WELCOME TO ATOMIX EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Dear Applicant,
I am proud to introduce ATOMIX Educational Trust, a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation rooted in the belief that education changes lives and strengthens communities. Since its founding in 2017, ATOMIX has grown into a unique and ambitious Trust spanning every phase of education. In January 2024, I was appointed as Chief Exec, and since then, we have accelerated out journey, expanding both our reach and our impact.
What binds us is a shared commitment to inclusion, excellence and aspiration. Whether working in Early Years, Further Education, high needs provision or university level learning, every setting within ATOMIX is infused with a culture of high expectations, deep care and a genuine belief in every learner's potential.
To work within ATOMIX, is to be part of something both ambitious and deeply human. Our teams are trusted and empowered to innovate. Staff at all levels are encouraged to think boldly and challenge old assumptions, always with the goal of giving students the richest possible experience and the best possible outcomes. Professional development is not a bolt on - it is embedded into our working life. And collaboration between our sites and within our wider communities, is not only encouraged by expected.
We describe ourselves as a civic Trust, because we believe our schools, colleges and nurseries serve as public spaces where hope, structure and opportunity are extended to all. This is not a hollow deal. It is a lived principle that drives how we lead, how we teach and how we respond to the needs of the communities we serve.
As a prospective member of our staff, or if you are simply exploring what we do... welcome! ATOMIX is a place of possibility, purpose and integrity. And we're just getting started.
Warm regards,
Dr Nichole Munro
Chief Executive Officer
Atomix Educational Trust
Learn more about our opportunity
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Information About Our Trust
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The North East
Our Trust is situated in the diverse North East region, specifically the Wear Valley, and falls under four local authorities; Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Sunderland. The North East region is distinctive and encompasses both urban and rural landscapes, including the North Sea coast. It is characterised by a rich industrial heritage, scenic natural beauty, and a growing focus on innovation and regeneration.
Wear Valley
Wear Valley is a picturesque area located in County Durham, in the northeastern part of England. The district covered much of the Weardale area, which is known for its natural beauty and rural charm.
The landscape of Wear Valley is predominantly high, bleak limestone uplands, part of the Pennines, which descend gradually to the east and are drained by the River Wear. The upper part of the valley, known as Weardale, is confined by steep walls and is popular for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and trout fishing.
Historically, Wear Valley was significant for its lead, ironstone, limestone, and coal mining industries. However, coal production has ceased, and the area now focuses on light industrial estates and agriculture. The valley is also known for its hardy breeds of sheep and dairy farming.
The largest settlements in the area include Bishop Auckland, Crook, and Willington. Bishop Auckland serves as the commercial centre of the region.
Tees Valley
Historically, Tees Valley was a powerhouse of the UK's industrial sector, particularly in steelmaking, chemical production, and shipbuilding. This legacy is still evident in the region’s landscape and economy, however there is significant aspiration for economic diversification, cultural vibrancy, and environmental sustainability. The region is undergoing significant economic transformation, shifting from traditional industries to sectors such as digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and green energy. The Teesworks site, for example, is one of Europe’s largest industrial regeneration projects, focusing on clean energy and innovative industries.
Tees Valley has a diverse population with vibrant communities that reflect a mix of urban and rural lifestyles. Middlesbrough, the largest town in the region, is known for its multicultural atmosphere. The region also offers a rich cultural landscape with numerous museums, art galleries, sports centres and historic sites, as well as public parks, nature reserves, and the scenic seaside towns of Saltburn and Redcar. Slightly further afield, you are close to the historic city of Durham and the picturesque North York Moors National Park.
Hartlepool
Located on the stunning northeast coast of England, Hartlepool is a town full of history, innovation, and opportunity. With a rich maritime heritage, including the iconic Hartlepool Marina and the renowned National Museum of the Royal Navy, the town offers a unique blend of culture, modern amenities, and scenic beauty.
Hartlepool has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, with thriving industries in sectors like digital, manufacturing, and renewable energy. It's home to a diverse and growing economy, making it an exciting place to build your career and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a dynamic work environment, affordable housing, or an excellent work-life balance, Hartlepool offers the perfect mix of opportunities and quality of life.
With its excellent transport links, including direct rail connections to major cities like London, Newcastle and York, Hartlepool is well connected for work and leisure. The beautiful coastline, green spaces, and close-knit community make it an ideal place for families, professionals, and adventurers alike.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is a vibrant and forward-thinking town with a proud history and an exciting future. With a population of over 170,000, the town is growing and evolving, offering a dynamic mix of culture, innovation, and opportunity. Middlesbrough is known for its diverse community, its blend of urban and green spaces, and its thriving arts and tech scenes.
The town is home to a wide range of attractions, from the iconic Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge to the world-class MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) and the bustling Hillstreet Shopping Centre. Whether you’re into theatre, live music, or dining out, Middlesbrough offers plenty of entertainment options. With its excellent parks, nature reserves, and nearby coastline, it’s a place where you can enjoy both city life and outdoor adventures.
Middlesbrough has become a hub for digital industries, innovation, and education, with Teesside University leading the way in research and development. The town’s thriving business sector spans a variety of industries, from advanced manufacturing to digital media, providing plenty of career opportunities.
Located just a short drive from the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside and the stunning coast, Middlesbrough offers a great balance of city living and access to nature. The town is well connected, with easy transport links to Newcastle, Leeds, and Manchester, and under three hours from London by train.
Stockton-On-Tees
Nestled in the heart of the Tees Valley, Stockton-on-Tees is a dynamic region with a population of 200,000 and a proud, growing community. With six vibrant towns—Billingham, Norton, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton, Thornaby, and Yarm—there’s always something happening to suit every taste and lifestyle.
Stockton-on-Tees is a hub of culture, entertainment, and leisure. From the iconic Stockton Globe, the largest live entertainment venue between Newcastle and Leeds, to a range of theatres, museums, and shopping experiences, there’s never a shortage of things to enjoy. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and parks, there is a perfect balance of urban energy and natural beauty.
Beyond the bustling towns, Stockton-on-Tees is just a short drive from the coast, with the stunning Norty Yorshire Moors right on the doorstep. As the largest of the five local councils in the Tees Valley region, the borough is a key part of the region’s exciting future.
Sunderland
Sunderland is a dynamic and thriving city that blends rich history with modern innovation. Home to over 170,000 people, Sunderland offers a vibrant mix of culture, industry, and natural beauty. With a strong sense of community and a growing economy, it’s no wonder that people are proud to call Sunderland home.
Sunderland boasts a wealth of attractions, from the historic Sunderland Empire Theatre to the world-class National Glass Centre and the stunning Sunderland Marina. The city offers a great range of shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as beautiful parks, beaches, and nearby countryside. Whether you enjoy a night out in the city or a peaceful walk along the coastline, Sunderland has something for everyone.
As a leading city for innovation, Sunderland is home to thriving sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and clean energy. The University of Sunderland plays a key role in driving forward research and development, while local businesses continue to grow and attract investment. With excellent career opportunities in various industries, Sunderland offers the perfect place to build a successful career.
Sunderland’s coastal location offers breathtaking views and easy access to the surrounding countryside, while the city is well-connected with direct transport links to Newcastle, Durham, and beyond.
You will be very pleasantly surprised by how much the North East area has to offer, there really is something for everybody. It is this diversity and context of our region which gives us the greatest scope as a Trust to enrich our community by providing inclusive education to improve life chances of our young people.
Information About Application and Guidance
When applying please consider the following supporting documents:
Download Person Specification - Headteacher (.docx) [415 KB] (opens in a new tab)
Download Job Description - Headteacher (.docx) [195 KB] (opens in a new tab)
Application guidance, including policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders
The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet the requirements we have outlined in the person specification. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested.
References
When completing your application, please provide two employment referees.
Your application plays an important part in your selection. As part of the application process, you may have been asked to demonstrate within this application form how you meet some or all of the criteria or key competencies outlined in the person specification. The supporting information section of your application should clearly evidence your ability to meet these requirements. This will be used to shortlist applicants for this role and therefore it is imperative that you provide evidence as requested. Rather than simply repeating your career history, look at the skills and experience required by the job and provide evidence that you possess them by giving specific and detailed examples which include a focus on outcomes and on your own contribution to the scenario. Try to use different and varied examples wherever possible.
When completing these sections, do not forget the skills and experience you have gained outside full-time work. Outlining your previous work experience or other responsibilities may help you to uncover skills which you have taken for granted and which are clear signs of your ability to do the job.
Should you require the application form in a different format, please contact Resourcing Solutions.
Canvassing
Should your application be for a local authority school, you must not try to influence an elected Council Member, any council employee or a member of the school governing body, to act in your favour, as this will disqualify you. If you are related to a Councillor, a Council employee or a governor you must indicate this in the relevant section of the application form.
Data Protection
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies and process applications on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Further information on how we process your data can be found by reading our privacy notice.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
The post you are applying for requires you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children, with a barred list check if you work in regulated activity. This check for disclosure of criminal history will include spent convictions, pending prosecutions / current court proceeding and police enquiries.
Should you be shortlisted, you will be asked to disclose full details of your criminal history prior to your interview. This includes any information deemed relevant as part of Keeping Children Safe in Education which may arise in an online search undertaken on shortlisted candidates. This information may be discussed with you at your interview in order to assess job related risks, but we emphasise that your application will be considered on merit and ability and you will not be discriminated against unfairly. Failure to disclose this information will result in any offer of employment being withdrawn.
Please also see the policy statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders below.
Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders (Source www.gov.uk)
- As an organisation assessing applicants’ suitability for positions which are included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order using criminal record checks processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), this school complies fully with the DBS code of practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly.
- This school undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a criminal record check on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed.
- This school can only ask an individual to provide details of convictions and cautions that it is legally entitled to know about. Where a DBS certificate can legally be requested (where the position is one that is included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) order 1975 as amended, and where appropriate Policy Act Regulations as amended) this school can only ask an individual about convictions and cautions that are not protected.
- This school is committed to the fair treatment of its staff and potential staff, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependents, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.
- This school has this written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which is made available to all DBS applicants at the start of the recruitment process.
- This school actively promotes equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. Candidates are selected for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience and criminal record information is only requested from short-listed candidates.
- A disclosure is only requested from the DBS after a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned. For those positions where a criminal record check is identified as necessary, all application forms, job adverts and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that a DBS certificate will be requested in the event of the individual being offered the position.
- This school ensures that all those who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences.
- This school also ensures that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- At interview, or in a separate discussion, this school ensures that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.
- This school makes every subject of a criminal record check submitted to DBS aware of the existence of the code of practice and makes a copy available on request.
- This school undertakes to discuss any matter revealed on a DBS certificate with the individual seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.
References
When completing your application, please provide two employment referees. One of these must be from your most recent employer.
Apply now for our Headteacher opportunity
Latest News
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We were delighted to welcome Tony Underwood ex England Rugby player and ex Emirates A380 pilot to Stockton Sixth Form College for an inspiring discussion on social value and community engagement.
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We're thrilled to share that our CEO Dr Nichole Munro and Director of Business Development Dr Noel Dennis recently had the incredible opportunity to present at British Airways headquarters in Heathrow.
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It's truly an amazing week for Stockton Sixth Form College to have Captain Emma Henderson MBE MRAeS giving a talk to over 200 primary school children.
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DOUBLE CELEBRATION: Stockton Sixth Form College Earns Prestigious Cambridge Recognition! Incredible news! Stockton Sixth Form College has achieved DUAL recognition from the University of Cambridge's Isaac Physics programme - putting us firmly on the map of UK's physics education excellence!
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Stockton Sixth Form & Priors Pursglove nominated the Tes School Awards for Staff Wellbeing School of the Year
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We have a robust child protection and safeguarding policy. and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment at the school. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Please note this post is in regulated activity and exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS criminal records and barred list check for work with children. An online search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain. Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.