Testimonials
Castle View School
"I started my school finance career in James Hornsby as Finance Officer. My line manager and the school team were immensely supportive from the first day. I received regular coaching and development form my line manager, not to mention various external training opportunities. After spending 2.5 years at James Hornsby, the opportunity arose to apply for the Business manager role at Castle View. The recruitment process was straightforward, efficient and provided positive challenge within the application requirements. I was fully supported in my application by both my existing managers, Castle View and Zenith Multi Academy Trust. The interview and selection processes were fantastic in their level of challenge and support and felt as though they were focused on bringing the best out of candidates. My outcome was successful and the move to Castle View has continued to be supportive, with a number of training and CPD opportunities already provided by both the school and Zenith."
- - Business Manager, Castle View School
"Since joining as an instructor in 2018, I have been continuously supported by Castle View, and the wider Zenith Multi Academy Trust. This has included fortnightly mentor meetings and frequent observations, feedback and support with my pedagogy; a second school placement at another school within the Trust; and regular CPD opportunities. This all resulted in me achieving my Qualified Teacher Status last December via the Straight To Teach route (which was also funded by the school). Despite only recently qualifying, I am already in discussions with Castle View about my progression and moving on to the next stepping stone of my career and development."
- - Teacher of Maths, Castle View School
"In the short time I have worked at Castle View School, I have been surrounded by colleagues, at all levels, who have been so supportive and encouraging and have helped me settle into the school culture, quickly and positively. At Castle View School, the Senior Leadership team are extremely supportive of staff progression, allowing staff to show they are trusted. I have personally been able to demonstrate my strengths in other areas outside of the classroom; I am so grateful for being able to be a part of the School’s Improvement Plan, as Excellence Strategy Coordinator with a focus on parental engagement on social media platforms and lead on The School’s Inspire Magazine, for Excellence. I have also been given the fantastic opportunity to mentor another colleague in their ECT programme. I have really flourished, since being here and have welcomed the new challenges and exposure.
I feel that staff are valued."
- - Teacher of English and Media, Castle View School
"Castle View have been very supportive of me and my teaching career. They funded my degree which I completed whilst working firstly as an LSA, then as a cover supervisor and finally as an unqualified music teacher here. They then went on to finance and support my Assessment only route into teaching, enabling me to achieve QTS last year. Castle View have a genuine interest in encouraging and championing their staff which is evident in the way they have 'backed' me."
- - Teacher of Music, Castle View School
The James Hornsby School
"Since joining JHS in January 2019, my personal development has been supported and encouraged. I have benefitted from both formal CPD and shadowing excellent teachers. I have found that within the staff team people are very generous with their time and advice. Everyone is really friendly and welcoming - I genuinely feel like a valued member of the team here. "
- - Teacher of Humanities, The James Hornsby School
"I began my teacher training at James Hornsby in 2019. I feel I have been fully supported on my journey to becoming a qualified teacher with excellent training opportunities. I have had the pleasure to witness fantastic teaching which helped me to become the teacher I am today. Staff are always on hand to lend guidance so you always feel supported. I feel this school is where I want to continue to progress in my career; this is deeply encouraged by senior leaders so you feel you can grow. There is a true family ethos here at James Hornsby where staff and students feel safe and in a happy environment. I look forward to coming to work due to the wonderful friends I have made with staff and because of the students welcoming and friendly nature which is embedded into the school."
- - Teacher of Drama, The James Hornsby School
"Having worked within Zenith for a number of years I have been afforded so many opportunities to develop. I came to the school as a Head of year and after discussing my drive to be on the leadership team I was given extra responsibilities to ensure the progression was effective and that I was ready to interview for a role. With this in mind I was asked to lead on several faculties and drove the Equality and Diversity within my school. This then led to me being asked to join a school within the MAT to take on the role of associate assistant headteacher. I have now secured a permanent position in this school and couldn’t have done it without the opportunities given to me by the Trust."
- - Assistant Headteacher, The James Hornsby School
"I started working at James Hornsby in January 2012 and began working here as a learning facilitator; almost eight years on and I am now currently the head of mathematics. In this time I have had the opportunity to complete many roles within the school. Working in the behaviour support unit, as an achievement officer and then as a maths instructor, while I was completing my maths degree at university. The leaders within the school identified my skill set and provided me with the support and guidance to move through these positions."
- Maths Teacher – The James Hornsby School
The King John School
"Working at The King John School for the past 4 years, including my ITT and NQT year, has provided me with fantastic opportunities to develop. I have been able to attend CPD to upskill my A-level knowledge, allowing me to teach two science A-levels. I have been encouraged to attend emerging leaders training and subsequently appointed an Assistant Head of Year role. Since then, I have also attended middle leaders training to further develop within my role as a pastoral leader."
- - Science Teacher, The King John School
"On starting my role as an LSA at KJS my first impressions were how supported, knowledgeable and friendly the staff were across the board (on all levels). As an LSA my Job role is to provide support to pupils with special educational needs and to help them integrate as fully as possible in all activities within the class. KJS offer excellent training and opportunities to develop your career, you are fully supported and recognised for your achievements. In the four months that I have worked at KJS I have gained valuable experience and a range of assessment techniques to enable me to progress further within my role."
- - LSA, The King John School
"I would like to sing the praises of everyone who has supported me in the school over the last year and a half. There are way too many to name (the whole school staff is super supportive – any questions or concerns I shared, if the staff member I spoke to didn’t know how to deal with that, they would point me in the direction of the person who could). Even though I was based in the English department, staff from all over the school were prepared to help in any way they could. Again, I feel that this is also reflected when the staff members are dealing with the students. I just cannot fault the support system in place – ESPECIALLY during the pandemic. Overall, my experience at The King John School has been positive and valuable to me and I hope that I am able to continue here for a very long time."
- - ECT English Teacher, The King John School
"Having started as a trainee in the English Department back in 2011, I am thankful to have had over ten wonderful years working at this fantastic school. The school’s focus on CPD has enabled me to attend numerous courses over the years which has had a really positive impact on my teaching and learning knowledge. The support and guidance from my colleagues has given me the confidence to teach across all three key stages, from 11-18 year olds, and it has been a real privilege to have a positive impact on the learning and life chances of these students. Whether it be helping our Year 7s with the transition from primary school, or Year 13s with their university applications, I have found these opportunities hugely rewarding. I have also been encouraged to develop and progress in other aspects too and have and have been given many additional responsibilities over the years. I can honestly say that my colleagues are supportive, hardworking, dedicated and passionate and my students are enthusiastic, well-behaved and intellectually curious. These things combined have made this a truly fun, fulfilling and hugely enjoyable place of work."
- - Teacher of English and PSHE Coordinator, The King John School