Director of Higher Education

We wish to appoint an inspirational full-time director of higher education from September 2023. This person will be responsible for leading post-18 applications at King’s in an engaging and informative way. Our pupils are increasingly exploring a broad range of post-18 options, and interest in overseas universities, especially North America, has increased significantly in the last few years.

The successful candidate will have the vision, energy, and attention to detail to direct, help and support pupils, and possess a good knowledge of the broad range of post-18 options. They will be committed to delivering the best possible provision in this area, and ensuring this provision evolves in response to changes in the broader higher education landscape. They will be eager to guide pupils to make successful applications to a broad range of global higher education institutions.

This post will work closely with the deputy heads, head of sixth form, as well as the wider staff, and enjoy working as part of a team. They will promote an approach that works in synergy with pupils’ A level and IB studies, and that makes efficient and effective use of pupil and staff time.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have a strong personal presence, and be keen to play a visible, active and full part in the life of the school community.

Essential:

• A genuine interest in learning about, and retaining an up-to-date understanding of, higher education.
• An ability to think strategically, creatively and empathetically, and to effectively develop, plan, resource, and organise projects.
• Good initiative, self-management, administrative and leadership skills
• An ability to work under pressure, to prioritise and to be resilient in the face of challenging situations.
• A good track record of building strong relationships with pupils and parents, of networking, and of developing and sustaining positive working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• An ability to undertake efficient and effective record keeping, monitoring and evaluation.
• A willingness to be flexible, and to work outside term time and weekends as necessary.
• A high level of personal and professional integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
• A good honours degree from a respected university, and an excellent teaching record, in any academic discipline. This post is likely to teach about fourteen (35 minute) periods per week.

Desirable:

• Experience in managing a careers and higher education support service in a school or sixth form environment and/or experience of middle management (whether academic, pastoral or administrative; this may be as a head of department, a head of house or year, or in another position of comparable responsibility)

Whilst this post will lead on all post-18 applications, it is anticipated that applicants may have greater experience in higher education within a particular geography over another (e.g. North America, UK). We intend to review the composition of the wider team depending upon the skillset of the successful candidate.

As part of the interview process all candidates will be required to teach a lesson. Preparation work in advance of the class lesson will be required, and details will be provided prior to interview.

King’s is an extremely sought-after school with outstanding academic results and a vibrant co-curriculum. It strives to appoint able, committed and compassionate colleagues to help ensure every child at the school achieves their best.   Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

If you are interested in our Director of Higher Education opportunity, please visit our website to find out more and apply.

Closing date: 9.00am on Thursday 9th February 2023

Interview date: Monday 20th February 2023

Early applications are welcome - the interview process may be staged and we may choose to appoint prior to the closing date.

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and medical clearance. At King’s we embrace inclusion and fairness in the workplace: diversity is to be celebrated and as such we strive towards a fully immersive culture of inclusion, diversity and equality.