Information for Applicants

The formal partnership between Chatham House Grammar School (boys) and Clarendon House Grammar School (girls) came into being from January 2009, as a ‘hard’ Federation with one Governing Body and one Executive Headteacher.  Since then, as equal partners in the Federation the two schools have worked more closely together, with a formal merger into one mixed grammar school as the strategic goal.

Key Developments since 2009

* Both partner schools became federated Converter Academies from January 2011

* The implementation of the CCVI: our joint Federal Sixth Form with over 450 students, from September 2012.   

* “Urban Campus” from September 2011.  This co-locates the boys and girls, by the reorganisation of the existing buildings to base Years 7 - 9 at the Chatham House site as a Lower School, and Years 10-11 at the Clarendon House site as an Upper School. Sixth Form students, who have some of their lessons across both main sites, also have their own CCVI Centre in the Cavendish building, located centrally between Chatham House & Clarendon House.

* From September 2011 the pattern of the School Day changed to a 6 period day with a long morning break, to support inter-site movement by Sixth Form students and some staff.  We would expect staff who join the school to be willing to teach across the Urban Campus, from Key Stage 3 to the Sixth Form, as/when necessary.

* All teaching groups in the Sixth Form are mixed.  At Key Stage 4 (GCSE option) teaching groups are mixed but all teaching groups at Key Stage 3 remain single sex.

* CPD is a significant element of what the Federation offers, and under the leadership of the Professional Tutor, all colleagues who join us will participate in a supportive programme of induction and professional development.  Through our various specialisms, the Federation already has good links with other secondary and primary schools in our area.  

Prospective applicants may be reassured to learn that in switching to Academy status, the Governors & Senior Leadership Team insisted that the National Teachers Pay & Conditions Document, and the support staff equivalent, would be maintained. We recognise that the greatest strength of the Federation is the people who work here – their talent and commitment, which is held in high regard by students, parents and the wider community.  Consequently we have resolved not to use the flexibility of Academy status to introduce pay and working conditions which would be considered detrimental by the staff.

Formal partnerships, federations and Academies are increasingly seen as the way forward in a time of radical change for the education system.  This is an exciting time to join us, and to play a part in shaping what happens here. We can offer cohesive and mutually supportive teams of staff, friendly and responsive students who are keen to learn and be stretched, and the opportunity for fulfilling and transferable professional development. Having read the application information and researched the Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School Federation, I hope that you decide to apply for a post with us and wish you the best of luck.

Debra Liddicoat
Principal