Director of Sixth Form

Director of Sixth Form 

The successful applicant will be a highly effective and efficient communicator, with exceptional organisational skills and a clear vision of how best to achieve the stated aims of the school, whilst remaining open to new ideas and developments. The Director of Sixth Form will have a thorough understanding of the Sixth Form independent market, and will be proactive and imaginative in terms of recruiting able candidates to the school, from both the UK and overseas

There are high ambitions for the school and the successful applicant will join a highly motivated and passionate team, working in a friendly atmosphere which moves with great momentum and energy, without forsaking the personal touch. 

Our Sixth Form is the subject of intense media attention because of our pioneering work in advocating a ‘later start’ for older teenagers; the successful candidate must of course share this commitment.

Reports to: Headmaster

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. To be the public face of the Sixth Form, to lead Open Evenings, and to be the driving force behind its growing reputation to ensure the Sixth Form is oversubscribed by 2020.

2. To understand and to be committed to the principle of the ‘later start’ for Sixth Formers, in the light of our understanding of adolescent circadian rhythms.

3. To shape a culture of scholarship and learning, self-discipline and hard work.

4. To devise strategies (in conjunction with our marketing team) to attract high quality candidates to our Sixth Form, from the UK and overseas. 

5. To oversee the content of the Sixth Form website, prospectus and other marketing material.

6. To represent the school at events, as Director of Sixth Form, visiting other schools to promote HCH as a school of choice; to attend conferences / forums borough-wide and nationally regarding A level reform, UCAS changes and requirements of the HE sector.

7. To develop proactively ideas, materials and events in addition to open day activities to promote the scholarly work of the Sixth Form.

8. Interview prospective sixth formers and to make decisions on their suitability for the sixth form.

9. Oversee both the pastoral and academic induction of students into the sixth form.

10. To be a point of contact for sixth form parents, referring to the form tutors where possible and to SLT where necessary, and maintaining a record of communication with parents.

11. To be a part of the pastoral care team for the sixth form. Assist the form tutors and Head of Pastoral Care as necessary, referring to the form teachers where possible and to SLT when necessary, and case managing individuals as agreed with the Head of Pastoral Care.

12. To oversee the Careers Programme, UCAS preparation and University Open Days; to know each student and be able to offer support and advice as necessary.

13. Be responsible for baseline testing and academic tracking throughout the Sixth Form. Present clear reports to the SLT and governors.

14. Be responsible for Ofsted preparation with regards to Sixth Form provision.

It is important that the Director of Sixth Form can demonstrate a keen awareness of how the Sixth Form independent school market works, and is familiar with how families and students make decisions about A levels. 

The Director of Sixth Form will need to be committed to the active recruitment of candidates, and to the promotion of the Sixth Form generally. He or she will be supported Y12 and Y13 form tutors and SLT members in the running of the Sixth Form; it is however expected that up to half of each week will be spent on recruitment of pupils and the marketing/promotion of the Sixth Form.

This post could be a non-teaching position, but ideally the Director of Sixth Form will also be doing some teaching at A level (either Y12 or Y13, or both), in which case he or she must have a proven track record of excellent results.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be an outstanding leader and administrator with a high level of personal organisation by way of: 

· efficient use of time and personal time-management. 

· keeping to deadlines and planning ahead. 

· a judicious eye for financial planning. 

· effective and fair delegation. 

· detailed preparation for meetings and the effective running of those meetings. 

A firm command of written English is essential, as is the ability to proofread accurately and to oversee the production of written material.