Case Studies: Primary

The challenge

The George Carey School is a new school established in a new community in Barking & Dagenham to maintain the distinctive Christian ethos required for a Church of England Aided school (representing CofE, Salvation Army and Methodists).  The school will be part of ‘Churches Together’ - all about relationships, established by the churches in that place and different in activity and membership.  Each group is mutually supportive of and supported by the others with the common aim of creating space for meetings and exploring common Christian faith and how this is lived out in worship and service to the community.

The challenge for George Carey School was to establish a new staff team/structure beginning with the headteacher.  TES Prime were asked to help with this exercise.  The newly appointed headteacher would also need to establish the school as a centre of the community and build links with other Barking & Dagenham schools; design a curriculum; and plan how best to use the building.

How we helped

TES Prime was asked to help the interim governing body create a high-profile campaign that would attract a candidate using executive search and advertising along the following lines: a practicing Christian with the experience of leading an inner-city school; a candidate with the vision and tenacity to plan for and create a growing school; a pioneer, with the passion and determination to create a brand new school; an individual who can see the bigger picture; someone forward-thinking, highly organised, systematic, passionate, and who can see the project through and stay motivated.

The result

George Carey School achieved a successful outcome after TES Prime engaged with more than 80 candidates via executive search and advertising.  Five candidates applied for the role and four were shortlisted.  The candidates were either a serving headteacher or had previously held this position.  A successful appointment was made first time after a process of assessment, interviewing and references.