Hunt for new head as principal leaves

Chiefs in search for new leader at Homewood

The principal of Homewood School in Tenterden is stepping down and a new leader is being recruited to start in September.

Sally Lees is giving up her headship to take on the role of chief executive of the Tenterden Schools Trust, which encompasses Homewood School and the Home Farm Nursery, together with Tenterden infant and junior schools and St Michaels primary school.

Applicants for the top post at the 2,000-pupil school, which attracts a salary of £89,900 to £104,109 per year, will be interviewed at the end of the month.

Candidates are being asked if they have the qualities of a “confident and motivational leader, able to inspire, support and challenge colleagues and students” according to the job advertisement on the school’s website.

The position is being billed as a “once in a lifetime opportunity to join [Homewood’s] innovative and vibrant learning community”, where the “vision is to provide a world class learning experience” for pupils.

Candidates will a have a “proven track record of leading, development and motivating staff” as well as a “strong commitment to inclusion and high expectations for all learners”.

Mrs Lees joined the Ashford Road school nine years ago from Dover Grammar School for Boys.

She has since led Homewood from a satisfactory Ofsted to two successive good ratings, most recently in May 2017.

She has championed a broad curriculum with the aim of giving all pupils the chance of success, at the same time as improving academic results, particularly at A level, with more than 100 Homewood students winning a university place each year.

Mrs Lees’ leadership has seen the growth of the school farm, the strengthening of the on site Sinden Theatre, and last year the opening of a 3G football pitch, all of which are shared with community. She has introduced a grammar-plus stream and the I College, which aims to develop the whole child and gives pupils the responsibility for their own learning.

A teacher-researcher has also been used to ensure staff are up to date with best practice in the profession.

Mrs Lees will contain to liaise with the new principal of Homewood School as she steers the expected growth of the Tenterden Schools Trust.

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Homewood School principal Sally Lees is stepping down