Headteacher recruitment guidance

HEADTEACHERS, CHAIRS OF GOVERNORS, CLERKS TO GOVERNING BOARD

Just a reminder that headteacher recruitment guidance has recently been published by the DfE and NGA.

The guidance outlines the different stages of the process including:

• planning and setting up a selection panel
• preparing the application pack
• advertising and promotion
• the interview itself and the actions to be taken once an appointment is made

The NGA has developed a toolkit alongside the guidance comprising practical checklists and templates for boards to use to support the recruitment process, including shortlisting templates, suggested interview questions and a checklist of things to consider when using a recruitment agency.

With the recruitment of a school leader being arguably one of the most important tasks a board will undertake, the guidance aims to steer governing boards through the legal context and principles of recruitment.

Action for clerks / chair of governors

When a chair of governors at a local authority maintained school receives their headteacher’s written resignation, either the clerk or chair of governors must immediately inform Heather Imbush at Governor Services and, in the case of church schools, especially Voluntary Aided Schools, the relevant diocese.

Heather can be contacted by telephone: 01926 742632 or by email: heatherimbush@warwickshire.gov.uk Heather will then update our records and advise on the support available to the school and governing board.

Headteacher resignation dates and notice periods (maintained schools)

To leave their post at the end of the Summer Term a headteacher must give a minimum of 4 months’ notice. This means: