Mercia Learning Trust

VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS This year, we are excited to continue our KESworking programme with another series of impactful events. Over the past two years, these sessions have made a significant difference in the lives of our sixth form students. Each one offers something unique—whether it’s a workshop on interview skills, mentoring and confidence-building activities, or career-focused events where students explore various professional paths. These opportunities provide our young people with invaluable insights and guidance from real-life professionals, business owners, and alumni. In addition to supporting students, these events also offer adults the chance to network and connect with like-minded individuals. Our next event will be on Monday 14 October from 11am-12.30pm, and we have three others across the academic year. If you would like to learn more about this year’s programme, please contact Abi Merritt at [email protected]. See it Be it in Sheffield #sheffield #sheffieldvolunteer

We are seeking to appoint a highly skilled and talented cover supervisor to join the team at King Ecgbert School. This is a 0.6FTE (22.5 hours/39 weeks) grade 4 role, fixed term for 1 year initially, with a view to a permanent contract subject to funding. The role will commence November 2024. Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gr5w9ek2

We are seeking to appoint two highly skilled and talented specialist learning support assistants (Autism) to join our Integrated Resource team at King Ecgbert School.  The posts will commence September 2024. One role is permanent and one role is fixed term for 1 year. Working within an agreed framework of supervision and direction, the successful candidates will deliver high quality, personalised interventions both in and out of the classroom setting, maximising the progress of students within the Integrated Resource.  Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gQqD68m4

We are incredibly proud of these outstanding achievements and extend our congratulations to all the students and staff involved.

We are recruiting for an IT technician to join our central IT support team within Mercia Learning Trust. This role will be based at Newfield Secondary School. This is a full time, permanent opportunity to join our trust as soon as possible. Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/ecfQwjH8 #sheffield #sheffieldjobs #sheffjobs #IT #ITjobs #ITjob

The role of Chair of the Trust Board has now been transferred to Rhona Dodds. Rhona has been a trustee for almost 8 years, is exceedingly experienced, and has been Chair of Governors for Mercia School and Chair of Nether Edge School. Rhona's background in the health sector includes over twenty years in the NHS, starting as a technician and moving into Clinical Audit within the Clinical Governance framework. Her experience in improving care quality has been valuable in her roles as a MAT Trustee and School Governor, paralleling initiatives in the education sector. She later managed the administrative department of a hospital Trust, overseeing 200 staff across six sites and handling significant challenges such as hospital relocation and new IT system implementation. After becoming a carer for her disabled youngest child, Rhona reassessed her career goals. This led her to volunteer with disability charities and pursue an archaeology course at Sheffield University, culminating in a BSc, which she completed in 2018. We'd like to welcome Rhona to this new role as Chair of Trust Board, and place on record our gratitude to Rhona and the rest of our governors and trustees, for their dedication to this vital voluntary role.

LEADERSHIP CHANGES AT NEWFIELD SCHOOL Emma Anderson has been appointed as the new Principal of Ossett Academy in Wakefield, starting this September. Emma's exceptional leadership over the past 9 years at Newfield Secondary School and her 18 years at King Ecgbert School have paved the way for this fantastic opportunity. Her dedication and hard work have truly made a difference at Newfield, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements. In light of this news, we are pleased to share that Simon Dawson and Chris Jenkinson, currently our deputy headteachers, will step up as co-headteachers at Newfield School from September. They will be supported by our trust leadership team, ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence. This autumn, we will embark on a comprehensive search for an outstanding permanent headteacher, aiming for a January 2025 start. Please join us in congratulating Emma on her new role and in thanking her for her 27 years of commitment to Newfield School and Mercia Learning Trust. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours!

I'm incredibly grateful for the warm welcome from everyone at Mercia Learning Trust during this transition period into my new role as CEO. I have used the past term to not only learn from Chris French, who retires this summer, but crucially to spend meaningful time in each of our schools. From the positive interactions with staff to witnessing incredible community events, it’s clear our team and community is dedicated to excellence. These initial visits have provided invaluable insights into our schools, highlighting areas where we can enhance effectiveness and reduce workload. As we look ahead, my initial focus is on strengthening our aligned autonomy model. By fostering a culture of collaboration and sharing best practice, we can amplify our impact, tapping into our collective intelligence and wisdom. This approach will ensure every voice within our trust is heard and valued. As she leaves us this summer, I want to wish Emma Anderson, Headteacher of Newfield School, the best of luck in the next stage of her career. Additionally, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Chris French a long, happy and well-deserved retirement following his incredible 36-year career in education. Thank you to both of you (and all the staff who leave us this summer) for your commitment to our pupils and staff. You will be missed. Finally, thank you to everyone for your warm welcome and support, I’m excited to continue our journey next year!

Newfield School is seeking to appoint a highly skilled and talented teacher of technology to start as soon as possible. This is a great opportunity for a passion for their subject to join our talented team at Newfield Secondary School. Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gZuSwPHn #technologyteacher #teacher #teachingvacancy #teachingjobs #dtteacher #dt #sheffield #sheffieldschools