Head of Sixth Form

The post holder is accountable for the maintenance of high academic standards, inspiring Sixth Form pupils to fully achieve their potential. He/she will ensure that pupils follow a holistic education programme (academic, sport, and co-curriculum) that will prepare pupils to be outstanding candidates for university and future employment. 

The post holder will need to work closely with the Assistant Head Academic and Digital on curriculum development, the Director of Co-curricular on developing the wider educational and community service provision for the Sixth Form in and out of school. 

Marketing the Sixth Form in conjunction with the Head of Marketing, Development and External Relations to ensure retention of Year 11 pupils and recruitment of high quality external pupils is a key focus of the post. The post holder will produce and maintain the Sixth Form Strategy for the School in liaison with the Head.

Job Description 

General Leadership and Management  

• Implement the strategic direction of the Sixth Form through appropriate vision, culture, policies and procedures  
• Provide leadership and management to all Sixth Form staff (teaching staff and pastoral tutors)  
• Lead and manage the UCAS applications process 
• Lead on pupil preparation for higher education and employment  
• Contribute to the School’s Development Plan  
• Produce an annual Sixth Form review through monitoring and evaluation of the Sixth Form provision  
• Liaise closely with the Head of Marketing, Development and External Relations to lead, inform and be actively involved in Sixth Form marketing and recruitment, providing support in visiting schools and in assessing and interviewing future Sixth Form pupils  
• Promote the co-educational culture of the sixth-form  
• Have high expectations of pupils and staff alike; be a role model for excellence  
• Undertake other professional duties as delegated by the Head. 

Academic  

• Advise the Assistant Head Academic and Digital on Sixth Form academic policy and procedures and the provision of an appropriate curriculum  
• Work with colleagues to ensure coordination of academic support and intervention through teaching staff and tutors  
• Liaise with the SENDCo to identify learning difficulties and manage needed by Sixth Formers  
• Liaise with the Examinations Officer to ensure that accurate exam entries are made including arrangements for special access when necessary  
• Coordinate Year 12 options, including information for Year 11 pupils and parents, leading the Sixth Form element of Open Days and other recruitment events 
• Coordinate the Year 11 transition and Sixth Form induction  
• Working closely with the Assistant Head Academic and Digital, maintain an overview of the progress, reports and mentoring of all pupils, ensuring appropriate information, advice and guidance is provided to pupils and parents  
• Working closely with the Assistant Head Academic and Digital, monitor achievement and progress of Sixth Form pupils, including the production of performance and destination data reports to the Senior Leadership Team. 

Pastoral  

• Work with colleagues to ensure coordination of pastoral support through tutors  
• Manage the Sixth Form Prefect system, including the appointment of prefects  
• Ensure standards of discipline and expectations of Sixth Form pupils regarding dress, conduct and facilities  
• Work closely with the Assistant Head Pastoral to enforce high standards of behaviour in the Sixth Form and develop pupils’ understanding of the values and expectations. 
• Liaise with the Head of PSHE to ensure an effective Sixth Form programme. 

Enrichment and Co-Curricular  

• In conjunction with the Director of Co-Curricular coordinate a coherent Sixth Form enrichment programme which draws on and adds to the range of existing co-curricular opportunities  
• Oversee the development of Sixth Form leadership and study skills programmes  
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Director of Sport to ensure an appropriate sport and co-curricular programme is provided for Sixth Form pupils. 

Resources  

• Manage the Sixth Form resources  
• Manage Sixth Form dedicated facilities, e.g. Sixth Form Centre.

OUR ETHOS

Our ethos at Derby Grammar School is one of "Excellence, Encouragement and Enrichment".

We employ outstandingly talented teaching staff who can ‘bring education to life’ for all pupils. They offer knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in abundance which stimulates a desire to learn. Our stunning Georgian buildings are advantageously fitted with modern learning facilities and specialist equipment, adding to the exclusivity of our academic offering.

Our small community is one of our biggest strengths as it allows all teachers to get to know pupils individually. We are proud of our fantastically flexible yet robust pastoral support system which is able to accommodate the needs and demands of each and every child who comes into our care. We empower pupils and having a supportive environment is central to achieving this. 

One of the many reasons why Derby Grammar School is so special is our ability to offer exclusive opportunities that serve to enhance pupils’ learning experience. We have partnerships with Hot House Music, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Derbyshire Institute of Sport, the Gedeli B School in Tanzania among others. School life is wide-ranging and fun, with endless possibilities to explore new talents.

Derby Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the Disclosure and Barring Service(“DBS”) filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants, including social media accounts, as part of their application.

Prior to employment commencing, successful applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers. 

Successful applicants will also be required to produce evidence of qualifications, identity, and the right to work in the UK. Two references will be taken up, one of which will be with the most recent employer. They will also be required to complete our Health Questionnaire. 

All those working at Derby Grammar School share in our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children and young people in our care.