Director of Studies (Pastoral)

Westminster Tutors Independent Sixth Form College is seeking to appoint a new Director of Studies (Pastoral).

Westminster Tutors was founded in 1934 and is one of the oldest remaining tutorial colleges in the country.  The college now operates as an independent sixth form college admitting students aged 16-25 and, while it was originally based in Westminster, it is now situated in South Kensington.

Westminster Tutors retains its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and offering highly qualified teachers who ensure each student reaches their full academic potential.  Much teaching is still one-to-one, while some classes are offered in very small groups of two or three students.  We have high aspirations for all of our students and our approach speaks for itself: attainment and onward higher education destinations are exceptional.  

The maximum capacity at the college is 45 students, which means each student receives superb pastoral support according to individual needs, and staff find their work highly rewarding as levels of engagement are so high.  The college has a strong ethos of inclusion and a good number of students have special educational or mental health needs.  Westminster Tutors is academically non-selective and admissions are therefore based on whether the student has academic aspirations and motivation in line with the college’s offering and whether we are able to meet the student’s individual needs through our strong system of pastoral support.

The Director of Studies (Pastoral) is a key position in the college, and we are looking for an outstanding individual to join our team.

What we can offer:

Due to the small size of the college this is a hugely rewarding role where you will enjoy extremely high levels of engagement with students, families and staff. The fruits of your labours can be enjoyed on a daily basis as you will be able to see the impact your leadership has on the education and wellbeing of each and every student at the college. Staff are committed and have high morale, and 100% of our parents would recommend us. Behaviour is exemplary and our students love being at the college.

Westminster Tutors has an informal, friendly and very welcoming atmosphere which is palpable on arrival. The college is situated on the upper floors of two Victorian terrace houses in the vibrant central London area of South Kensington and is filled with the artwork collection of its proprietor. All in all, the college is a unique institution and it a rare opportunity to apply for such a position.

The salary for this position is competitive and is based on a 30 hour working week spread over 38 years a year. Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Leading and managing pastoral care and student welfare as part of the SLT
• Acting as DSL and leading on safeguarding and child protection
• Acting as SENCo and supporting a small number of EHCP students
• Leading a Pastoral Team of mentors, and conducting student mentoring
• Being a personal tutor and liaising with parents
• Being the college Mental Health Lead
• Deputising for the Principal when they are unavailable (with support from the college Senior Consultant)

What we are looking for:

First and foremost, we are looking for someone whose vision is in line with the ethos of Westminster Tutors. That involves adopting an inclusive approach that puts the needs of students' centrally, and understanding the importance of diversity, equality and equity.

The successful candidate must have extensive experience supporting SEND students, and will either be an experienced DSL or Deputy.

The ideal candidate would also be a teacher and/or experienced mentoring students with neurological differences, mental or physical health issues or learning differences in a sixth form school environment. The role involves 15 hours of teaching/mentoring a week alongside 15 hours of leadership and administration.

There is no preference as to the teaching subject; the preference is for someone who can teach at A level, but there is scope for some limited EAL/GCSE tuition.

There is the potential to teach additional hours on top of the 30 hour contract.

The following qualifications would strengthen application:

• A postgraduate degree related to mental health or inclusive education
• QTE
• NaSENCo

Application Process:

If this sounds like the job you have been searching for and you think you can rise to the challenge we would like to hear from you as soon as possible!

Please complete and return the TES application form as soon as possible. Candidates shortlisted will then receive the Application Pack, which includes the following:

• A Read First Document explaining the recruitment process
• A Westminster Tutors Staff Application Form
• A detailed Job Description
• A set of Terms & Conditions, including the salary
• The College Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
• A Safeguarding Medical Form for Prospective Staff
• Our Ethos and Aims

We regret that we will only interview contact candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for the second stage. Further details on the interview process form part of the Application Pack.

Thank you for reading this advertisement and for your interest in Westminster Tutors Independent Sixth Form College.

Safeguarding:

Westminster Tutors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Prior to an appointment being made, applicants will undergo enhanced child protection screening relevant to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS. This position also includes a Section 128 check.