As a small multi-academy trust, The Corinium Education Trust has hitherto effectively engaged consultants to support school improvement. However, as we look forward to September 2022 and beyond, Chief Executive, Chiquita Henson, and Trustees are determined to build capacity within the Trust. 

 

As she prepares for a new role as dedicated Chief Executive, having previously balanced this role alongside that of Headteacher of Cirencester Deer Park School, Chiquita Henson, advertised a new post within The Corinium Education Trust that of School Improvement Lead (Primary).

 

This relatively unique post captured the interest of headteachers and senior school leaders and many contacted Chiquita Henson for more information about the role before submitting their applications, many of which were personalised to The Corinium Education Trust and the needs of our primary schools. Four candidates were shortlisted for interview on Monday 16 May 2022, each with different experiences.

 

During their interviews, the candidates were invited to assume the roles of School Improvement Leads and complete the standard elements of ‘deep dives’ across two of The Corinium Education Trust’s primary schools; the morning took place at Kemble Primary School and the afternoon at Siddington C of E Primary School. Candidates met with headteachers and subject leads, They observed teachers and scrutinised work in books before sharing their feedback. All commended themselves well. However, two candidates were invited back for a final panel interview on Tuesday 17 May.

 

Across both days, Rachael Scott, an aspiring school leader currently at Rodmarton Primary School, consistently impressed Chiquita Henson, and headteachers. Throughout the interview she was fully focused on school improvement and provided both challenge and support. She conducted her inquiries purposefully and demonstrated a strong knowledge and understanding of curriculum design and delivery.

 

Following further discussions and revisions to the original job description for the role, we are delighted Rachael Scott has accepted the post of part time School Improvement Lead (Primary) from September 2022. Prior to teaching at Rodmarton School, Rachael Scott taught in Hampshire at Hordle Primary School.

 

'I am looking forward to joining the Corinium Education Trust and sharing my expertise. Through my ambitious nature, I am committed to raising standards in teaching and learning. My experience has led me to develop innovative teaching methods, delivering outstanding lessons as a result. In leadership, I have shaped curriculum design to ensure consistency and thorough coverage of skills. I am an inspiring and supportive mentor who works hard to develop the skills of fellow teaching professionals. I believe a leader of teaching should build confidence in others. If teaching staff have confidence within themselves, then so do the children they teach.' Rachael Scott

 

We are also thrilled that Rachael will be undertaking some initial school improvement work for The Corinium Education Trust in June and July.

 

Once in post, Rachael Scott with work alongside Chiquita Henson and The Corinium Education Trust’s primary headteachers. She will coordinate the implementation of the Early Career Framework across our primaries and act as lead mentor. She will work directly with colleagues to strengthen teaching and subject leadership, promote networking and facilitate moderation. Furthermore, she will contribute to curriculum planning and delivery and provide targeted and bespoke coaching and mentoring. Rachael will also assist in The Corinium Education Trust’s planning for the opening of The Steadings Primary School in 2024.

 

‘We are looking forward to working with Rachael and we are confident that her deployment across our primary schools will create the capacity our headteachers need to help them and their teams bring about further improvement.’ Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive

Richard Clutterbuck, Deputy Head, to succeed Chiquita Henson as headteacher of Cirencester Deer Park School

 

We are delighted to confirm that following intensive interviews with four candidates on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 April 2022, we appointed Richard Clutterbuck to the post of Cirencester Deer Park School’s new Headteacher from 1 September 2022.

 

Similar to the recent headteacher recruitment at Chesterton Primary School, our rigorous selection process involved members of the school’s local governing body, staff and pupils. To familiarise them with the school and to help us get to know them, each candidate completed eleven different activities. These enabled them to share their visions for the school and demonstrate their qualities as school leaders. It was a reciprocal process: the candidates had the opportunity to ask questions and make observations while we were able to quiz them and evaluate their effectiveness. Each candidate impressed in one or more area and they were all very complimentary about the school. They commented specifically on the welcome they received, the positive energy within the school, the commitment and loyalty of staff and pupils to our core values.

 

‘Having been Headteacher for 19 years, it will be hard to hand over the reins to someone else. However, it is very evident that Richard Clutterbuck shares the school’s values and has the support of a strong team. I am confident that he will continue to take the school forward and improve the outcomes for all of our young people.’ Chiquita Henson, currently Headteacher and Chief Executive of The Corinium Education Trust.

 

Richard Clutterbuck has been working temporarily at Cirencester Deer Park School since September 2020. He initially joined the school’s Strategic Leadership Team to provide additional capacity, having initially been engaged as an Educational Consultant by the Corinium Education Trust in 2019. Prior to joining us Richard Clutterbuck was Headteacher at two schools in Bristol. He has also provided consultant school improvement support for the Academies Enterprise Trust, principally Tamworth Enterprise College and Greenwood Academy. Consequently, he is very familiar with working within a multi-academy trust.

 

‘I am truly honoured to be the new Headteacher of Cirencester Deer Park School from September. Whilst I have previously been headteacher of two schools and have enjoyed the experience of leading both, it is Deer Park which has truly got under my skin. It is a humbling experience to lead any school but the ambition and care which is evident here from the pupils, staff, parents and governors is something which has struck a cord with me both personally and professionally. Equally, being part of a growing Multi-Academy Trust is an exciting time for Deer Park and I look forward to working with Chiquita Henson in her role as Chief Executive to help all of the young people in Deer Park and the wider community be the best they can be every day.’ Richard Clutterbuck, Deputy Headteacher

 

There is no doubt that Richard Clutterbuck is invested in Cirencester Deer Park School, both as a member of staff and parent. He has embraced the school’s ethos, become a visible and proactive presence and established himself as a leader. He has supported staff and school events and provided inspiration and challenge. He is fully focused on our core purpose, teaching and learning. Most recently, he has been working effectively with the school’s leadership team and our Heads of Faculty to review our curriculum and, more widely, with teachers to develop pedagogy and practice.

 

‘Over the remainder of this academic year, Richard Clutterbuck and I will work closely together to achieve a smooth transition. I am looking forward working with him in my continuing role as Chief Executive of The Corinium Education Trust.’ Chiquita Henson