Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form)

General Information and Introductory Comments 

The King’s School is currently thriving in a competitive local market which features strong schools in the grammar, maintained and independent systems. The Sixth Form at King’s is being transformed with the aim of making it one of the strongest independent school Sixth Forms in the area. The role of AH(HoSF) will therefore be a key appointment and the Head seeks outstanding candidates to lead the next 5-10 years of evolution. The role will be ideal preparation for a first class, highly motivated teacher who seeks experience at SMT level, perhaps with a view to moving on to a more significant leadership role in the future. 

 A £2 million re-development project is currently under way, which will transform the Dulverton Sixth Form Centre into a first-class learning environment and social space for the students. This exciting project is planned for completion by September 2020. Further details are available on the school website: 

 https://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/senior-school-11-18-/sixth-form/dulverton-redevelopment

An important part of the advertised role will be to market the new Sixth Form imaginatively in order to secure the target cohort of 120 Sixth Form students in total. We have been increasing the school roll over the past few years and are currently at nearly 110 students in the Sixth Form. This will involve retaining current pupils as well as recruiting new applicants.  

 The Sixth Form is accommodated in Dulverton House, located centrally in the School. It is a building of distinctive historical character which encompasses teaching rooms, study and social facilities.   

 The HoSF will hold responsibility for both the pastoral and academic leadership of the Sixth Form. The successful applicant will be supported by a part-time Sixth Form Administrator who will be based in Dulverton. The Sixth Form Leadership Team has been substantially strengthened in the last year. The current structure includes: 

• The Head of Sixth Form 

• Two Assistant Heads of Sixth Form 

• The Head of UCAS 

• The Head of Careers 

• The EPQ Centre Coordinator 

• The Sixth Form Administrator  

The new building will include a spacious office from which the SFLT can operate. The Head of Sixth Form is also primarily responsible for the work of the Sixth Form tutor team (targeted to contain five Tutors in each year group, with a Tutor group size of up to 12 tutees) and for the larger number of staff who carry out supervision duties in Dulverton.   

  

Further information about the Roles and Responsibilities 

 • The Head of Sixth Form will be a member of the Senior Management Team. S/he will attend longer, fortnightly SMT Meetings to discuss strategy and shorter, weekly SMT meetings to discuss operational matters. 

 • The Head of Sixth Form will be expected to lead on all matters pertaining to the Sixth Form, but also to support the wider management of the school. S/he will therefore work closely with all other members of SMT and gain valuable whole school leadership experience. 

 • The Head of Sixth Form will be responsible directly to the Head whilst working closely with the Deputy Head (Academic) on academic issues and the Deputy Head (Pastoral) on pastoral issues.  S/he will therefore be expected to attend meetings of the School’s academic ‘think tank’, the Curriculum Committee, the twice termly meetings of the Heads of Department and the twice termly meetings of the Heads of Year. S/he will also work very closely with the Registrar and the Development Office on marketing, recruitment and retention issues. 

 • S/he will lead the team of Sixth Form tutors to supervise the students’ academic development and pastoral needs.  S/he will hold meetings and liaise with the tutors on a regular basis. 

 • S/he will have primary responsibility for the Sixth Form’s PSHE programme, Careers service in the Sixth Form and Higher Education applications. 

•     The HoSF will hold responsibility for both the pastoral and academic leadership of the Sixth Form. The successful applicant will be supported by a part-time Sixth Form Administrator who will be based in Dulverton.  

• S/he will generally promote a healthy balance of scholarship, recreation and social activity and take an active role in supporting the students’ varied co-curricular activities. 

• S/he will oversee Sixth Form assemblies, social activities and other opportunities throughout the year. 

• S/he will establish and maintain strong links and communications with the parents of students and organise Sixth Form Parents’ Evenings as specified in the Calendar. 

• S/he will be the main organiser at such key events as the Sixth Form Challenge Day, the Sixth Form Dinner and other social/educational activities throughout the year. 

• S/he will work closely with the Head and the Deputy Head (Pastoral) in the appointment of Senior Prefects and House Captains and assist with monitoring the performance of both in their roles and duties. 

• S/he will assist the Senior Management Team and the Deputy Head (Academic) in academic tracking and in whatever follow-up may prove to be necessary. 

• S/he will be responsible for the induction of new Sixth Form students and will play a key role in welcoming prospective students and their parents. 

• S/he will work closely with the Registrar and Marketing Manager in establishing a strong Sixth Form presence on the website and in the School’s prospectus, social media and promotional literature.  

• S/he will work closely with the Foundation and Alumni Relations Officer (FARO) to encourage Upper Sixth students to join Club 1541 and maintain strong links with the school in the future. 

Teaching 

In addition to the responsibilities above, it is expected that the Head of Sixth Form will teach a reduced timetable, dependent on subject and the School’s timetable needs. 

Please send applications to: k.woodcock@thekingsschool.co.uk

Further information can be found at: www.thekingsschool.co.uk

The King’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.