Assistant Head (Sixth Form)

At Dunottar School we are proud of our thriving community where Warrior Learning underpins everything we do. Our Sixth Form is a vital part of this vision: a place where students develop resilience, independence, and adaptability, preparing them for success in life beyond school. Here, learners are challenged academically, supported pastorally, and inspired to lead with confidence and purpose.

This is a pivotal moment in Dunottar’s journey. With planning permission recently granted to grow the school from 460 to 600 students, we are entering an exciting phase of our development, which will include a larger, more ambitious Sixth Form. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Senior Management Team as Assistant Head (Sixth Form), a role that will grow the Sixth Form, inspire students, and drive improvements in academic outcomes. 

The Role

The Assistant Head (Sixth Form) will:

• Contribute to the strategic vision and to whole-school development as a member of the Senior Management Team.

• Lead and champion the growth of the Sixth Form, ensuring it becomes a flagship for academic excellence and student leadership.

• Drive improvements in academic outcomes and student progress.

• Inspire students and staff through visionary leadership and a culture of aspiration.

• Promote Dunottar’s Sixth Form in recruitment, retention, and public profile.

• Serve as Deputy DSL, ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing are central to Sixth Form life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Vision

• Develop and articulate a clear, ambitious vision for a growing Sixth Form.

• Lead recruitment and retention strategies in collaboration with Admissions.

• Promote Dunottar’s ethos and Warrior Learner principles, preparing students for success beyond school.

• Review and update Sixth Form policies and programmes.

Academic Focus

• Champion academic excellence and high standards of teaching and learning.

• Monitor performance and implement strategies for improvement.

• Lead study skills and Warrior Learning programmes.

• Provide expert guidance on post-18 pathways.

• Build partnerships with universities, employers, and external organisations.

Pastoral Care

• Ensure outstanding pastoral provision and wellbeing support.

• Oversee the Sixth Form tutor system and manage student welfare.

• Support students through transitions and challenges.

• Act as Deputy DSL, upholding safeguarding responsibilities.

Co-Curricular & Leadership

• Promote enrichment and leadership opportunities.

• Oversee the Student Leadership Team.

• Encourage participation in community engagement and whole-school events.

Wider School Contribution

• Attend and contribute to school events, particularly those involving the Sixth Form.

• Deliver assemblies and represent the Sixth Form at key occasions.

• Contribute to whole-school initiatives and strategy. 

Person Specification

Essential

• Evidence of outstanding Sixth Form teaching with a proven record of strong academic impact.

• Effective leadership experience within a school setting.

• Strong understanding of post-16 education, curriculum, and assessment.

• Strategic mindset with excellent communication skills.

• Flexible, results-focused, and highly organised.

• Commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing.

• Ability to innovate and develop new initiatives.

• Visionary and inspirational leader who motivates students and staff.

• Able to recruit new students into the Sixth Form and retain current students from lower year groups.

Desirable

• Experience in university admissions guidance and careers education.

• Evidence of successful team leadership and staff development.

• Previous experience of working in an independent senior school.