Assistant Principal: Head of Sixth Form

The Post:  Assistant Principal: Head of Sixth Form

The Head of Sixth Form is responsible for the pastoral and academic care of all Sixth Form students. The postholder will work closely with the Sixth Form Team, including the Heads of Year 12 and Year 13, the Careers Team, Sixth Form tutors, and achievement/well-being coordinators, to support all students in the Sixth Form.

The role:

• ·       Contribute fully to the School Leadership Team and College Improvement Plan, ensuring provision remains innovative, ambitious and globally competitive.
• ·       Contribute to whole-school initiatives, events and policies.
• ·       Act as a role model for staff and students, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, resilience and resourcefulness.
• ·       Line manage selected Heads of Department.
• ·       Lead and inspire the Sixth Form team, promoting a culture of excellence, high expectations and strong student outcomes.
• ·       Foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, independence and academic ambition.
• ·       Monitor and evaluate student progress through regular data reviews, using it to celebrate achievement, identify concerns and work with Heads of Department, tutors and Heads of Year to provide targeted support.
• ·       Lead a Sixth Form pastoral programme that promotes wellbeing, resilience and personal development.
• ·       Oversee and improve attendance, punctuality and standards across the Sixth Form, reinforcing a culture of respect, responsibility and self-discipline.
• ·       Work closely with the safeguarding team, counsellors and pastoral teams to ensure appropriate support for students.
• ·       Mentor the Student Executive and wider student leadership structures, ensuring meaningful opportunities for student voice, leadership and engagement across the school.
• Oversee and drive the super-curricular programme, embedding research, critical thinking and academic scholarship, including targeted preparation for competitive university pathways.
• ·       Lead the Careers Guidance team, ensuring a world-class university and careers provision that provides expert guidance to students and families in securing ambitious and appropriate post-18 destinations.
• ·       Develop alumni engagement to strengthen student aspiration, mentoring and networking opportunities.
• ·       Oversee Sixth Form transition alongside the Admissions team, ensuring a seamless and strategically planned pathway from Year 11 to Year 12, including admissions processes, an induction programme, subject guidance and early intervention to support student success.
• ·       Oversee and lead Sixth Form assemblies, tutor meetings, parent events and key communications, as well as major events including Graduation, Prom and the wider Sixth Form social programme.
• ·       Be present on A Level Results Day to provide high-quality guidance and support to families.

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• ·       A genuine passion for Sixth Form education and strategic whole school leadership.
• ·       A strong commitment to the personal and academic development of students.
• ·       Proven leadership experience within a Sixth Form setting.
• ·       A strong understanding of the academic and pastoral needs of Sixth Form students.
• ·       Knowledge of UK university admissions (UCAS, Oxbridge) and international systems (US/Ivy League, Europe, Asia).
• ·       Excellent leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• ·       The ability to think innovatively and implement new ideas to enhance the Sixth Form experience.
• ·       A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
• ·       Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• ·       A recognised teaching qualification, with excellent subject knowledge.
• ·       Experience teaching GCSE and A Level (or equivalent), with a proven track record of outstanding learning and teaching.
• ·       At least three years’ experience of the National Curriculum for England.

To be considered for this post you must hold a BEd, or a degree with PGCE/PGDE (or equivalent). The successful applicant will also be willing to contribute to extra-curricular activities.

Application Process

If you meet these criteria we would very much welcome your application.

We offer an excellent remuneration package including competitive tax-free salary, furnished accommodation, medical insurance, visa costs, baggage allowance, annual flight allowance and free school places for up to two dependants. 

To apply for the above role, please apply via the online application site. In addition, please email your CV to Brenda Farrell (HR) at b.farrell_jcd@gemsedu.com. The subject of all applications must include the job title and the job reference number. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.