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FINANCE MANAGER

APPLICATION

INFORMATION PACK

Welcome to Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School was founded in 1576 and is one of the oldest schools in England. For nearly 450 years,

Dartford Grammar School has enabled young people from Dartford and its surrounding area to achieve great things.

It is proud of the confident, thoughtful, energetic global citizens that leave the school, fully prepared to contribute

to the community, and to rise to the challenges of an increasingly complex future in the wider world.

Dartford Grammar School’s students are extremely successful. They enjoy doing remarkably well – both at their

academic work and in the team work associated with the widest range of co-curricular activities. They value the

talents, ideas and successes of others.

Judged outstanding in every OfStEd inspection, Dartford Grammar School provides a broad, balanced international

education, following the principles of The International Baccalaureate both in the Middle Years and the Sixth

Form. Every student studies either Mandarin Chinese or Japanese from Year 7 and an additional European language

from Year 8.

It is rare to be a school within the British education system that offers the IB curriculum exclusively, and we are

proud to say that we now offer the opportunity to study the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form to more students than

ever. The School received The Sunday Times IB School of the Year award in both 2017 and 2020, and then became

the Sunday Times IB School of the Decade in 2020 too, paying testimony to the ongoing excellent results arising

through the focus and energy of students and staff in maximising the opportunities the Diploma supports. We

believe that the learning benefits and the prospects for university admission are palpable and justify this

unrelenting drive to secure a modern international curriculum. Parents do appreciate the opportunities offered to

their children through the co-curriculum and the personalisation offered by an almost unlimited choice of subject

in the Sixth Form.

As one leading and reputable educational commentator concluded recently: ‘This is no bastion of educational

privilege, but one that has achieved its notable success through hard work, inspired teaching and free-thinking.

It is one of the country’s truly exceptional schools – and one to be treasured.”

The school’s mission statement, ‘A learning community developing international citizens’ reflects the purpose of

an IB World School; ‘to develop young people who help to create a more peaceful world through intercultural

understanding and respect’ and ‘to encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and

lifelong learners who understand that other people , with their differences, can also be right’.

Julian Metcalf

Head

ABOUT US
A learning community developing international citizens

Dartford Grammar School is a selective secondary academy for boys, which admits girls to its sixth form. There
are six forms of entry to Year 7, and all of the students joining the school are from the top 25% of the ability
range. The students come from Dartford, neighbouring towns and villages, and nearby London boroughs. The
current roll is 1,516, including 598 in the sixth form.

Curriculum
Dartford Grammar School offers a unique seven year innovative curriculum based on the educational philosophy
of the International Baccalaureate (IB). This begins with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the lower school
and then concludes with the Diploma Programme (DP) in the Sixth Form. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is
offered around the world in 146 countries and we are proud that we are a leading IB World School, offering a truly
international education. The IB courses are crucial to our ethos encouraging students to be independent, creative
and highly successful lifelong learners. We were the first British state school authorised to offer the IB Middle Years
Programme to pupils in Year 7 to 9. However, no prior experience of the International Baccalaureate is needed, and
the successful applicant will have the opportunity to undertake appropriate CPD as required.

In Years 7 – 9, students develop their knowledge and understanding of their subjects through the skills based Middle
Years Programme which is underpinned by the philosophy of the Learner Profile. In Years 10 and 11, students follow
a broad range of academic GCSE subjects, including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, either
double or triple Science , two Humanities from History, Geography and Religious Studies and a further option from
Art, Drama, Music, Design Technology, Computer Science and Physical Education. We are the only school nationally
where all students sit GCSE examinations in two Modern Foreign Languages, one from Mandarin Chinese or
Japanese then either French, German, Latin or Spanish. Our innovative Creativity Week programme allows all
students to enjoy a cross-discipline approach to their learning and develops independence and autonomy.

In the Sixth Form we offer the IB Diploma to approximately 600 students each year, a programme that equips them
with the key skills and a broad but deep subject knowledge to succeed in higher education or employment. The IB
Diploma is recognised around the world and so allows students to access universities both in the United Kingdom
and internationally. Through the IB Diploma, all students study English, Mathematics, a Language, a Science, a
Humanity and either an Arts subject or a second choice from Languages, Science or Humanities. Students choose
their six subjects from two levels of entry; three at higher level and three at standard level. Additionally students
complete a 4000 word Extended Essay, as well as a study of Theory of Knowledge and an exciting Creativity, Activity
and Service project (CAS). It is anticipated that the successful applicant will have a considerable sixth form teaching
timetable.

Our entire curriculum, in line with the IB Learner Profile, encourages students to be internationally minded and
aware of the importance of cultural diversity while embracing British values. Our curriculum offers academic rigor
with the balance of a vibrant co-curriculum where all students actively participate in the wider life of the school.
All of this is underpinned by our commitment to pastoral care and student and staff wellbeing.

Students at Dartford Grammar School enjoy very high academic success. In 2022, with a return to external
examinations at both GCSE and IB Diploma level, students gained 81% of all GCSE entries at grade L7-9, and 70% of

all IB Diploma entries at grade L6/7, respectively. The school’s examination results continue to be exceptional. A
GCSE P8 score of 0.92 places Dartford Grammar School as the highest performing boys' school in Kent in 2022. Our
sixth formers gained an average UCAS point score of 224 and an average IB point score of 37.7 in 2022. The L3VA
will present the school as one of the highest performing sixth forms in the country for progress. Almost all Year 13
students proceed to university with 92% of students successful at their first or second choice, 71% successful at
Russell Group universities, 58% taking up STEM related courses and 2% progressing into higher level apprenticeship
qualifications.

The L3VA will present the school as one of the highest performing sixth forms in the country for value
added. Almost all of Year 13 students proceed to university with 100% of students successful at their first or second
choice and 77% successful at Russell Group universities. In 2021, our students received outstanding grades that
were precisely in line with teacher predictions.

Ofsted Inspections
The school has been identified five times by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector as one of England’s most successful
schools, reflecting a sustained period of outstanding achievement. In 2020, the school become the Sunday Times
IB School of the Decade.

Buildings and Facilities
The school, founded in 1576, has occupied its present site since 1866. Additional buildings have been constructed
since then, the major works in last 10 years being listed below:

2012/13 extended sixth form centre;
2013/14 new science department;
2013/14 new Key Stage 3 transition area;
2014/15 new Performing Arts Centre and rejuvenation of part of the Hardy building;
2015/16 new dining hall and additional laboratories;
2017/18 new sixth form centre;
2017/18 extension and improvements to the Arthur Jones pavilion;
2018/19 new school shop and print room facility;
2021/22 new fitness suite and learning support department.

Pastoral Support
The school has a strong pastoral system operating from Year 7 to Year 13. The school is divided into Key Stage units,
and each year group has a Head of Year who oversees all aspects of the students’ development. The school provides
3 Higher Education Advisers and a specialist Careers Adviser.

Extra-Curricular Programme
The school is exceptionally rich in extra-curricular activities. It offers 16 sports and competes with others in at least
eight of them each year. Teams regularly gain county, regional and national success, and many students gain
representative honours at one or more of these levels. The school achieves high standards in music, and has an
orchestra, wind band, choir, chamber choir and many other ensembles. Drama productions are frequent.

The Performing Arts Faculty benefits from the facilities of the Mick Jagger Performing Arts Centre. There are many
other clubs and societies, with debating always a popular activity. The school’s impressive programme of
community service is regarded as a particular strength. The school benefits from many close links with Europe,
China and Japan. There are regular overseas cultural and sports trips, and other international visits.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a notable strength: nearly all students in Year 10 complete the Bronze Award,
with a majority going on to Silver. Gold Award expeditions take place in both the UK and overseas, while the school
has also offered international trips via Operation Wallacea.

External Links
The school has a very active Parents' Association, which provides valuable assistance and support. The school has
strong links with local industry and with Higher Education. It has extensive links with many other institutions, and
is also part of the world-wide International Baccalaureate Organisation network.

Becket Sports Centre and The Mick Jagger Centre for the Performing Arts
Out of school hours the facilities of both centres are shared with the local community. They are managed by school
staff, reporting through independent management structures.

The Becket Sports Centre comprises a sports hall and a recently refurbished, fully equipped fitness studio, with a
separate aerobics/training room, which has a sprung floor, allowing dance sessions to be held. The Mick Jagger
Centre includes two auditoria (seating 200 and 350 respectively, both with retractable seating), 8 music practice
rooms, dance studio, exhibition space, two music rooms and a Drama Studio. It is a base for 20 community
organisations and runs a small commercial programme attracting a range of talents and performers.
Website
Further details of the school, including breakdown of performance figures, can be accessed through:
www.dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk Applicants are warmly invited to visit the school before applying.

STAFF REWARDS AND BENEFITS
Here at Dartford Grammar School, we want to share with you a snapshot of the generous benefits package

offered to all staff, from their very first day of employment. We are always looking at new ways and fresh ideas

that can best support our body of staff to reach their full potential, both professionally and personally.

What we offer:

• A commitment to invest in staff development via training, CPD, mentoring, and in-house support groups

• Free car parking on site

• Cycle to Work scheme

• On-site dining with superb food

• Free annual flu vaccination

• 24/7 free access to our Employee Assistance Programme for confidential advice and guidance

• Free gym access to onsite facilities

• Annual leave of 23 days, plus bank holidays, which increases to reflect length of service

• State of the art school facilities with on site Performing Arts centre

• Regular staff wellbeing events

• Highly attractive pension schemes for both Teaching and Support staff

• Social events

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Finance Manager

GRADE: DGS 10 £34,866-£41,011 per year (pay award pending)

START DATE: September 2023

RESPONSIBLE TO: School Business Manager

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and qualified Finance Manager to join our team,
managing the day to day running of a busy Finance office, providing support to the School Business
Manager.

As Finance Manager, you will be a confident communicator and enjoy working collaboratively. You will
have excellent attention to detail, be proactive and proficient in IT skills, especially with Microsoft Excel.

Ideally, you will be a part qualified accountant or have a strong background in financial management.
Experience of working in an educational environment would be advantageous but is not essential. The
successful person will line manage one finance officer and report to the School Business Manager.

ROLE PROFILE

Finance Manager

Full Time: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Line Manager: School Business Manager
Persons Line Managed: Finance Officer

Main purpose of the role

• Managing the day to day running of a busy Finance office, providing support to the School Business Manager

• Responsible for financial reporting, month end, VAT returns, cash flow monitoring and reporting, assistance

Main Duties

• Establish, maintain, and develop efficient systems for budgeting, financial administration, cash flow

• Maintain systems and procedures such that financial transactions are processed in a timely and efficient

• Ensure timely production and issue of financial reports, cash flow forecasts and returns as required by the

• To assist with the interim and year-end audit and preparation of annual accounts in line with the statutory

• To work closely with the School Business Manager to complete the annual budget planning process including

• To assist in the submission of ESFA Reports including Annual Accounts and Budget Forecast Returns

• To manage and oversee the accurate recording of teacher and support staff salaries. To reconcile monthly

• To review and develop the school’s finance policy and procedures ensuring all relevant staff are appraised

• Work closely with the School Business Manager to analyse and obtain best value for services supplied to the

• Act as the central contact for insurance claims and assist the SBL in insurance negotiations and insurance

• To maintain a register of contracts and maintenance agreements assisting with contract reviews and

• To implement new policies and promote a positive ethos, particularly towards accounting

• To respect confidentiality at all times

• Carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by the SBL

• These duties may be varied to meet the changing demands of the school at the reasonable direction of the

Key Role Behaviours

• Organisational

• Attention to detail

• Effective written and verbal communications

• Change management

• Team working

• Self motivation - ability to work without supervision

• Influencing/advising

• Self improvement

Knowledge, Skills, Experience

• Relevant finance experience – preferably within a school

• AAT qualification / part qualified accountant

• Experienced in preparing management accounts including cash flow forecast

• Have a working knowledge of computerised financial systems and controls as well as accounting principles

• experience of payroll and pensions administration.

• Working knowledge of Iris Financials (PSF), FMS & SBS (desirable)

• Competent IT skills including Microsoft word and Excel packages

• Confident communicator

• Being able to work as part of a team

• Able to work with initiative to tight deadlines

• Display attributes of self-confidence, reliability and integrity

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the school’s application form. All sections of the
application form must be completed as accurately and as full as possible.

Please note that CV’s will not be considered and must be attached to an application form as a supplementary form.

All completed application forms must be submitted to Mrs Michelle Bexley, HR Manager, electronically to
[email protected] or by post to the following address:

HR Manager
Dartford Grammar School
West Hill
Dartford
Kent
DA1 2HW

Closing date for applications: Monday 26th June 2023, at 9am

Interview date: 28th and 29th June 2023

The school may interview early in the case of an exceptional candidate.

SHORTLISTING AND INTERVIEW PROCESS
Only after the closing date will candidates be shortlisted. This will be based solely on the information provided
within the application form, so ensuring your application form is accurate and fully completed is imperative.

After the shortlisting process as taken place, candidates will then be invited to interview and references then
contacted.

All candidates who have been invited for interview will be required to bring the following documentation:

• Right to Work in the UK evidence (typically a passport or driving license)

• Criminal Record Self Declaration (will be sent ahead of the interview)