March 6, 2024
Table of Contents
The role of a Head of Sixth Form is pivotal in guiding and nurturing the academic and personal development of students during a crucial stage in their education.
In this article, we will provide you with an exemplary Head of Sixth Form job description, outlining the core responsibilities and indispensable qualifications necessary for this role. Feel free to use this template as a foundation and customise it according to your institution's specific needs.
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Head of Sixth Form Job Description
The role of a Head of Sixth Form is integral to the management and leadership within an academy. They are responsible for shaping the educational landscape of students in the sixth form, typically ages 16 to 18, a phase that is critical for academic and personal development. The job requires an individual who can strategise and implement a curriculum that provides extensive opportunities for students, preparing them for higher education or various career paths.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Ensuring a high standard of educational attainment and progress
- Overseeing the personal development and well-being of sixth form students
- Managing academic guidance, including university and career counselling
The individual occupying this position acts as a key senior leader in the school, collaborating with other staff members to foster an environment conducive to learning and growth. Their leadership helps create a supportive and ambitious culture within the sixth form, driving forward both the academy’s and their students' futures.
Responsibilities and Duties
In the role of Head of Sixth Form, the individual shoulders a multifaceted array of responsibilities, which encompass academic leadership, pastoral care, and strategic development, among others. Their duties involve the promotion of excellence and high standards across all aspects of the Sixth Form experience, ensuring an enriching educational and personal development journey for students.
Academic Leadership
The Head of Sixth Form is tasked with championing academic excellence within the department. They are expected to oversee curriculum development, ensuring it meets the highest educational standards and provides ample opportunities for student advancement.
Pastoral Care
This role includes a significant pastoral element, where the Head of Sixth Form must safeguard the welfare of young people, offering supportive environments for personal and social development and coordinating with tutors to address individual student needs.
Staff Management
Recruiting and managing a team of tutors and support staff is a key duty. The Head of Sixth Form must ensure staff are well-equipped with the expertise required to foster a thriving, high-standard educational atmosphere.
Community Engagement
As a bridge between the Sixth Form and the local community, they must forge and maintain partnerships, creating a network that supports the personal development and educational opportunities of students.
Safeguarding
A paramount aspect of the role is the protection of students. The Head of Sixth Form ensures compliance with safeguarding policies and that the institution remains a safe space for education and growth.
Strategic Development
The Head of Sixth Form contributes to the overall strategy for school development, advising on national educational trends to maintain and enhance the quality of Six Form education.
Quality Assurance
A commitment to high standards is reflected through regular quality assurance checks. This involves evaluating academic programmes to maintain a consistent level of educational excellence.
Sixth Form Culture
Creating and preserving a positive culture within the Sixth Form is essential. They are responsible for fostering an environment that encourages personal development, equality, and inclusivity.
External Relations
They are the Sixth Form's principal representative, liaising with external bodies to promote the school and secure additional opportunities for students and staff alike.
Compliance and Policies
As an integral part of the school's leadership, the Head of Sixth Form must ensure that all practices adhere to legal, educational, and institutional regulations.
Financial and Resource Management
The role includes budget oversight and resource allocation, ensuring the cost-effective running of the Sixth Form while prioritising the educational and pastoral needs of its students.
Professional Development
Lastly, the Head of Sixth Form is responsible for their own continual professional development and the development of their staff, keeping abreast with the latest educational research and methodologies to sustain a forward-thinking learning environment.
Person Specification
The person specification for a Head of Sixth Form sets the criteria for suitable candidates, often listing essential qualifications, desired experience, skills, and personal attributes. This ensures applicants understand the level of expertise required, as well as the personal traits that would equip them for the demands of the role.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field. A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or an equivalent qualification is required, with a clear emphasis on leadership or educational management considered advantageous.
Desired Experience
- Sixth Form Experience: A substantial amount of teaching experience, preferably within a sixth form setting, is expected. Prior leadership roles or demonstrable experience in leading academic initiatives within a sixth form context are highly desirable.
Skills and Competencies
- Communicator: The role demands exceptional communication skills, both in written and oral forms, for effective liaison with students, parents, staff, and external bodies.
- Expertise: A thorough familiarity with the UK sixth form curriculum, assessment methods, and modern educational techniques is imperative.
- High Standards: Must display an ability to uphold and propagate high standards of academic and personal development.
Personal Attributes
- Personal: Resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for student progression and welfare are essential. A personal commitment to continuous professional development and an eagerness to take on new challenges are expected.
- Leadership Qualities: A clear vision for the development of the sixth form provision, coupled with the capability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve exceptional results.
Recruitment Process
Recruitment for the role of Head of Sixth Form is conducted with a focus on maintaining high standards in education and ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants. There are several key stages in selecting the most suitable candidate for this leadership position.
Application Submission
Prospective candidates are required to submit a fully completed application form along with their CV and a cover letter. The application form should be carefully filled to reflect the applicant's qualifications, experiences, and suitability for the role. It is vital that submissions are made before the closing date to be considered for the position.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee reviews all applications against a set of strict criteria designed to identify individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and a commitment to education. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to meet the high standards expected by the educational institution and show how they align with the employer's ethos of equal opportunity.
Interview Stage
Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an interview where they will need to articulate their vision for the Sixth Form and provide evidence of past successes in educational leadership. The interview may include a panel of various stakeholders, including members of senior leadership and, at times, student representatives.
Closing Procedure
After interviews are concluded, the selection panel deliberates to choose the candidate that best fits the profile. All applicants are notified of the outcome, and the chosen candidate is offered the position subject to reference checks and any additional requirements specific to the role. The closing procedure ensures transparency and professionalism throughout the recruitment process.
Additional Information
This section provides detailed insights about the specifics of the Head of Sixth Form role, encompassing terms, type of appointment, working arrangement, remuneration, location, and the school's dedication to equal opportunities.
Term Information
The appointment of a Head of Sixth Form is typically a permanent position, indicating a long-term commitment to the school's leadership team and strategic direction of the Sixth Form.
Appointment Type
Heads of Sixth Form are commonly appointed on a full-time basis to fully engage with the wide-ranging duties that come with senior leadership roles within educational settings.
Working Hours
The nature of the role requires a commitment beyond standard teaching hours to meet various responsibilities, from overseeing student welfare to strategic planning. The specific working hours may vary depending on the school's requirements.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: Ranges from L10 to L14 on the leadership pay scale. Benefits: May include access to training programmes, pension scheme contributions, and additional allowances specific to leadership responsibilities.
Location Details
The role is based in the UK, often within co-educational schools, and requires presence on-site to manage the Sixth Form effectively and participate in school-wide activities.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Schools in the UK are typically committed to being equal opportunities employers, ensuring that the recruitment, training, and promotion of staff are conducted without discrimination on any grounds.
Contact Information
When seeking further details regarding the position of Head of Sixth Form, candidates usually require specific contact information to facilitate their queries. Schools typically appoint designated staff members to manage recruitment and provide insights into such roles. Prospective applicants are advised to address their correspondence to these individuals or departments accurately to ensure a prompt response.
For general inquiries, candidates may reach out to:
- Human Resources Departmentsome text
- Email: hr@schoolname.ac.uk
- Phone: 01234 567 890
Prospective applicants wishing to discuss the role in more depth might consider direct communication with school leadership:
- Head's Officesome text
- Attention: Mr./Ms. [Head Teacher's Last Name], Head Teacher
- Email: head@schoolname.ac.uk
- Phone: 01234 567 891
In the event candidates require specific information about the sixth form, curriculum, or ethos referenced in the job description, they should direct inquiries to:
- Sixth Form Centresome text
- Attention: Mr./Ms. [Sixth Form Coordinator's Last Name], Sixth Form Coordinator
- Email: sixthform@schoolname.ac.uk
- Phone: 01234 567 892
All communication should be clear and concise, with a subject line that references the Head of Sixth Form job application to ensure that the query is directed to the appropriate party. Including one's full name, contact details, and the nature of the inquiry in the body of the email or letter is highly recommended for efficiency.
Useful Resources
If you’re looking for a job as a Head of Sixth Form, we’ve put together some resources that will help you prepare for your application, interview process, and career development.
- Discover the key attributes that make a successful Head of Sixth Form and how to develop these qualities.
- Prepare for your next big opportunity with these targeted Head of Sixth Form interview questions and answers.
- Learn how to craft a personal brand in the further education, skills, and learning sectors to stand out professionally.
- Expand your professional network effectively with tips on networking in the FE, skills, and learning community.
- Get valuable insights on negotiating your dream job offer to achieve the best outcome.
- Explore the rewarding reasons to pursue a career in further education and how it can fulfil your professional goals.
- Make a great first impression with our guide on how to write a compelling cover letter for a job in further education.
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Founder Alex Lockey is an expert in further education, learning, and skills sector. He leads cost-effective hiring solutions and is known for successful talent placements. Dynamic and driven, Alex seeks innovative solutions to solve sector hiring challenges.
