Chief Executive Officer Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
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Letter from T
om H
ow ells, Principal
Dear Candidate,
Welcome to Haberdashers’ Borough Academy; a community school based at the heart of SE1. Our Academy is a wonderful place to learn – where pupils develop their academic scholarship alongside their character, in a world class setting.
Our Academy opened in 2019, on the site of a former Fire Station. September 2025, will mark our seventh year, with approximately 1000 pupils studying with us. Our Sixth Form opened in 2024, offering a broad range of A Level and Vocational subjects. Our mission is simple – we want pupils to ‘Become their best at Borough’ in all aspects of their lives. We have the highest aspirations for each young person we work with and strive to help them to fulfil their potential.
Our Academy values, which were created by our young people, speak to that. We expect our learners to become excellent ambassadors for their community, by working hard to achieve their aspirations, whilst becoming kind and resilient citizens.
Our location in the centre of the capital allows us to provide a unique take on the curriculum, making the most of partnerships with world leading organisations which enrich and enhance our offer. In all areas of the curriculum, we aim to ignite a spark which enables our young people to become scholars of their chosen subject disciplines.
A Place to Belong
Our pupils have a deep sense of pride in their school. That comes from providing a calm, purposeful environment for learning, coupled with the highest expectations. A consistently clear, but warm approach from colleagues is the starting point.
We also pride ourselves on having a deep knowledge of each and every child as an individual. Our pastoral model enables colleagues to get to know each child well, enabling us to tailor support and opportunities to their needs. We work closely in partnership our families to
A Place to Grow
This is a great place to work. Our wonderful staff team are committed and dedicated to our mission. There is a strong sense of collaboration and team. There is also a deep commitment to doing our best and developing our practice. Our broad ranging professional development offer is rich and designed to support you at every step of your career. That is coupled with sensible policies, a calm and nurturing environment and strong leadership, providing the platform for you to reflect, refine and grow!
We look forward to hearing from you if you are aligned with our values and have the drive, skills and enthusiasm to make a real impact at Borough Academy. I very much hope that having read about us, you decide to apply to join us. Please do reach out with questions, or to arrange a visit to our school if you would like to.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Mr Tom Howells Principal, Haberdashers’ Borough Academy
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Federation-wide vision
We are a multi-academy trust consisting of four secondary
schools and five primary schools and have been educating
children and young people since 1876.
Our moral imperative at that time was to ensure that every
child in our care received the best possible education in
order to make the best start in life. That moral imperative
remains today, underpinned by ethos of working together
and our values of being ambitious, always growing and
contributing to the world as global citizens.
In a complex world, we need our children and young people
to be as well equipped for their future as possible so that
they can flourish. We will support them to become
compelling individuals so that by the time they leave us they
will have experienced a range of opportunities that not only
build their mind but also build their character.
We are proud to be a diverse community and take seriously
the need to ensure that every child, young person and adult
connected with our schools feels included, welcomed and
listened to. This is an important part of who we are and our
commitment to equality and fairness. This commitment
remains at the forefront of our work.
To find out more about Haberdashers’ Academies Trust
South, please visit: www.habstrustsouth.org.uk
VISION 2026 Every School an Excellent School
It is the Trust’s vision for all of
our schools to be excellent
schools. Our mission is to
ensure that every one of our
children and young people
flourishes at school so that
they can be successful in their
lives.
Our three main objectives are:
• Excellent outcomes for all
children and young people
so that they can be
successful in their next steps
and future lives;
• To be regarded as a great
employer, attracting,
retaining and developing the
best staff;
• To be the Trust of choice and
a welcome presence in our
communities.
To find out more about our
Vision and Strategy, please
visit:
https://www.habstrustsouth.or
g.uk/Our-Vision-and-Strategy
About Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
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Our Sponsors
Our sponsors are a huge part of the culture within our schools. The links with our sponsors are a unique and special part of what our Trust and schools what they are today.
The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers
Our main sponsor is the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. Education is hugely important to the Haberdashers’ Company and today there are more than 12,000 children and young people in its’ family of 21 schools. The Haberdashers’ network of maintained and independent schools stretch across the country, covering north London, Shropshire and Monmouth and our own Trust, in south London and Kent. We have regular opportunities to collaborate with the wider network of Haberdashers’ schools on a number of initiatives and events.
The Haberdashers’ Company supports our pupils in many ways. There are a number of educational and careers initiatives that are organised by the Company, such as the Livery Academy Awards, Monmouth - City of London Work Experience, Haberdashers’ Musician of the Year, an annual Year 7 visit to the prestigious Haberdashers’ Hall, cross school sporting competitions, mentoring, trips and much more. Each year, a number of Year 13 pupils receive scholarships that will support them financially through university and the Company fund a number of projects throughout the school year. The relationship with the Haberdashers Company is central to the success of the Haberdashers’ Advantage enrichment programme, and pupils, parents and staff are proud of this relationship.
Being part of the Haberdashers’ community is very important to us as a school. The Haberdashers’ come and visit us each year to hear from the children, to see what has been happening in our school and to celebrate our achievements. The Haberdashers’ Company supports pupils, past and present, as they progress through their educational and professional journey, which offers our pupils something truly unique.
Find out more: www.haberdashers.co.uk
Temple Grove Schools Trust
Temple Grove Schools Trust is a charitable trust dedicated to raising standards for primary education. The Trust was founded some 50 years ago and springs from one of the country’s oldest prep schools, Temple Grove founded in 1810. The Trust seeks to provide all children with a breadth and depth of learning opportunities in order to realise individual aspirations and potential.
Our primary schools are extremely fortunate to have a partnership with the Temple Grove Schools Trust. Schools benefit from bursaries that allow us the opportunity to give our children learning experiences they may not get at other schools; including music lessons, professional coaches and multiple trips. Find out more: www.templegrove.org.uk
Role Description
About the role We are looking for an excellent practitioner to join us a Head of Computing. Computing at our Academy is incredibly popular. Pupils have a lesson a week from Year 7, with many opting to take Computing at KS4 and KS5 – either through the GCSE Computing and A Level Computing pathways, or through the Creative iMedia GCSE course.
You will be part of a small team, which includes experienced practitioners. You will also benefit from state of the art facilities; including 3 computing suites, and a brand new laptop facility, purchased in April 2025.
We are looking for a colleague who will continue to develop the curriculum offer, whilst also offering a broad range of enrichment opportunities to help pupils embrace their digital skills. The ability to offer A Level Computing will be particularly important.
About You We are looking for a passionate and dedicated leader, who is keen to make an impact. Primarily, you will be an excellent practitioner, who is reflective and committed. You will be keen to take an active role in curriculum development. You will also want to make an active contribution to the extra curricular provision. You will be motivated by your ability to develop others.
Staff Development Our staff are important to us. We know that without great staff, our young people will not be as prosperous. Therefore, Professional Learning is key to our success. As a new employee within the Trust, you will be supported colleagues across the organisation, alongside your line manager to realise your full potential.
Our People Strategy is key to our success, and integral to our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.
London Living Wage We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.
Job Title: Head of Computing Contract type: Permanent Salary: Haberdashers’ Trust Main / Upper Scale 2024-5 (£38,836 - £60,154) plus TLR (TBC) School/ Service: Haberdashers’ Borough Academy Location: SE1 0EX Accountable to: Assistant Principal/ Vice Principal
Role Description Key Responsibilities Curriculum and Teaching:
• To plan and deliver consistently high-quality lessons, modelling excellence to the team;
• To develop and refine all aspects of the Computing curriculum;
• To develop the quality of teaching in the department across all key stages;
• To ensure assessment is consistent and accurate, enabling you to support forecast pupil performance
with precision;
• To provide accurate information for parents as directed by the Academy and department policy and to
attend parents’ evenings and other presentation meetings as directed.
Culture and Ethos:
• To promote excellent student behaviour, through consistent routines and expectations;
• To create a safe and nurturing environment that prioritises pupils' safety and wellbeing;
• To create an environment which is inclusive for all pupils through taking a considered approach which
enables our most vulnerable pupils to thrive;
• To raise the profile of the subject within the school, through ensuring regular trips, visits and
contributions to our enrichment programme.
Leadership:
• To lead by example through modelling excellent leadership behaviours; in accordance with the Trust
Leadership Framework.
• To provide high quality line management and performance management, enabling your colleagues to
fulfil their responsibilities and deliver high quality outcomes for pupils
• To work with the wider leadership team to enact school wide policies • To remain informed of current developments in the subject area, participating in INSET and to initiate
change where appropriate • To engage with professional learning within and beyond the organisation; creating a culture of
reflection, refinement and growth. • To be fully committed to the Academy’s house and enrichment activities
General Responsibilities • To work within the Academy framework with regard to Health and Safety • To promote equal opportunities in the Academy and uphold the Trust EDI policy • To promote the school’s commitment to the continued professional development of all staff. • To be aware of and assume the appropriate level of responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the
welfare of children. • To report any Safeguarding concerns in accordance with Trust’s Safeguarding Policy • To undertake any duties as may reasonably be required by the School Principal or Leadership Team • To be aware of and assume the appropriate level of responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the
welfare of children and to report any concerns in accordance with the Academy’s safeguarding policies and undertake an enhanced DBS
Date JD was agreed: February 2025
Person specification
Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment: Applica tion (A) Interview (I) Assessment (AS) References ( R)
Education & Qualifications
• Well qualified graduate with QTS • Educated to degree standard
• Experience teaching in successful school.
A, I, AS
Knowledge & Experience
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
and the ability to establish positive relationships
with colleagues, students and parents
• Good ICT skills
• Experience of effective behaviour management
• Knowledge and understanding of current
pedagogies and practices within Computing.
• Experience at delivering Computing at Key Stage
3, GCSE and A Level
• An ability to recognise the scope for taking
subject(s) out of the classroom setting
• Good understanding of the curriculum and exam
requirements for Computing at GCSE and A Level
• Proven track record of raising educational
standards
• Working across a partnership of schools or across schools within a Multi-Academy Trust setting
• Held previous leadership role is desirable
A, I, AS, R
Personal qualities
• Clear commitment and understanding of
the Trust ethos, vision and values and an ability
to uphold them
• Belief in equality and opportunity for all, ensuring
that all staff feel included and listened to
• Proactive and positive approach to
finding solutions. Resilient in face of challenges
• Highly flexible and adaptable, willing to
respond to evolving need
• Ability to inspire, demonstrate and support the
highest expectations
• Passionate about subject area with high
professional standards
• High level of interpersonal and
communication skills and the ability to build
relationships and influence at all levels –
engaging with a range of stakeholders
successfully
• An outstanding practitioner with demonstrable
passion and enthusiasm for teaching History
• Sensitivity in dealing with pastoral issues
• Commitment to own professional learning
• Ability to
delegate
responsibility
with
accountability
• Ability to take
an active role in
developing
school targets
A, I, AS, R
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“There is a strong community at the heart of this growing school. The
school values of community, kindness, aspiration and resilience are lived out
by pupils and staff. The school is ambitious for all pupils.
Teachers have strong subject knowledge, and new teachers are well
supported as they join the school.”
Taken from Borough Academy OFSTED Inspection Report March 2024
Staff Benefits
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W hy H
aberdashers? At Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, we believe that investing in our staff is crucial for our success. That’s why we offer a range of benefits that cater to your professional growth, well-being, and financial security.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you join us:
Perkbox: Our cutting-edge reward and benefits platform empowers you to acknowledge your colleagues’ accomplishments through its celebration tool. You can gain flexi and reward points, which can be redeemed at various high street and online retailers for treats and everyday essentials. Additionally, you have the option to make charitable donations.
Pension Scheme: (eligible and enrolled participants): From 1 April 1, 2024, for teachers, the Trust will contribute 28.68% to your pension fund. Support Staff will receive a 19.80% contribution to their pension pot from the same date.
Professional Learning: Our dedicated team at Habs Institute for Professional Learning is devoted to nurturing your professional growth. We offer excellent training opportunities for all staff throughout the year and provide partial funding for qualification pursuits.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP encompasses a 24-hour, free, and confidential counselling service. It includes access to online cognitive-behavioural therapy and management consultations to support Line Managers.
Well-being: Enjoy complimentary access to the award-winning Headspace app, along with free mindfulness courses to enhance your overall well-being.
Staff Development: Explore secondment opportunities within the Trust or external organisations, providing valuable experiences for your professional development.
Ride to Work and Cycle to Work Schemes: Take advantage of substantial discounts through tax allowances for either purchasing a bike or opting for bike hire, promoting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
Season Ticket Loans: Enjoy discounted annual travel fares through our salary- deductible Season Ticket Loan and save on your travel overall.
We are committed to helping you thrive in your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the benefits of working with a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.
Staff Incentives
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W hy H
aberdashers? We know that staff are our greatest asset in achieving our vision for every school to be an excellent school and for our children and young people to flourish and succeed.
To incentivise like-minded and talented people who care about the work we do at the Trust, to join us and stay with us, we have recently introduced :
Talent Connect Bonus
Refer a friend or connection to apply for a role at the Trust and receive a £300* bonus when they successfully complete their probation period.
Welcome Reward
Those employed in ‘hard to fill’ roles to receive a Welcome Reward of £500* after successfully completing their probation period.
Milestone Appreciation Award
Long-serving members of staff to receive a £500*** reward and congratulatory letter from the CEO for reaching 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25-year anniversaries with the Trust. .
* subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, and other terms and conditions. Some senior leaders will be exempt from receiving the Talent Connect Bonus.
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“I am honoured to work at Borough Academy and to be part of a fantastic team that are steadfast in their commitment to our students and local community.
As a founding member of staff, I have worked with my colleagues, students and parents to help shape the school values and culture and I believe we have in
place a curriculum that is both inclusive and challenging: having been built by staff all of whom a
high level of subject expertise and understanding of the science of learning.
Our extra-curricular provision is the best I have seen in my time in teaching, and we make full use of our
unique geography and proximity to some of London’s most enriching attractions.
Most importantly our young people are caring, kind, ambitious and fully committed to their learning. It is a genuine pleasure to welcome them through the school gate every morning and to work with them every day.”
Vice Principal Haberdashers’ Borough Academy
Recruitment process and additional recruitment information Closing date: Thursday 22nd May 2026 Interview date: TBC
Start date: September 2025
Recruitment Process: Once you have submitted your application, it will be assessed against the criteria in the person specification. If you score well against this criteria, you will then be invited to attend an interview. Details will be made available when selected, but the interview is likely to include: • A written task • A presentation • A panel Interview
Special Requirements: If you require reasonable adjustments prior to your interview, these can be arranged by emailing boroughhr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
Equality and Diversity: We recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. We are committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace, becoming an employer of choice, for all staff to believe that they have a voice and be empowered to make a difference
References: We will obtain references from your referees if you are successful at interview. In order to prevent any delays, please ensure that the reference section of the application form is accurate and completed in full. Please always include your current Head of School’s details when applying for a teaching post.
Right to work in the UK: Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2006 makes it a criminal offence for an employer to take on a new employee whose immigration status prevents him/her from taking up employment. If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be asked to produce original and up to date documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
Data Protection: Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the selection process. By signing and submitting your application form, you are giving consent to the processing of your data.
Criminal Convictions: All education establishments in the UK are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In practice, this means that all shortlisted applicants must inform on all spent and unspent convictions when completing a Disclosure and Barring form. Failure to provide this information may result in dismissal. A Barring Check is also obtained on anyone who will be working or coming into contact with children; and must be received by the School before employment can commence.
For a confidential discussion about this post or to arrange a visit to our school, please
contact the office on 020 3764 1321 or email boroughhr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
Thank you for your interest in Haberdashers’ Borough Academy. We look forward to receiving your
application.
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Haberdashers’ Borough Academy 94B Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 0EX
www.habsborough.org.uk
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