Head of Sixth Form

Overview

The Head of Sixth Form will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading the school's Post-16 provision, ensuring that all students are supported to achieve academic success while developing the skills, character and independence needed for their next steps. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will contribute strategically to whole-school leadership while providing clear direction, vision and oversight of the Sixth Form.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic development and day-to-day leadership of the Sixth Form, ensuring a high-quality academic and pastoral experience for all students. This includes oversight of Post-16 curriculum provision, monitoring academic progress, promoting high expectations, and fostering a culture of ambition and personal responsibility among students. A key aspect of the role will involve supporting student pathways beyond Sixth Form.

The Head of Sixth Form will oversee careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) for Post-16 students, ensuring that all learners receive high-quality support in preparing for university, apprenticeships, employment and other progression routes. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Sixth Form will contribute to the strategic direction of the school and may hold additional whole-school responsibilities aligned with the school's priorities.

The Kingston Academy is a high-performing, inclusive secondary school founded in 2015. Today we educate over 1,400 pupils from Year 7 through to Sixth Form and are proud to serve our diverse and vibrant community.

• Strategic development and day-to-day leadership of the Sixth Form, ensuring a high-quality academic and pastoral experience for all students.
• Oversight of Post-16 curriculum provision, monitoring academic progress, promoting high expectations, and fostering a culture of ambition and personal responsibility.
• Support student pathways beyond Sixth Form and oversee CEIAG for Post-16 students, ensuring high-quality guidance for university, apprenticeships, employment and other progression routes.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the school as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and collaborate with colleagues to align Key Stage 4 and Post-16 provision, strengthening student transitions and the school's educational vision.
• Work with colleagues across the school to ensure alignment and continued development of the school's ethos and priorities.

• Substantial leadership experience at the Post-16 level within a Senior Leadership Team, or equivalent.
• Experience as an Assistant Headteacher or leading areas within education, with a proven track record of leadership and management.
• Passionate about making a difference to the lives of children; resilient, reflective and solution-focused.

The Kingston Academy is a high-performing, inclusive secondary school founded in 2015. Today we educate over 1,400 pupils from Year 7 through to Sixth Form and are proud to serve our diverse and vibrant community. In 2025, we were recognised as one of the Top 10 best non-selective state schools in the UK based on GCSE outcomes, reflecting our strong culture of aspiration, exceptional teaching, and commitment to every child's success.

The school was also named among the Top 50 happiest schools in the UK in Ofsted's official wellbeing survey. We are proudly inclusive, with a specialist resource provision (SRP) for pupils whose primary need is Autism Spectrum Condition, ensuring that all young people are able to learn, thrive and belong. Our commitment extends to both pupils and the people who work with them daily;

we are dedicated to attracting, retaining and sustaining an expert workforce through high-quality talent development, ensuring our staff are skilled, motivated and well supported. By investing in professional learning, coaching, wellbeing and leadership pathways, we ensure that our teachers can flourish and that our students benefit from consistently excellent teaching.

Our selection procedure will aim to identify with rigour whether the candidate fulfils the requirements of the post and will include the consideration of the candidate's suitability to work with children and young people. The process will include designated activities with the SLT, lesson observation, student and staff panels, and a presentation and interview with the Head Teacher, Senior Staff and Trustees.

The Kingston Academy would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:

• Qualifications - Please list all suitable education history and teaching qualifications
• Please list prior experience relevant to the context of the post
• What attracts you to this particular school and this particular post?
• Why are you uniquely qualified above all other candidates?
• How will you contribute towards taking…