Local school offers generous incentive to join the staff

With staff turnover rates for teachers currently running at 15% , it is not surprising that schools must offer attractive packages to retain key personnel. However, even in the highest echelons of the local education service almost £100,000 worth of incentive must surely be considered steep?

Not so according to Chiswick Community School who are offering a salary of £98,334 for the successful candidate who will become their new Head Teacher from September 2007. What they are not offering (in the job ad) is a five figure "golden hello" received by other heads as an incentive to join a school.

The Times Educational Supplement says a school in Haringey, north London, offered its head teacher £40,000 to come on board - against council advice. Governors are having to devise increasingly attractive packages, and some are using head-hunters, to find the right person as the shortage of good candidates continues.

According to the ad, Chiswick Community School are looking for someone who will “Share our passion for comprehensive education. Be inspired by the rich diversity of our school community. Be able to build relationships with and inspire the confidence of parents, other schools and the wider community and be looking to develop their career in a challenging, but rewarding and supportive, environment”

Those interested in discovering more about the position should contact the HR Section, Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning, Civic Centre, Hounslow TW3 4DN. Telephone: 020-8583 2674. E-mail: jobs.edu@hounslow.gov.uk . Interviews will take place on 25th & 26th April.

March 24, 2007