Head of Year 12/13

We seek an experienced English teacher with associated subjects, to contribute to the leadership of the Sixth Form.  A proven track record of raising achievement is essential, as is a knowledge and undersatnding of Sixth Form Education. 

Our Head of Year 12 and 13 rotate from one year group to the other over two years in order to ensure their students benefit from the knowledge and expertise gained from leading both incoming and outgoing Sixth Formers; and so there is strength in depth in staff expertise. The team includes a Head of Sixth Form who manages the Head of Year 12 and 13, a non-teaching Sixth Form Study Mentor who supervises the Study Centre and provides group tuition and individual coaching on effective independent study skills, a Lead Teacher (UCAS Co-ordinator), plus two admin staff.  A Sixth Form student Leadership Team including the Head Boy and Girl represent student voice and complement the work of staff

Highcliffe is a remarkable school with a special atmosphere.  We are very highly respected in our community, with whole generations of families coming here for over 50 years.  Former students, current students and their parents frequently speak of their powerful emotional bonds to our school lasting a lifetime. This is a result of our caring and aspirational ethos combined with our engaging curriculum and excellent package of extra-curricular opportunities.  Former students go on to work in the Paris fashion houses, in international finance, law, education, politics, engineering, medicine and science, or as great chefs, carers, artists, musicians, mechanics, gardeners and much more – but not before they have thrived at Highcliffe academically, creatively and socially. Our We have an excellent record of success placing students into the top universities in their chosen field. In the last 3 years, Sixth Form students go on to study at either Oxford or Cambridge universities. In 2016, we were the highest performing Sixth Form in Dorset and in the top 10% nationally for A Level performance. Our Ofsted in October 2017 confirmed the school as Good and identified the Sixth Form as a particular strength.

We offer a Level 3 curriculum primarily based on an A Levels with a smaller number of single-award BTEC courses.  We typically maintain a number on roll of around 300 students, preferring to remain relatively small compared to other large Sixth Form Colleges in order to preserve the ethos of individual care and attention that underpins our exceptional success rate and helping students into the top universities or advanced apprenticeships. Exam results in 2016 placed Highcliffe Sixth in the top 10% of providers nationally for A Level value-added and the top 20% for BTEC.  We were the highest performing among the 17 Dorset Sixth Form providers, with an overall ALPS score of 2.  Our DfE Level 3 VA Tracker was Sig+ for both academic and applied courses.  Several subjects, among them Chemistry, Biology and our exceptional EPQ course, were in the top 1% nationally. Although 2016 was a particular successful year, over the last 3 years, 2015-2017 our outcomes place us in the top 25% of Sixth Forms nationally.

We have a very strong tradition of helping students gain admission to Russell Group universities or the top degree courses in other universities. In 2017, one third of Year 13 went on to a Russell Group university and nearly 50% to a top 40 UK university.  3 students gained places at Oxford or Cambridge Universities, bringing the total in the last 3 years to 7.  We have a strong Oxbridge preparation programme reaching into to Year 7. Among other career paths, we have a particularly strong focus on students entering medical careers.

Highcliffe School is situated minutes from Highcliffe and Avon beaches, Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Harbour.  A few minutes’ drive or cycle away are the beaches of Bournemouth while Poole Harbour, a mecca for watersports, is approximately 12 miles away.  As a result, sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and beach life are prominent parts of life in the area.    Highcliffe is also on the doorstep of the New Forest, meaning that equestrian sports, cycling, walking and running are also prominent features of local life.  There is an extensive range of top-class pubs, cafes, clubs, theatres and cinemas throughout the area catering for people of all ages and tastes.    Highcliffe School is easily accessible from the urban centre of Bournemouth and Poole. London, the South East and the South West are easily reached by road or rail links.  

We welcome applicants who share our ethos, bring outstanding professional skills and personal qualities, and believe in their ability to make a difference to young lives through education. Unfortunately, we will not be able to contact every applicant and take this opportunity to thank you for responding.