Working at MCS

There are many benefits to working at Magdalen College School. Founded in 1480 by William of Waynflete, the school has a rich history and an enviable location at the heart of Oxford beside the River Cherwell.

MCS is one of the country’s leading independent day schools. Shaped by its Christian Collegiate foundation and links with the university city of which it is part, it aims to inspire in all its pupils a desire to learn, flourish and serve.

The School will celebrate its 550th anniversary in 2030. The current generation of MCS staff and pupils wish to ensure that we shape a school that is able to flourish for at least another half millennium, and hopefully many more beyond. There are around 950 pupils, boys aged 7-18 and Sixth Form girls, and 350 members of staff who learn and work on the School’s central Oxford site.

To learn more about the opportunities and advantages of working at MCS, please refer to the attached ‘Recruitment Pack (Director of Co-Curriculum)’.

The Role

The School is seeking to appoint a highly-qualified, experienced and inspirational Director of Co-Curriculum to lead and manage the development of the co-curricular programme.

The Director of Co-Curriculum will have a proven track record of commitment to and an understanding of co-curricular activities, along with experience of managing, coordinating and developing the work of teaching and support staff.

As a member of the school’s Extended Leadership Team, they will attend meetings as appropriate, play a key role in contributing to the development of whole school strategy and provide relevant contributions to the school’s Strategic Development Plan, relevant annual development plan and inspection documentation and preparation.

The role attracts a timetable remission of around one third and is not subject-specific. Given the scope of the role it is expected that the postholder will seek promotion to Deputy Headship in due course.

Please see the attached ‘Recruitment Pack (Director of Co-Curriculum)’ for a detailed explanation of the Key responsibilities, including organisational and general responsibilities.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• take a keen interest in the welfare of pupils and show clear commitment to safeguarding children;
• be a well-qualified graduate;
• have a clear, inclusive and innovative vision for the co-curriculum, an appreciation of the importance of co-curricular activities within our provision, and an understanding of the importance of the co-curriculum for current and prospective parents
• have experience in a leadership role, with clear evidence of positive strategic and operational impact in that role
• understand pupils well and be passionate about their wellbeing and their personal and social development
• ideally, have the confidence to lead CPD sessions
• ideally, have experience of managing teams of colleagues
• have the ability to coordinate and support the work of colleagues at all levels
• be open-minded, and have the ability to manage change and the capacity and willingness to work flexibly, including beyond the specific remit of this role, as an active member of the Extended Leadership Team
• contribute fully to other areas of school life, such as games, music, drama, CCF or other activities
• show sensitivity and discretion,
• have a high profile/high visibility and a sense of humour
• have strong IT skills, including data handling and analysis
• have outstanding interpersonal skills and strong leadership qualities
• have excellent written and spoken communication skills and communicate effectively with pupils, parents, staff and the local community;
• have the ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a wider team;
• display a high level of attention to detail;
• be willing to take part in continuing professional development;
• respond positively to feedback.
• plan and teach lessons in an engaging manner with evident enthusiasm
• support the progress of all pupils studying by taking a role in departmental support, enrichment and partnerships sessions;
• set clear expectations for pupil behaviour within an encouraging classroom environment;
• work hard to support pupil progress;

The Director of Co-Curriculum will report to the Usher, and ultimately to the Master, for the proper discharge of his or her duties.

Remuneration

The school currently has its own salary scale, and salaries are substantially more generous than those in the maintained sector; there is also a relocation allowance on a sliding scale, by agreement with the Master and Bursar, and dependent on current location. The school also operates a cycle to work scheme, and travel loans are available. MCS offers teaching staff a choice of pension arrangements; a Defined Contribution scheme with an employer contribution of 23.68% or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme with a salary sacrifice arrangement. Staff may move between the two schemes as suits their needs. The Master will discuss the pension with any offer of appointment.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following two documents to the Recruitment Officer, Miss Yelena Molcanova (recruitment@mcsoxford.org), which can be found here.

1. MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff
2. CV (Curriculum Vitae)

All documentation should be sent no later than Thursday 21st November, at midday. The school’s preferred method of communication is by email and it will not be necessary to send a hard copy of the documents by post.

References may be taken up in advance. If you do not wish for your references to be called for at this stage, please make that clear on the reference section of the application form.

Interviews

We anticipate holding interviews on Friday 29th November, which will include a taught lesson and a 5-minute presentation on the candidate’s vision for the co-curriculum at MCS. There may also be a second round of interviews. We will be in contact with shortlisted candidates by telephone.

Please be aware that all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a ‘Self-Disclosure’ form before attending their interview.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the above dates.

Equal Opportunities

Magdalen College School recognises and is committed to ensuring applicants and employees from all sections of the community are treated equally regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We welcome applications form all sections of the community.

Safeguarding Policy

Magdalen College School is committed to the safeguarding of pupils, and any offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, the receipt of satisfactory references, the school’s pre-employment medical questionnaire, plus sight of relevant ID documentation and degree certificate(s). The enhanced DBS check is due to this role being exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.