POST OF HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
THE KING’S SCHOOL GLOUCESTER
AN HMC CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL
HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
JOB DESCRIPTION
Applications are invited for the appointment of a Head of Sixth Form at King’s with effect from September 2017.
General Information and Introductory Comments
The Sixth Form at King’s is invariably made up of between 70 and 90 pupils, the great majority of whom have been previously at the School. However, an important part of the advertised role will be to market the Sixth Form imaginatively in order to secure even better retention from Fifth to Sixth Form (the average retention in the last 10 years being approximately 60%) whilst also encouraging a more significant influx of Sixth Formers arriving from other Schools.
The Sixth Form is presently amply accommodated in Dulverton at the centre of the School, a space of distinctive historical character which encompasses teaching rooms, study and social facilities. However, it is highly likely that, in the next major phase of the School’s capital development, the Sixth Form will be relocated to the even more spacious environment of King’s School House where there is also a substantial garden for exclusive use by the Sixth Form students. In any case, it is hoped that the new Head of Sixth Form will work closely with Governors and the Senior Management Team in planning the development and refurbishment of King’s School House so that the Sixth Form can thrive in an environment which is even more unique and attractive and which meets the needs of any 21st century student.
At present, the Sixth Form is managed by a Head of Sixth Form (Academic) and Head of Sixth Form (Pastoral). This new role will thus be suitable for someone who can embrace both roles and has, therefore, an interest in and experience of the academic and the pastoral. At the same time, it is envisaged that the School will also appoint a member of staff to work closely with the Head of Sixth Form to oversee the School’s UCAS work and develop a fuller programme of Careers advice and activities.
The Head of Sixth Form will also be primarily responsible for the work of the Sixth Form tutor team (presently numbering 8, with 4 in the Upper Sixth and 4 in the Lower) and for the larger number of staff who carry out supervision duties in Dulverton. His or her office at the heart of the building itself should enable them to carry out this supervising role whilst the School is also considering what further administrative support the incoming Head of Sixth Form may need to carry out their work to maximum effect.
Further information about the Roles and Responsibilities
- The Head of Sixth Form will be a member of the extended Senior Management Team, he or she will be expected to attend Senior Management Meetings at regular intervals to discuss Sixth Form issues.
- The Head of Sixth Form will be responsible directly to the Head whilst working closely with the Deputy Head (Academic) on academic issues and the Deputy Head (Pastoral) on pastoral issues. He or she will therefore be expected to attend meetings of the School’s academic ‘think tank’,
the Curriculum Committee, the twice termly meetings of the Heads of Department and the twice termly meetings of the Heads of Year. He or she will also work very closely with the Registrar and Director of Marketing and the Development Office generally on marketing, recruitment and retention issues.
- The Head of Sixth Form will naturally work closely with the member of staff responsible for UCAS advice and Careers advice.
- He or she will lead the team of Sixth Form tutors to supervise the students’ academic development and pastoral needs. He or she will hold meetings and liaise with the tutors on a regular basis.
- He or she will be initially located in Dulverton in the Sixth Form Centre and be responsible for its day to day management and, in particular, liaising with other staff to ensure that the students use their study periods productively and their social time in a sensible fashion.
- He or she will have primary responsibility for the Sixth Form’s PSHE programme
- He or she will generally promote a healthy balance of scholarship, recreation and social activity and take an interest in the student’s extra-curricular activities.
- He or she will oversee Sixth Form Assemblies, social activities and other opportunities throughout the year.
- He or she will establish and maintain strong links with the parents of students and organise Sixth Form Parent Evenings as specified in the Calendar.
- He or she will be the main organiser at such key events as the Sixth Form Challenge Day, the annual Sixth Form Conference and the key events relating to Sixth Form recruitment.
- He or she will work closely with the Head and the Deputy Head Pastoral in the appointment of Senior Prefects and House Captains and assist with monitoring the performance of both in their roles and duties.
- He or she will assist the Senior Management team and the Deputy Head (Academic) in particular in the processing of Exam results and in whatever follow-up may prove to be necessary or desirable.
- He or she will be responsible for the induction of new Sixth Form students and will play a key role in welcoming prospective students and their parents.
- He or she will work closely with the Registrar and Marketing Manager and the rest of the Marketing team in establishing a strong Sixth Form presence on the website and in the School’s prospectuses and promotional literature.
Teaching
In addition to the responsibilities above, it is expected that the Head of Sixth Form will teach a reduced timetable, dependent on subject and the School’s timetable needs.
Personal Specification
The successful candidate will have nearly all of the following attributes and skills:
- Be an outstanding classroom practitioner
- Have a high profile as a role model for students and parents, with obvious drive and vision
- Have the ability to lead or play a leading role in meetings and assemblies, being both an outstanding communicator and a very good listener
- Have a relish for public speaking on formal and informal occasions
- Have a passionate interest in the School’s academic work and real experience of and understanding of pastoral issues
- Be highly organised, industrious and punctual
- Have enthusiasm, commitment and energy
- Maintain a sense of humour and perspective
- Have the ability to lead others and, when necessary, convey the highest expectations of performance both to students and to staff alike
- Take a broader interest in educational matters, including academic and pastoral developments and initiatives nationally and internationally
Applications
The salary for this post will be discussed during interview and will depend on qualifications and experience.
The application form and further details about The King’s School are available on our Website or from Reception, telephone 01453 337337
The completed application form, together with a letter describing why the applicant feels he or she is particularly suited to the post, should be addressed to:
The Headmaster, The King’s School, Gloucester, GL1 2BG.
Or by e-mail to:
Closing date is Wednesday 15th March at 12 noon.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS