Home Counties independents - how many vacancies would signal problems?

[Decisions23]

Between all the schools on our list, one or two have quite a few more vacancies (teaching and non-teaching) than others.

Should we be worried?

Too much attrition is disruptive, too little can lead to stagnation I guess, but can’t help the alarm bell in my head.

This could mean a few things;

1. new head meaning some staff changes (teachers not liking new head, head not thinking much of the teachers)
2. could be an expansion of staff - this is positive if it means numbers are buoyant (these schools are suffering hugely with finances post covid so to be expanding would be a great indicator as most fee paying schools are increasing class sizes and laying off staff - check out the thread about Winchester school running at the moment about fee paying school finances 😬)
3. could be maternity or sick related leave - very common in schools I would be more looking at whether the parents are happy with what they are getting and whether children are happy with their school lives. Do you know any parents? Maybe name the schools and someone could be more helpful than my generalism. Good luck with it all x

@barnbaby thanks! I don’t really fancy mentioning the boarding school as it’s our first choice. I read the Winchester thread with interest - pensions could indeed be a factor here I guess!

I will say that it’s got a good reputation and a long-standing Head. I’ve spoken to a couple of parents who are very pleased with it but there have been one or two retirements over the last year or so and the latest vacancies include some Heads of Dept, Deputy Head levels as well as the usual catering, facilities etc.

When I check the vacancy list of other similar schools with similar good reps, it’s a lot less.

Having experienced some difficult times at prep with staff changes and retirements of long-standing staff, I’m a little sensitive to jumping into a school only for it to start flailing…