Head of Sixth Form / Futures

Job Purpose

The Head of Sixth Form / Futures- (UK Curriculum) provides strategic and visionary leadership in establishing a forward-thinking, student-centred learning community. This role drives the development of innovative academic programmes, operational systems, and school culture, ensuring both regulatory compliance and sustainable growth. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and real-world experiences, the Vice Principal / Head of Futures empowers students to become confident, future-ready learners while building a high-performing team and strong school foundation. The role will be responsible for developing pathways into further education and employment in line with pupil needs and passion, through school partnerships and work experience opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

·     Provide visionary leadership to establish and grow as a high-performing, future-ready learning community.

·     Develop and implement the school’s strategic plan, aligning academic and operational activities.

·     Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team to deliver excellence in teaching, learning, and student development.

·     Shape the school culture, ethos, and values to reflect innovation, inclusion, and holistic education.

·     Represent the school at a Senior Leadership level, with regulators, parents, and the wider community, ensuring credibility and trust.

·     Ensure long-term sustainability by balancing educational excellence with operational and financial planning.

Oversight of Programmes

·       Design, deliver, and evaluate enterprise and employability programmes aligned with the school strategy.

·       Drive key flagship initiatives, including Student Careers Fair, university workshops and faculty specific programs, to enhance student learning and real-world engagement.

·       Embed entrepreneurial learning across the curriculum, enrichment, and co-curricular activities.

 ·       Conduct annual programme reviews to ensure relevance, quality, and progression

Mentoring & Student Support

·        Provide one-on-one and group coaching to students, with a primary focus on practical, real-world learning and application.

·        Support students’ soft skills development, including communication, confidence, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

·        Track individual progress using enterprise portfolios, coaching goals, and structured assessments.

·        Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff to provide holistic support.

·        Ensure implementation of robust safeguarding and welfare practices.

·       Foster a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all students.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

·        Build relationships with entrepreneurs, incubators, higher education institutions, and local/international businesses.

·       Organise real-world learning opportunities such as visits, panels, projects, and internships.

·       Source and secure sponsorships to support student initiatives and enterprise programmes.

·       Develop an alumni network to provide mentoring, talks, and work-related opportunities.

Paternal & Stakeholder Communication

·       Lead parent engagement on initiatives that highlight creativity and a real-world approach.

·       Ensure clarity on programme goals, student expectations, and future options.

·       Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and staff to ensure consistent messaging and integration of enterprise across school life.

Marketing, Social Media & Promotion

·       Promote the school’s mission, events, and student achievements via social media and internal communications.

·       Showcase impact through platforms such as newsletters, website, and community channels.

·       Work with marketing to highlight student enterprise success stories and attract external interest and sponsorship.

Programme Expectations & Student Outcomes

·       Ensure all eligible students participate in comprehensive programmes that integrate work experience and business skill development.

·       Oversee the development and tracking of student businesses, projects, and portfolios to monitor progress and outcomes.

Qualifications

Qualification in business, education, or enterprise leadership (or equivalent).

Experience

Minimum 12 years of experience in a senior leadership role, with proven expertise in enterprise, youth entrepreneurship, or future skills education.

Essential Traits

High emotional intelligence and a strong moral compass.

Deep knowledge of mentoring practices, entrepreneurial and startup culture, innovative learning approaches, student agency and future learning programmes.

Experience managing budgets, admissions, HR, facilities, compliance, and balancing operational efficiency with educational excellence.

Strong mentoring, coaching, and safeguarding skills, with a focus on soft skills, entrepreneurship, and holistic student growth

Ability to build relationships with parents, staff, boards, and external partners, while promoting the school’s mission and achievements.