College Principal

We are seeking to appoint a Principal who has the vision, qualities and experience to continue and build on the success of Westminster Tutors Independent Sixth Form College.

Westminster Tutors was founded in 1934 and is one of the oldest remaining tutorial colleges in the country.  The college now operates as an independent sixth form college admitting students aged 16-25 and, while it was originally based in Westminster, it is now situated in South Kensington.

Westminster Tutors retains its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and offering highly qualified teachers who ensure each student reaches their full academic potential.   Much teaching is still one-to-one, while some classes are offered in very small groups of two or three students.  We have high aspirations for all of our students and our approach speaks for itself: attainment and onward higher education destinations are exceptional.  

The maximum capacity at the college is 45 students, which means each student receives superb pastoral support according to individual needs, and staff find their work highly rewarding as levels of engagement are so high.  The college has a strong ethos of inclusion and a good number of students have special educational or mental health needs.  Westminster Tutors is academically non-selective and admissions are therefore based on whether the student has academic aspirations and motivation in line with the college’s offering and whether we are able to meet the student’s individual needs through our strong system of pastoral support.

What we can offer:

Due to the small size of the college this is a hugely rewarding role where you will enjoy extremely high levels of engagement with students, families and staff. The fruits of your labours can be enjoyed on a daily basis as you will be able to see the impact your leadership has on the education and wellbeing of each and every student at the college. Staff are committed and have high morale, and 100% of our parents would recommend us. Behaviour is exemplary and our students love being at the college.

Westminster Tutors has an informal, friendly and very welcoming atmosphere which is palpable on arrival. The college is situated on the upper floors of two Victorian terrace houses in the vibrant central London area of South Kensington and is filled with the artwork collection of its proprietor. All in all, the college is a unique institution and it a rare opportunity to apply for such a position.

The salary for this position is competitive and on successful completion of the first year in position the incumbent will be eligible for a performance related bonus. Annual leave is necessarily taken out of term time and is 6 weeks (30 days) plus bank holidays.

What we are looking for:

First and foremost, we are looking for an outstanding leader whose vision is in line with the ethos of Westminster Tutors, and who has the capacity to ensure the continuing success of the college and its students.

As would be expected of a college with such a strong academic reputation, the Principal should be highly qualified and have a strong academic background. The Principal will ideally be a subject specialist in one of the many A levels we offer and will contribute a small number of teaching hours as well as oversee the PSHCE and RSE provision.

This role also requires a wide range of proven experience. This should include experience in the secondary/ sixth form independent sector at Senior Leadership level, and ideally at Principal/ Vice Principal level. The Principal will also need strong business management skills so as to ensure the profitability and future development of the college.

Experience as DSL/ DDSL, Head of Centre for exams, contributing to/ leading the inspection process are strongly preferred, as is a strong track record in student and staff recruitment. Experience of academic/ curriculum leadership, staff management/ CPD and students' SEND/ mental health needs are all necessarily required. The role will also include responsibility for all statutory compliance including safeguarding, health and safety, employment law and buildings management.

Application Process:

If this sounds like the job you have been searching for and you think you can rise to the challenge we would like to hear from you as soon as possible!

• All of your qualifications and training should be clearly listed on your TES application. The required and desirable qualifications are outlined in the Person Specification.
• The essential and preferred experience for the role are also listed in the Person Specification and should be clearly and succinctly addressed in a supporting statement.
• Your professional attributes and skills will be assessed at interview and by reference, with references being taken up after the first round of interviews have been conducted.

Shortlisting will take place immediately and will be based on the requirements above, including the advice on how your application should be presented.

A first round of interviews is scheduled for Tuesday 6 December 2022. Interested candidates should therefore submit their applications earlier than the closing if possible and state whether they will be available on this date.

The new Principal must be able to take up position by 1 August 2023, although if possible we would like to make an earlier appointment as the current Principal is stepping down for health reasons.

The position may be re-advertised in the new year if the recruitment panel feel they would like to seek further applications.

We regret that we will only contact candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for the interview.

Thank you for reading this advertisement and for your interest in Westminster Tutors Independent Sixth Form College.

Safeguarding:

Westminster Tutors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Prior to an appointment being made, applicants will undergo enhanced child protection screening relevant to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS. This position also includes a Section 128 check.